Obituary of Donald Frederic Western

Donald “Don” Frederic Western, 75, loving husband of Rosalyn Ward Western, and an exceptional father to Derek & Tamara, went to be with the Lord, Saturday October 7, 2017.

Don was born in Toronto, Canada to the late Frederic Harold and Ruth Harton Western. He was Chief Information Director for Michelin Canada, and moved to South Carolina in 1991 with his wife of 47 years Susan Western (d. 2011) and his two children, Derek & Tamara. He came to Greenville as Head of IT Systems for Manufacturing for Michelin North America, and later was the Director of Data Centers & Technical Architecture. He retired from Michelin in 2008.

Don was an Electrical Engineer by training. He was active in the Queens University & MIT Alumni Associations. He actively participated in the Retired Michelin Employees Golf Group. He was a lifelong Motor Sports enthusiast whose activities included: Navigational Rallying, Autocross, Ice Racing and he was an active volunteer at many race courses and rally events. He was an officer and core member of the Peterborough Motor Sports Club (PMSC) in Peterborough, Ontario. Recently, Don was a director of the Upstate MINI Car Club and was a Coast to Coast finisher of MINI Takes the States 2016. He especially loved doing “The twisties” in his beloved MINI Cooper Roadster, Malachite. He also had a lifelong love of photography.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife are a son Derek Western (Stephanie); daughter, Tamara Western (Vince Chiarelli); step-daughter, Katharine Seagroves; two grandchildren, Rosa Chiarelli and Christi Faith Simmons and two sisters, Marilyn Predki (Fred) and Judy Hoilett (Carl).

Don was a natural leader who had a modest unassuming demeanor that endeared him to everyone he met. We are all heart-broken because he was such a vibrant active man, but we will hold on tight to the wonderful memories.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be 11am Friday at Simpsonville United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Greenville County Animal Shelter, 328 Furman Hall Road # C, Greenville, SC 29609 or to Doctors without Borders PO Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030 or www.msf.ca.

Fletcher Funeral Service