Official Announcement from the Office of the Territorial Commander:

COMMISSIONER DONALD KERR PROMOTED TO GLORY
October 25, 1933 – November 16, 2019

Commissioner Donald Kerr was the fourth of five sons born to Major and Mrs. William (Elizabeth) Kerr. Born in Vancouver, Don grew up in the Vancouver Temple Corps and entered the College for Officer Training in Toronto in 1954 as a cadet in the Soul Winners Session. Serving as a cadet-sergeant for one year following training, Don was then appointed to the B.C. North District during which time he was engaged in full-time teacher training at the University of British Columbia.

As a cadet, Don met and trained with Joyce Knaap. On June 21, 1957, Don and Joyce married and together were appointed as corps officers and, for Don, teacher in The Salvation Army elementary schools, at Sik-E-Dakh (Glen Vowell) and Gitwinksihlkw (Canyon City) in B.C. North District. Further appointments included corps in Leamington, Woodstock, Winnipeg and Vancouver, followed by divisional leadership appointments in the B.C. South and B.C. North and Yukon Divisions.

In 1983, the Kerrs were appointed to the College for Officer Training in Toronto where Don served two years as the assistant training principal and four years as the training principal. In 1989, the Kerrs were appointed to territorial headquarters where Don served as the field secretary for personnel. International leadership followed in 1993 when Don and Joyce relocated to the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland where Don served as chief secretary. Don and Joyce returned to Canada in October 1994 at which time they assumed responsibility as territorial leaders for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. In all their appointments, Don loved and appreciated those he served, and served with, in ministry.

Following 43 years of officership, the Kerrs retired to Jackson’s Point, Ont., and soldiered at Georgina Community Church. During this time, Don served 14 years as a chaplain at the Newmarket courthouse. In 2014, they relocated to Toronto and the North Toronto Community Church.

Don and Joyce have four children: Beverly (Ken Myrtle) with grandson Spencer; William; Marjory; and Donna (Rodney Hiscock) with grandsons Aidan and James.

Commissioner Don Kerr was promoted to glory from Toronto on Saturday, November 16, 2019, following a lifetime of faithful service to his Lord and 62 years of marriage with Joyce.



Service of Thanksgiving
Saturday, November 23, at 10:30 a.m.
Yorkminster Citadel
1 Lord Seaton Road, Toronto

Issued on behalf of the territorial commander, Commissioner Floyd J. Tidd.

Comment

On Monday, January 6, 2020, Charlene Rathgeb said:

I have just returned to Toronto, from 2 months in the UK, and I am devastated to hear that I will never chat to this beautiful, warm, caring gentleman again. Don was a gem, and I will miss seeing him at Meighen.

 

On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, Mary Steels said:

Dear Joyce and family,

I was sorry to hear of the Promotion to Glory of Don. I just found out last month. I know that he is with Jesus and family/friends in Heaven. Joyce hope that you are well and the family are well. Thank you for your influence as Corp Officers at My. Pleasant.

I have one niece and one nephew Fran and Tony's children. Cerrie has one son and Ben has a daughter and son. Dorothy and Ron have two daughters, Amy and Amy is married, she and Jon have a son Joshua born last November in London England. Family all live in England and Spain.

Love to all, Mary Steels

 

On Saturday, November 23, 2019, Majors Grayling & Jacqueline Crites (R) said:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they Celebrated his Life. We enjoyed him and Joyce during our college days (1983-1985). Thinking especially of Donna (Rodney) Hiscock (Nephew & Family) during this time.

 

On Thursday, November 21, 2019, Victor Cyr said:

He was a great training principal and a wonderful man of God..." well done my good and faithful servant....come and share your Master's happiness!"

 

On Thursday, November 21, 2019, Jim & Bette Watt, Majors (R) said:

Don and Joyce were our corps officers at Mount Pleasant in Vancouver, wonderful leaders who encouraged innovative ministry and took the rap for the occasional failure. They married us, farewelled us to Training College, prayed for us in Africa and cheerfully insisted on carrying our luggage when we returned to Canada via the Training College. Friend and true servant of God, well done!

 

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, Sharon Tillsley said:

Praying for the precious family of a godly kindhearted leader. He will be so greatly missed in our world for he took time to know people's names and encouraged fellow soldiers of the Lord. By watching him I learned many things about grace and compassion. A truly wise leader.

 

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, David McKinley said:

I personally appreciated Don Kerr's pastoral care for me as I planned to go into the ministry. He took an interest in me and encouraged me in various ways while I was in Bible College. May the Lord's presence and comfort be with his family during these days. Now he is with his Saviour who he loved.

 

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, Katherine Dickens said:

I have fond memories of Don Kerr as training principal when Chris and I were in college. Don Kerr and Joyce were well respected. On Chris s promotion to glory Don sent me an email of his rembeeamce of Chris and his performance as a cadet. Well done!!

 

On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, Sandra Gable said:

Don & Joyce were the Corps Officers at Winnipeg Citadel Corps for 8 years. They were well loved and appreciated by many & formed life long friendships with many. Don administered to my father, Bill Blackman, as he was dying. My eldest daughter & Don’s eldest daughter formed a life long friendship during their years in Winnipeg & that friendship continues to this day. Don will be missed by many. Well done thou good & faithful servant!!

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Major Colleen Winter said:

I was blessed to have Commissioner Don Kerr as my training principal at CFOT in Toronto. 1987-89. It was a privilege to sit under his leadership and ministry because he was a compassionate man of integrity. He was so kind to all the cadets and he was genuinely interested in every individual he met. He along with Joyce were true examples of Christianity, and their influence was one that I have carried with me in my ministry 32 years later. Well done good and faithful servant!

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Fred Pond said:

I have great memories of Commissioner Don when he was assistant training principal at CFOT in Toronto. He exemplified Jesus and was indeed a gentleman. As Commissioner he came to a Corps where I Corps Officer. I extend my sympathy to Joyce and his family. I will pray that the God of all comfort will embrace you each one.

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Barbara Moulton said:

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Prayers for all those who mourn his passing.

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, David Thompson said:

So sorry to hear of the Commissioner's passing. I have great memories of serving under his leadership in Northern BC and in earlier days in Winnipeg where his kindness and example in leadership meant a great deal to me. Please know that I will keep you and the Kerr family in our thoughts and prayers in these days.

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Majors Robert & Agnes MacDonald (R) said:

Commissioner Kerr was a humble servant of God who led by example. How we thank God for his influence and impact upon our lives and ministry. Well Done thou good and faithful! Rest safe in Our Saviour’s Arms!

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Julia Adams said:

My condolences to the Commissioner’s family. Don & Joyce were well respected by the community of Gitwinksihlkw then Canyon City. They participated & assisted in all community event. Came back to visit as Commissioner.

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, patsy fillier & family said:

Sorry to hear the sad new od your husband passing praying for you & the family

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Kathie Sharp said:

So sad to hear this news. He truly was a gentleman and follower Of Jesus. His kindness will be missed by anyone who knew him. Will keep the family in prayer at this time.

 

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Chic Ramsay said:

So sad to hear this news. I had the privilege of meeting the Commissioner when as songster leader of Govan Songsters we toured Ontario. Condolences to the family.

 

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