Don retired from Cornell University in 1988, where he had worked for
many years as a machinist in the College of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Prior to that, he was employed as a technician and supervisor at Smith Corona for several years.
Don loved golfing, fishing, hunting, and shooting skeet and trap. He especially enjoyed doing these activities with his family and friends.
Don was an accomplished sport shooter, having won many titles over the years. He was a member of the Dryden, Homer, Lansing and Groton Gun Clubs, where he enjoyed many good friendships. He and Carol were members of Stonehedges Golf Club in Groton, where Don had been a board member for several years. They were also fond of traveling south
to golf during the winter months.
Don will be fondly remembered by many for his friendliness, kindness,
and wonderful sense of humor. His quick wit and self-deprecating manner when telling a story frequently had those around him laughing heartily. Even during his recent illness, he still maintained his sense of humor, joking daily with nursing staff and family members.
Surviving and dearly missing Don are his loving wife, Carol, of Cortlandville; his children: Cynthia (Christopher) Batterman, of Andover, Massachusetts; David (Leslie) Kannus, of Homer; and Daniel (Rebecca) Kannus, of Ithaca; and his grandchildren: Laura, Evan, and David Batterman; Caleb (Allison) and Ainsley Kannus; and Darren and Rachel Kannus. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Senja Cochran; and his brothers, Arnold and Ronald Kannus.
Memorial Services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at the Perkins Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Wheat officiating. Friends are invited to call from 12 noon to 2 PM Saturday at the funeral home 55 West Main St, Dryden, NY. Burial, delayed, will be in McLean Rural Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Don's honor may be made to the American Organ Transplant Association,www.aotaonline.org or P. O. Box 418, Stilwell, KS 66085.
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