Donald was born in West Ham to William Thomas and Eleanor Cock and was younger brother to siblings Nancy and Alan.

He was evacuated to several locations during the second world war - especially enjoying his time on a farm in Helston, Cornwall with Alan. He returned to London in 1944 after winning a scholarship to secondary school. Sadly, his Mother died within a couple of years of him being back at home and there followed a more difficult time for him. He cycled great distances during this time, to visit Nancy and other family members. 

During three years of National Service, Donald was stationed at Fenham Barracks in Newcastle upon Tyne and became engaged to Neville Mordue whom he met through a joint love of classical music.  Donald then studied at Cambridge University and went on to qualify as a Mechanical Engineer.  He was married upon graduating in 1957 and started his working life in Sutton Coldfield where his three children were born.

He moved to a career in further education, which took the family to Cheshire where he remained for the rest of his life - apart from taking a year out following early retirement, to study an MSc at Cranfield University.

During retirement he and Neville enjoyed holidays in Europe and throughout UK.  Donald also explored a number of long distance walking paths from wainwrights Coast to Coast to South Downs way with a colleague from work. He then devoted a number of years to caring for Neville until she died in 2016.

He made the most of the last years of his life - joining the local bridge and table tennis clubs, visiting the swimming pool and rejoining a choir. He loved to travel, explore and visit places of interest - including galleries, museums and National Trust properties.  His curiousity and zest for life continued right to the end.

He was diagnosed with metastatic cancer in August 2019, yet continued to live life to the full despite the Covid pandemic, with great courage, strength and will power.

Donald was cared for at home throughout his illness by his three children and an excellent and dedicated professional carer. He spent the last two weeks of his life with his family together at home, enjoying every last record from his collection and every last cup of tea. 

This is exactly how he wanted the end to be.