Doreen Grace (Tustin) Lak

The family and many friends of Doreen Grace Lak (née Tustin) are sad to share news of her death on October 30, 2021 at the age of 90.

Healthy and strong all of her life, Doreen fell seriously ill a week earlier and spent her final days at the Critical Care Unit of Markham Stouffville Hospital.  Prior to that, she lived happily on her farm in the Uxbridge area.

Doreen was born on October 8, 1931, in Lansing, now part of the City of Toronto.  She worked as an executive secretary for the Union Carbide Company in Toronto and married her late husband, Gordon Henry Lak, in 1968.  The couple lived in Don Mills, Ontario, before moving to the farm in 1969-70.

Doreen is survived by her stepson, Daniel Lak, (Manjushree), and grandchildren Robert Parker-Lak and Katie Parker-Lak (Brent Langille), She also had two special great-grand children, Alexandra and Rhiannon Langille.  Daniel’s first wife, Rosemary Parker, was also a special person in Doreen’s life.

She will be much missed by her family members, Craig Tustin, Ann Tustin, Mark Tustin,  Connie Clarkson and Bonnie Tustin.

It is hard to overstate just how close Doreen and Gordon were to each other. Together they ran businesses and travelled the world, always coming home to their beloved acreage near Uxbridge.  Everyone who ever met them remarked on the powerful bond of love and respect they shared, and their generosity and ability to spread joy and fun wherever they went.

They spent many years living in Montserrat, West Indies, where they met a lot of special people that they remained in touch with. Among them is Dale Aymer, who loved Doreen and Gord like and son – a feeling that was reciprocated.

In New Zealand, where they spent many winters in recent year, Bob and Mary Redpath and Lyn Dench were firm friends and frequent companions. It is no exaggeration to say that Doreen is being mourned around the world.

Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Samuel and Hilda Maud Tustin (Rowlands) and her beloved brothers Elmer, Cliff and Norm.

Her closest friends in the Uxbridge area were Ron and Jennifer Jones, whose daughters, Nicola, Amberlea and Jennie, now grown with families of their own, considered her a grandmother figure in their lives.

Other friends included Bob and Anne Miller, Paul Hiebert, Shaukhat and Rehana Usman and their children, and so many others who shared in the delight and privilege of having known her. Doreen will also be fondly remembered by the many helpers and employees that Gord and she knew over the decades, especially Larry Dixon.

Doreen was an avid bird watcher and gardener, and loved to spend time at her cottage near Lake Temagami where she and Gord passed many happy summers.

Doreen and Gord were generous to a fault, and gave often and lavishly to good causes and charities that worked in conservation and protecting the vulnerable in society.  At Doreen’s request, there will be no funeral or formal gathering in her name. She asked that people remember her for her many achievements and friendships and keep her in their hearts and minds.  

We will never forget her.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South, Box 388, Uxbridge L9P 1M8 (905-852-3073).