Obituary for Donald "DJ" MacCulloch
Donald “DJ” Gordon MacCulloch, Aug. 31, 1961 - Feb 23, 2024
Donald, aka “DJ,” passed away suddenly the morning of February 23, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents Colin Harding and Marieli Kaelin MacCulloch, and older brother William Patrick. He is survived by his brother and great childhood buddy Andy, sister-in-law Brigitte, and beloved nieces Marie-Michelle, Madison Anne and Lauren Elizabeth.
DJ was born in Toronto. The family moved to Hong Kong shortly afterwards where he was immersed into colonial life, including boxing, cricket, and tennis. Don attended a Chinese kindergarten and would occasionally baffle us with his Cantonese. He later attended Glenealy Junior School mid level, Peak side.
We toured Japan, the birthplace of his mother, and did a cross USA road trip adventure to see Mum’s family: Granma Bobby, Aunt Katrina and cousin Martha Amy in Arizona. We had a wee blether with Dad’s aunt Dorothy in Greenock, Scotland on the way home From Hong Kong in 1967. Travel abroad continued to be a large part of family life. DJ reflected on these family trips fondly.
DJ returned to embrace Canadian culture including the epic Rose Park Drive ball hockey games where he honed his “toothpick” stick to advantage. He enjoyed Camp Hurontario for 7 years as a camper and then CIT. He especially loved spending summers with family and wonderful friends at Point Ideal on Lake of Bays. Here he demonstrated his considerable tennis skills and was affectionally known as “the man.” His physique and speedos were legendary. He was a huge music lover; we have five suitcases of cassette tapes to prove it.
Don began high school at Upper Canada College and finished up at North Toronto CI. He was in his second year Commerce at Ryerson (Metropolitan) University when he was struck with a serious and debilitating mental illness. He never recovered. His father Colin and later Andy did what they could to help but the illness, medication and treatments took their toll. As did the white rabbit and grizzly bear.
He was cared for and comforted by the wonderful people in Durham MHS, at McKay and Colborne House, Ontario Shores and LTC at Glen Hill Terrace for over 40 years. He was beloved for his humour, smile and for making the best of things. There was an outpouring of love when he “retired” to LTC and upon his passing. We thank them all for their tireless dedication and compassion.
There will be a farewell celebration in the Celtic tradition at our home 5.00 pm to 8.00pm May 26. Details to follow or contact Andy at amacculloch@rogers.com; 647-283-3932
If you wish to honour DJ, please make donations to Durham Mental Health Services: https://dmhs.ca/
Donald, aka “DJ,” passed away suddenly the morning of February 23, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents Colin Harding and Marieli Kaelin MacCulloch, and older brother William Patrick. He is survived by his brother and great childhood buddy Andy, sister-in-law Brigitte, and beloved nieces Marie-Michelle, Madison Anne and Lauren Elizabeth.
DJ was born in Toronto. The family moved to Hong Kong shortly afterwards where he was immersed into colonial life, including boxing, cricket, and tennis. Don attended a Chinese kindergarten and would occasionally baffle us with his Cantonese. He later attended Glenealy Junior School mid level, Peak side.
We toured Japan, the birthplace of his mother, and did a cross USA road trip adventure to see Mum’s family: Granma Bobby, Aunt Katrina and cousin Martha Amy in Arizona. We had a wee blether with Dad’s aunt Dorothy in Greenock, Scotland on the way home From Hong Kong in 1967. Travel abroad continued to be a large part of family life. DJ reflected on these family trips fondly.
DJ returned to embrace Canadian culture including the epic Rose Park Drive ball hockey games where he honed his “toothpick” stick to advantage. He enjoyed Camp Hurontario for 7 years as a camper and then CIT. He especially loved spending summers with family and wonderful friends at Point Ideal on Lake of Bays. Here he demonstrated his considerable tennis skills and was affectionally known as “the man.” His physique and speedos were legendary. He was a huge music lover; we have five suitcases of cassette tapes to prove it.
Don began high school at Upper Canada College and finished up at North Toronto CI. He was in his second year Commerce at Ryerson (Metropolitan) University when he was struck with a serious and debilitating mental illness. He never recovered. His father Colin and later Andy did what they could to help but the illness, medication and treatments took their toll. As did the white rabbit and grizzly bear.
He was cared for and comforted by the wonderful people in Durham MHS, at McKay and Colborne House, Ontario Shores and LTC at Glen Hill Terrace for over 40 years. He was beloved for his humour, smile and for making the best of things. There was an outpouring of love when he “retired” to LTC and upon his passing. We thank them all for their tireless dedication and compassion.
There will be a farewell celebration in the Celtic tradition at our home 5.00 pm to 8.00pm May 26. Details to follow or contact Andy at amacculloch@rogers.com; 647-283-3932
If you wish to honour DJ, please make donations to Durham Mental Health Services: https://dmhs.ca/