Donald Whiston ‘Don’

“As long as we live, he too will live. For he is now a part of us, as we remember him.”

Peacefully on 27th November 2020 at Samuel Hobson Nursing Home, Don passed away with his family by his side aged 90 years.

He was the loving husband of the late Stella, cherished dad of Elizabeth, dearest grandad of Laura and Daniel, great-grandad of Archie and a very special friend of Marg. Don was a much loved husband, dad, grandad, a great loving brother of Pauline, brother-in-law of Jim and uncle of Jayne and good friend to many.

Born on 4th April 1930 to Thomas and Sarah Elizabeth Whiston, they lived in Chesterton, Newcastle Under Lyme. Don went to Broad Meadows School and left at the age of 14. He worked for Phillips Builders in Silverdale for a short time and joined the Boys Brigade playing football.
He was also a very good swimmer and won diving competitions and also enjoyed diving off the balcony at the old Newcastle Swimming Baths.
He then joined the Army and served in the Medical Corps.

Joining Stoke City in 1949, he played for 8 years then oved on to Crewe Alexandra and then Rochdale before leaving due to knee injuries.

Don met Stella Worthy when he was 18/19 years old and they married on 9th March 1952. Don and Stella went on to have a daughter, Elizabeth Ann on 30th November 1963.

After Dons football career he went on to work for George Poole Builders, this is where he learned his trade.

Don, Stella and Elizabeth lived in Sheldon Grove, Chesterton before moving to Wrinehill living in a caravan while Don built a bungalow in his spare time. The family then moved to Balterley when Don renovated April Cottage. Pauline, Jim and Jayne lived next door to us, sharing lots of happy times.

In 1975 the family then moved to a bungalow in Hough. Don remained at the bungalow following Stella’s death in 2002 and remained there until his health deteriorated and the moved to residential care.

Don also played cricket and captained Porthill Cricket Club.

He had many friends, in particular Stan and Marg Evans and ‘the cricket crowd’, enjoying holidays and many a party at each others houses. Dinner dances were also a great hit with the ladies loving to accompany Don as he was so light on his feet.

Pre-Christmas lunch also went down well for the cricket crowd and also the children. Don eventually persuaded Stella to go abroad which was to Ibiza, again great fun for all. Now there’s Mac, another great friend of Dons which spanned over 55 years.

Football visits to Wembley, nearly bumping into the Queen and Prince Philip and chatting to Arthur Askey.

He enjoyed visiting Porthill Cricket club and time spent playing darts at the Hand & Trumpet in Wrinehill.

Yet again holidays, to Minorca and travelling together through France and Spain with Uncle Norm helping Mac with his removal company ‘Hunts’
(Mac still has the whiskey on ice waiting for you one day).

Don and Stella became grandparents in 1991 to Laura and Daniel in 1996, both were very much loved and had many a happy time.

Laura did lots for her grandad including checking on him most days and taking him to hospital appointments. Don and Stella would always look after Laura while Elizabeth was at work.

Daniels memories include playing cricket and football with Grandad at his house, this was a really enjoyable time for both following Stella’s death in 2002.

Don regularly attending St Peter’s where he made many friends, one of which is Ted, both used to sit on the back row chatted through most of evensong.

Every week he would be asked if he was ok and would always reply ‘dangerously fit’, the bank manager is still speaking to me so everything is good’.

Marg also played a great part in Dons later life, again enjoying more holidays to Llandudno in particular. Living in Wigan, Marg used to come down to Don’s most weekends where they would go out, stay home to keep each other company, a fantastic friendship.

When visiting Dad and grandad his closing words would always be ‘See Ya Later Alligator, In A While Crocodile’. Up to the end he was always saying this. Also if he saw us upset, he would always say ‘Its the same price laughing as it is crying’ – this would always bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Don’s funeral will take place on Thursday 10th December 2020 at St Peters Church, Minshull Vernon, followed by a Cremation at Crewe Crematorium. The family have requested that if you are attending to please wear bright colours, especially red and white for his beloved Stoke City F.C.

Family flowers only please but donations to St Peter’s Church, Minshull Vernon will be gratefully received in memory of Don.