Obituary of Donald Paul Mailman

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Donald Paul Mailman (Don) aged 76 of Liscomb Mills Guysborough County, N.S. Don passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2025, at the QEII Hospital in Halifax N.S. Many thanks to the ICU, Neurology, Ortho, Paths, Gerontology, and Nursing teams who aided, and took great care of our father during the last two weeks of life. Don was the son of Raymond Mailman (Liscomb Mills, N. S.) and Paulina Garretsen (Mailman) of Winterswijk Gld. The Netherlands. Don was an intelligent man who had a deep-seated belief in fairness, and equality. Don always stood up for what he believed in and followed his own path, even when it did not conform to societal expectations. Don explored the world with curiosity and had many varied interests. Throughout his early adulthood Don dabbled in Curling, Softball, and Fishing. With much practice and patience, Don became an avid angler. He enjoyed fishing with his friend Wendel for what he would argue to be the most delicious fish, Mackerell. Don thoroughly enjoyed watching hockey, specifically the Mooseheads, and Montreal Canadiens. Don held many occupations throughout his life including working at Wilsons Truck Stop and Home Hardware in Truro N.S, as well as trying his hand at Teaching , Landscaping , and becoming a Chocolatier at Moir's in Dartmouth N.S. Don truly was a Jack – of- all- trades, but is most known for imparting his wisdom from behind the wheel of a taxi. Don was a proud father to four children. One biological daughter, and three children he gained when he met and fell in love with his life partner Wanda. Don supported his family and cheered them on by resuming his teaching role in unconventional ways. Don taught his children about nature , how to tell when it is going to rain by paying attention to leaves , how to build a good rock or chestnut collection, how to maximize a good Halloween treat haul , play baseball, repair bicycles, ice skate, safely dismantle and reassemble electronics, and how to be a parent. Don held space for his family during many taxi talks. Don gifted us with his love, patience, dark humor, and most importantly through his own trials and tribulations, he gave us the ability to have faith in ourselves to navigate our own struggles. Don was a devoted and affectionate Grandfather and Great- Grandfather. He is deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Don is survived by his life partner Wanda Sidebottom of 35 years Daughter, Tara Sidebottom (grandchildren) Dylan Paul Sidebottom, Dustin Paul Sidebottom (deceased) Daniel Paul Sidebottom (Great Granddaughter) Ella Angel Rose Sabean; Son, Allen Sidebottom (Jaqueline Smith) (grandchildren) Lila Osborne, Lucas Sidebottom, and Clara Sidebottom; Daughter, Lindsay Mailman; Son, Ryan Sidebottom (Cheril LeBlanc) (fur grandbabies) Olive Marie, Molly Sue, Penny Lane, Spencer James, Violet Elizabeth, and Kevin Joseph Paul, and many beloved friends, nephews, nieces, and extended family members. Donald was predeceased by: Raymond H. L. Mailman (Father), Paulina Garretsen Mailman (Mother), Arthur Mailman (half-brother), Ronald Raymond Mailman (brother), James Kenneth Mailman (brother), and Dustin Paul Sidebottom (Grandson). “Love is eternal, the aspect may change, but not the essence.” - Vincent Van Gogh