Don Romanoff

Don Romanoff, age 87 years, a resident of 253 Pioneer Drive, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2018 in the TBRHSC with his wife and daughter by his side.

Born in Fort William to the late Apollonia and Daniel Romanoff, he was educated locally and joined the editorial staff at The Daily Times-Journal in 1953. He learned his craft under the guidance and critical eyes of the late Alexander Phillips and Cy Copps, and later by the late Jack Hughes and Marshall Yarrow.
Don covered every aspect of newspaper reporting writing obituaries to police and courtrooms and city hall proceedings. He was a special correspondent for the Toronto Star, Toronto Telegram and National Enquirer, as well as other publications. Following the amalgamation of The Times-Journal and The News-Chronicle he was appointed managing editor of The Chronicle-Journal and The Times-News in 1971. He retired in 1974.

He was a well-known musician and took pride in being a member of one of the first symphony orchestras in Fort William, directed by the late Ralph Colosimo and later by his son, the late Raymond Colosimo. He was a musician with various dance bands in the city and often said he performed in almost all the dance halls in the twin cities and surrounding district.

Following his retirement he and his wife Eva travelled to Europe several times to visit relatives in Croatia and made many trips to Las Vegas and Hinckley and was fond of saying “to visit his money”.

He was greatly interested in following the careers of his daughter and granddaughter. Don was keen in keeping abreast of the latest in electronics and spent many hours perfecting his computer skills.

In his younger years, he especially enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting in the Marks Lake area with members of the Macsemchuk clan and looked forward to goose hunting ventures in south-western Saskatchewan with long-time friend the late Dr. William Dowhos.

Although inheriting poor genes and battling heart problems for more than 40 years he attributed his long life to the excellent care he received from his dedicated and loving wife of 63 years.

He was a former member of the Thunder Bay Press Club and Local Musicians’ Union.

Surviving Don is his wife Eva; daughter Judy Castellan (Pino) and granddaughter Ashley Castellan (Jamie Matthews) of Vancouver, as well as relatives in Croatia. 

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Luba Paju, brothers-in-law Walter Agnot, Ray Paju and Zlatko Uzelac (Croatia), sisters-in-law Mrs. Angeline Agnot, and Mrs. Frances Uzelac (Croatia).

Memorial Luncheon for Don will take place on Friday, February 2, 2018 beginning at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) in the Harbourview Funeral Centre Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the TBRHSC - Cardiac Fund.