Dona Wade Legros

In Loving Memory of Dona Wade Legros

May 16, 1956 – October 17, 2026

“Sunrise. And the new days breakin’ through…”

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Dona Wade Legros, 70, of St. Catharines, passed away peacefully at home, with his wife and soulmate, Darlene Legros, and his faithful companion, Buddy, by his side, following an eight-year battle with cancer that began with blood cancer and later progressed to prostate cancer.

And just like that, the world became a little quieter, and life a whole lot less funny.

But if you knew Dona, you know he wouldn’t want us to stay sad for too long. He would probably give you that look — the one that made you wonder whether you’d missed a joke, were the joke, or were both somehow in on it together.

That was Dad. That was Dona.

And if there’s one thing we know for certain, it won’t take him long to find someone he knows on the other side.

A Thorold Boy Through and Through

Born on May 16, 1956, in Thorold, Ontario, to Dona Legros (2003) and Elizabeth Legros (1964), Dona was one of six siblings raised in Thorold. He attended Holy Rosary, St. Charles, and Thorold High, growing up in the community that would remain an important part of his story. The friendships he made in these young years would last the rest of his life.

Dona had a way of knowing people everywhere he went. Seriously, everywhere. You could take him somewhere new, and before long, he’d run into someone he knew, strike up a conversation, or discover a connection you never would have expected.

We can only imagine his arrival in Heaven, or the Spirit Realm — whichever version you prefer. With so many beloved family members and close friends waiting for him, we suspect the reunion is going to be one heck of a gathering. Knowing Dad, he’s probably already working the room — or feeding it. After all, that man could cook! We imagine him catching up with everyone and finding his way into the kitchen before long. Some things never change.

A Love Story for the Ages

Dona’s love story with Darlene Legros (née Malone) began in the 1990s, when they first met and dated. Life took them in different directions for a time, but some connections have a way of finding their way back to each other.

In 2012, Dona and Darlene reconnected, rekindled their love, and discovered that their story together was far from over. In 2013, they married and have been inseparable ever since, sharing a love and companionship that carried them through life’s joys and challenges.

Darlene was Dona’s wife, soulmate, and best friend, standing faithfully by his side throughout his long cancer journey. When he passed away peacefully at home, she and Buddy, his faithful companion, were right there beside him, surrounding him with love.

Their story is a reminder that sometimes love comes full circle, finding its way back when the time is right. What began in the 1990s became a lasting partnership in 2013, and the years they shared thereafter will forever be a treasured part of Dona’s story.

Family: The People Who Made Him Who He Was

Dona was a proud and loving dad to Charlee Lamarre and her husband, Steve Lamarre, and Jessica Baba and her husband, Zach Baba.

His grandchildren, Macen, Mallory, Aislyn, and Parker, brought another generation of love into his life. They will carry forward his memory, his stories, and his unmistakable sense of humour.

Dona is also lovingly remembered by his two surviving brothers, Darryl, & Dennis; his sisters-in-law, Barb, Gail, & Carolyn; his nieces and nephews, Sandy, Jodi (Nick), Karen (Dan), Denny (Meegan), Todd (Diane), Teri (Dave), Shannon, Tammy (Carey), Chris, Jeff, Beth, Brandy (Nathan), Kevin, Chad, & Brandon; his many great-nieces and great-nephews, Shaelyn, Kiara, Logan, Norah, Jacob, and countless others who were part of his ever-growing family circle; his mother-in-law, Flo Malone, lovingly nicknamed “Nanny”; and brothers-in-law, Darren (Heather), & Darcy. Our family extends far beyond this list. Step-relatives, adopted relatives, extended family members, and loved ones who became family, we are all connected by love rather than biology alone, and are all part of Dona’s story. We want each of them to know they are included in the love and legacy he leaves behind.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dona (2003) and Elizabeth (1964); his sister, Paula (1997); his brothers, Donny (1998) & Leon (2022); his sister-in-law, Shirley (2021); his nephew, Glenn (2014); and his father-in-law, Leo Malone (2024); along with other beloved family members and dear friends who went before him.

The Man Who Always Showed Up

If you needed something, Dona was your guy.

He was the one who showed up first when someone needed help. No questions asked. No judgment. No long explanation required. If you needed a hand, he was ready to give one.

Dona was a protector. He stood up for what he believed was right and wasn’t one to stand by when someone needed defending. He had a strong sense of loyalty and a big heart, even if he didn’t always show it in the most conventional ways.

He could joke like a scoundrel, give you that mischievous look, and keep everyone guessing what he was thinking. But underneath the humour was a gentleman at heart — someone who cared deeply, showed up when it mattered, and made sure the people around him knew they weren’t alone.

His kindness wasn’t conditional, and his loyalty wasn’t something he needed to announce. He simply showed up.

Dona’s humour was woven into almost everything. He could find something funny in nearly any situation and had a particular gift for making you feel like the two of you were sharing a private inside joke. Sometimes you knew exactly what he meant. Sometimes you weren’t entirely sure. Either way, that look was unmistakable.

His great-niece Kiara lovingly nicknamed him “Snoop Dona,” a name that suited him well enough to stick.

He leaves behind countless stories, plenty of laughs, and so many people who will catch themselves wanting to tell him something, ask him for help, or share a joke with him. And knowing Dona, we wouldn’t put it past him to find a way to keep the jokes going.

A Working Life Full of Stories

Dona’s working life took him through many jobs and workplaces across Niagara.

During the 1970s and 1980s, he worked as a cook at Murphy’s and Keystone Kelly’s, where he put his cooking skills to good use. Those who knew the local restaurant scene may remember crossing paths with him — or perhaps even a favourite meal.

He later spent 14 years at Domtar as a forklift operator and instructor, until the company closed its doors in 2002. Over the years, he continued working throughout Niagara, mostly driving or instructing as a forklift operator.

Dona also owned Munchable Lunchables, a breakfast and lunch diner where he worked as a cook as well. Whether behind a restaurant stove, in his own diner, or helping someone learn the ropes on a forklift, he brought his knowledge and personality to whatever he did.

He wasn’t a man who needed one straight-line career story. He made his way through life, one job and one relationship at a time, leaving an impression wherever he went.

Two Wheels, Open Roads, and a Life of Brotherhood

Dona was an avid motorcycle enthusiast who loved his Harleys and owned many bikes throughout the years. For him, riding wasn’t just about the motorcycle; it was about the freedom of the open road, the people along the way, and having nowhere in particular he needed to be.

Some of his favourite rides were those beautiful fall days when he could climb on his bike and ride for hours, with no destination and no real plan. Just the road ahead, the changing colours of autumn, and the freedom to keep going as long as he pleased.

Of course, every good ride needed a proper stop. If a chip truck appeared along the side of the road, you could count on Dona pulling over for fries and a hot dog — hold the mustard, please! There was no need for a fancy restaurant or a reservation. Give him a good ride, a roadside chip truck, and a little time to enjoy both, and he was happy.

Dona was also a founding member of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, proudly wearing his Vice President patch. The Widows Sons brought together two important parts of his life: his love of motorcycles and his Masonic brotherhood.

This group of riders has meant so much to Dona and our family. Throughout the final stretch of Dad’s ride in life, these brothers showed up for him and, just as importantly, surrounded Darlene with unwavering support, kindness, and love. They helped carry her through some of the hardest days, reminding her that she was never alone.

To the Widows Sons, thank you for honouring Dad, standing beside him, and continuing to stand beside Darlene. Your brotherhood has been a beautiful reflection of the loyalty and fellowship that mattered so much to him.

We know Dad would be proud of the support you’ve shown and grateful for the love you’ve given his wife. We hope that every ride you take brings a memory of him along for the journey.

Somewhere, we can picture him on his Harley again, taking the long way around, stopping for fries and a hot dog, and finding someone he knows along the way.

Ride free, Dad. The road is yours now.

Fellowship, Service, and Community

Dona was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for 23 years and a member of various AA homegroups for 43 years.

Fellowship, friendship, and connection were meaningful parts of his life. He understood that everyone had a story and that sometimes the most valuable thing you could offer another person was simply to be there.

Whether through his Masonic connections, his AA homegroups, or the brotherhood of the Widows Sons, Dona built relationships that reached far beyond a secret handshake or a shared interest. These were people who became friends, brothers, and family.

To those who shared these years with him, we hope the memories bring a smile, a laugh, and a reminder of the good he brought into your lives.

The Music, the Memories, and One Very Special Sunrise

Dad loved music.

He couldn’t sing a tune to save his life — and we say that with all the love in the world — but that never stopped him from appreciating a good song. His musical tastes were as eclectic as his friendships, but one band always stood above the rest: Uriah Heep.

Their song “Sunrise,” from The Magician’s Birthday, has become especially meaningful to us as we learn to navigate life without him.

There is something about this song that speaks directly to the ache of waking up to another day without someone who was such a constant presence in our lives.

As the song goes:

“Sunrise. And the new days breakin’ through.
The morning. Of another day without you.
And as the hours roll by.
No-ones there to see me cry.
Except the sunrise.
The sunrise and you.”

These words capture something we’re still trying to put into words ourselves. The world keeps moving, morning comes, and the hours pass — but the person we want to share it all with isn’t here in the way they used to be.

For us, Sunrise will always be connected to Dad. It will be there in the quiet moments, on the harder mornings, and whenever music says what our hearts cannot.

We can picture him appreciating the music, wearing that familiar look, and perhaps even attempting to sing along — something we’ll lovingly choose not to remember too vividly.

Dad, wherever you are, we hope the music is good, the company is familiar, and nobody expects you to carry a tune.

And when the sun rises on another day without you, we will remember you.

A Goodbye That Could Never Tell the Whole Story

Eight years is a long time to fight cancer, and Dona faced more than his share of difficult days. But we don’t want cancer to be the story that defines him.

We want to remember the man who showed up without being asked, who stood up for what was right, who protected the people he loved, and who could turn a difficult moment into a laugh. The man who seemed to know someone everywhere he went, joked like a scoundrel, and was a gentleman at heart.

We want to remember “Snoop Dona”, the restaurant kitchens, the Domtar years, the diner, the Masonic Lodge, his AA homegroups, the Widows Sons, his Harleys, those endless fall rides, and his love of music. And, of course, that unmistakable look that made you feel like you were sharing a joke the rest of the world hadn’t caught up with yet.

We want to remember a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He left a little piece of himself with so many people, and he will be missed in more places and for more reasons than words can express.

There will be stories. There will be laughter through tears. There will be moments when someone reminds us of him, when a familiar song takes us back, when a Harley rumbles past, or when we catch ourselves sharing that same inside-joke look.

There will be sunrises.

There will be open roads.

And there will always be Dona.

Rest peacefully, Dad. We love you. We miss you already. And wherever you’ve gone, save us a place — because we know you’ve probably already found someone you know. And if you have, we hope you’ve got something cooking for everyone.

Thank-you is Not Enough

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has offered kindness, support, friendship, and love during Dona’s illness and following his passing. A special thank-you to the Widows Sons and everyone who has supported Darlene and our family throughout Dad’s final journey.

We would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank-you to our nephew Todd’s wife, Diane, who was such an important part of Dad’s care. Diane was actively involved with Dad’s palliative care team and, most importantly, served as his personal nurse at home. Her compassion, dedication, and the care she provided helped make it possible for Dad to remain at home, surrounded by the people and comforts he loved. We are forever grateful for everything she did for him and our family.

And to Darlene’s longtime best friend, Angela Holding, thank you for being her rock. During Dad’s final days, you were there to hold Darlene up, keep her grounded, and make sure she felt supported through some of the most difficult moments of her life. Your friendship, strength, and unwavering presence meant more than words can ever express.

Sometimes the greatest gifts come from the people who quietly step in, stand beside us, and help carry us through when we need it most. Diane and Angela, we will never forget what you gave to Dad, Darlene, and our family.

Donations in Loving Memory

In keeping with Dad’s generous spirit and the care he showed for others, the family asks that, in lieu of floral arrangements, donations be made to Start Me Up Niagara, which supports people in our Niagara community. Donations can be made online at: www.startmeupniagara.ca/site/donate-in-memory

Memorial Information

Arrangements have been entrusted to Tranquility Burial & Cremation Services (Niagara) Inc. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will take place in the new year; details will be updated on the Tranquility website as they become available. Every message, memory, story, and act of compassion means more than words can say. Condolences and memories can be shared at tranquilitycremation.com

Thank you for being part of Dona’s life. We hope you will remember him as we do — with love, with laughter, and with a smile.