Donald James Albert Rhodes

Donald James Albert Rhodes, age 94, quietly passed away on the evening of Friday January 16, 2026, surrounded by his children. He was born to Lionel and Pearl (Corby) Rhodes in Matheson, Ontario on October 4, 1931. Ilene, his wife of 59 years, predeceased him in 2017. Don is survived by their three children Steven (Tina), Susan (Keith), and Deborah (Robert), six grandchildren Kyle, Eric (Hermione), Jaclyn (Trevor), Kelsey (Warren), Colleen (James), Philip, Jeffrey and step grandchild Travis (Linea), four great grandchildren Austin, Connor, Simon, and Wesley, and six step great grandchildren Easton, Annaleece, Meyer, Ebbett, Jocelyn, and Meridian. He will also be missed by his surviving brother Harold (Doreen), brother-in-law Ron (Leila), numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He spent his early years on a farm in Matheson and attended a one room country school which still stands today. The family later moved to New Liskeard, where he attended High School. His working career began in New Liskeard in 1951 at Hill Clark and Francis. He obtained an Engineering Physics degree from Queen’s University in 1957. He worked for over 25 years at Atomic Energy of Canada, then New Brunswick Power and Ontario Hydro, finishing his career in 1993 with the licensing of Darlington Nuclear Power Station. In 1958, he married Ilene Sutton, and they had their children while living in Deep River. They moved to Clarkson/Mississauga in 1965, where they raised their family and were active in church work. Don collected clocks and cameras, and he was an avid photographer, skier, and genealogist. In 1995, they moved to Collingwood, where Don was active in skiing, Probus and church work. They travelled extensively worldwide throughout the years. In 2018, Don moved to Acton to be closer to family. He remained physically active throughout his life and only stopped downhill skiing when he was 89.

Don’s 41-year career in Canada’s nuclear power industry began at Chalk River as a technician on the NRX reactor, when its purpose was the production of plutonium. He pioneered the application of computers to nuclear safety and licensing. Don worked on costing, proposals, shielding, safety and licensing for many of Canada’s nuclear power stations. In 2023, he was recognized by the Atomic Workers Recognition Program for his historical presence and assistance at the 1952 NRX accident and the 1957 NRU fuel handling incidents at Chalk River.

Visitations will be held at Jones Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ontario, on Wednesday January 21, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Thursday January 22, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 AM with a luncheon afterwards.

His ashes will be interred in the New Liskeard Pioneer Cemetery with Ilene, later in 2026.

Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice.