Don served at Woodstock and Orillia Detachments and Anti-Rackets Branch before retiring as a Detective Staff Sergeant from Burlington DHQ Crime Unit on August 31, 1992. Don is survived by his wife Earla, children Janice, Janet and Sandra and his nephew retired OPP Sergeant Robert (Bob) Cottingham (Middlesex Detachment).  Predeceased by his brother retired OPP Corporal Robert (Bob) Cottingham (London Detachment).