Don Shirley is a high school teacher who recently retired after 31 years at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute. He enjoys gardening, photography, carpentry, sports and reading. Don has been a member of Village Green since 1980. Besides serving as Chair of the Board, Don is also chair of the Finance Committee, part of a LIFE group, and coach of the baseball team.

Quick take:  The problem with retirement is that you never get a day off.
Born:  January 20, 1952.
Family:  Married to Jane. Three children, Adam (married to Ashley) Evan and David.
Education:  B.A. from Western in Geography a long time ago. Teaching Degree ... also a long time ago.
Major Influence:  My parents. I have been blessed with a wonderful Mom and Dad who were role models for me.
Little-known fact:  In a senior high school basketball game I scored 51 points. Unfortunately, we still lost.
Favourite verse:  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."  [Proverbs 3:5-6]
Comfort food:  Cereal.
Passion:  Building things - from new gardens to landscaping and woodworking projects.
TV:  Since they cancelled Star Trek there really hasn’t been much to watch.
Music:  They stopped writing good pop music in 1980. However, I enjoy a variety of worship music.
Team:  Who else? The Toronto Maple Leafs. Anyone can be a fan of a team that has talent and wins games. It takes a true fan to support the Leafs who have a shortage in both categories.
Perfect day:  Going out for breakfast with someone and then working in the garden or building something, followed by watching the Maple Leafs win a game. I don’t have many perfect days.
Proud moment:  The birth of each of the boys. I have vivid memories of each coming into this world. I’m sure my wife had more vivid memories.
I'd like to say to the people of VG:  We are a great community here at Village Green.
Bottom line:  I am realizing that relationships really are the most important things in life. First with God, then Jane, my family and all those people God brings across my path. I am learning to live in the present and to be content with what God has given me.