Remembering Donald Actie: He Embodied Springwell’s Mission

To know Donald Actie was to love Donald Actie. A wonderfully warm and generous man, Donald’s steady presence at Springwell over the past decade brought comfort and compassion to residents, staff and families alike.  Donald departed this world in mid-December at the age of 59 years old, leaving behind memories that now serve as both solace and a reminder of the immeasurable impact he had on us all.

‍

Donald was more than a coworker; he was a beacon of kindness and faith. Throughout his tenure at Springwell, Donald exemplified the essence of compassion and integrity. His strong faith in God illuminated every interaction, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

‍

As our lead Driver, Donald went above and beyond, ensuring the safety and comfort of our residents. From maintaining our vehicles to assisting at the Front Desk, his commitment knew no bounds. He would help wherever there was a need, whether it was managing our package delivery process during the dark, early days of Covid or being on call before 6am to help pick up staff in a snowstorm.

‍

At his memorial service on January 26, 2024, Phil Golden, Springwell’s Executive Director, shared, “I truly miss Donald Actie. I really do. And it’s not just because he embodied our mission as a member of the Springwell team. It’s not just that I could trust him to always do the right thing or take on any task that needed to be done. What I miss most is him stopping by my office at the end of his day on the road and at the Front Desk. He’d share impressions of his interactions and make me aware of any concerns about residents. It was just a simple pleasure to connect with him. It brought me joy to see how he genuinely cared and shared his light with others.”

‍

Donald was beloved by hundreds of residents and their families for his devotion to them over the years. But the love for Donald and his care for other people extended well beyond Springwell — to his family, his Church, his friends and the community at large.

Donald’s spirit will live on in the countless lives he touched. If he were here, Donald would urge us to carry on faithfully as a team with our mission — of creating a safe, warm and vibrant place for our residents to live, with consistent outstanding care and hospitality. We will indeed carry on, while holding warm memories of a terrific man.

‍

To Donald's beloved family, his wife T, his sister Anita, and their loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers of comfort.

‍