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 preceded 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 nieces Marie-Michelle, Madison and Chip. DJ was born in Toronto.
Shortly afterwards the family moved to Hong Kong where he was immersed into colonial life including cricket and tennis.
Don also attended a Chinese kindergarten and would occasionally baffle us with his Cantonese. We visited Japan, the birthplace of his mother, and later our great aunt Dorothy in Greenock, Scotland on the way home in 1967.
Donald reflected on these family trips fondly. DJ embraced 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 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 attended high school at North Toronto CI.
He was in his second year Commerce at Ryerson University when he was struck with a serious and debilitating mental illness.
He never recovered. His father 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.
We will be holding a fare thee well celebration including music at our Toronto home May 18. Please contact Andy if you wish to attend at
If you wish, please make donations to Durham Mental Health Services: https://dmhs.ca/ .
Arrangements with BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME .
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