Donald Francis Whiston

Donald Francis Whiston, 93, of Ipswich, MA, fulfilled his life’s work on July
11th, 2020 . Born in Lynn, MA, on June 19th, 1927, raised in Stoneham and
summered in Ipswich, he was the oldest child of the late Bruce and Anna
(Murphy) Whiston. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Jean Whiston and
Joan Myshrall. He shared 61 years of marriage with his late wife, Marie Bailey.
He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1945-1946. A graduate of
Phillips Exeter Academy and Brown University, he was a goalie on the USA
Olympic Hockey Team, winning a silver medal in Oslo, Norway in 1952. The
first goalie in collegiate history to ever wear a mask, his ice hockey accolades
also include MVP of the 1951 NCAA Tournament, despite Brown’s loss to
Michigan in the final game, and First Team All American in 1951. He was Head
Hockey Coach at Brown from 1952-1955, was inducted into the Brown
University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1971 and the Massachusetts Hockey Hall
of Fame in 2012.
Don’s work ethic was reflected in the breadth and depth of his professional
accomplishments. He had a long career in investments and banking, including
11 years as President of The First National Bank of Ipswich. He previously
served as a Vice President of State Street Bank of Boston, was a partner with
Burgess & Leith and P.W. Brooks and also served a term as President of the
Massachusetts Bankers Association. He was an active member of the Ipswich
Rotary Club and the Ipswich Bay Yacht Club.
In addition to his career, Don’s love of adventure and travel provided
opportunities that enriched his life. These included golfing, boating, painting
and skiing around the globe, with Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, as his alpine
base for 50 years. He enthusiastically and joyfully shared these passions with
his six children. Through his interests, he cultivated a varied and extensive
social network of many dear friends.
Don is survived by his six children: Wendy Whiston, Dawn Whiston, Kim
Pickul and her husband, David, Meg Whiston and her husband, Richard
Brynteson, Mark Whiston and his wife, Eve, and Paige Coleman and her
husband, Kip. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Paige, Erin, Greg,
Connor, Cameron, Lindsey, Caitlin, Chris, Drew, Will, Katie Marie, Dane, Lee,
four great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend deep appreciation for the exceptional care and
love provided by the dedicated staff at Riverbend and Care Dimensions.
Due to COVID-19, a celebration of Donald’s life will be held at a future time. In
lieu of flowers, donations “in memory of Don Whiston” may be made to the
Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 30 Jeffrey’s Neck Road, Ipswich, MA 01938.
To send condolences to the Whiston family, please go to www.MorrisFH.com.

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