Obituary of Donald G. Bethune

BETHUNE, Donald G. - formerly of Berwick, Kings Co., passed away on June 12, 2012.Don Bethune was born in Berwick, on April 11, 1937, to the late Roderick O. and Margaret C. (Hiltz) Bethune.He started his career at the Royal Bank of Canada but soon joined the automotive industry as a Salesman for AP Parts where he eventually became President of the Canadian division. Don became President of Exide Canada, Inc. for four years. He returned to Dayco Canada as President where he remained until taking a position with Dayco U.S. in Dayton, Ohio, where he ultimately became President of the International Corporation. During his career, Don held the position of Chairman of the Automotive Industries Association (AIA), was involved with the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and received multiple accolades for his distinguished service to the automotive industry.Don leaves behind his loving wife of over 51 years, Arlie L. Bethune, son, Donald "Brad" (Vera) Bethune; daughter, Lori Beth Bethune; as well as grandchildren, Samantha Beth LeBlanc, David Donald Bethune and John Dieter Bethune; younger brother, John "Brian" (Mary Lou) Bethune, of Berwick; several nieces and nephews.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his younger brother, Paul Roderick Bethune.A celebration of Don’s life will be held at the Burlington Convention Centre, 1120 Burloak Drive, Burlington, Ontario, L7L 6P8, on June 27, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm., Please join us to share your memories and anecdotes.Donations to the Canadian Lung Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in lieu of flowers would be greatly appreciated.Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.familycare.ca