Dr. Donald Dempster

Dr. Donald Dempster, 79, of South Haven, passed away on Monday, August 11, 2014 from myelodysplastic syndrome, at his home under Hospice care. Don was born November 2, 1934 to Harold and Irma (Valliquette) Dempster in Dearborn. Don graduated from Albion College in 1955 and Northwestern Dental School in 1957. Don married his wife of 57 years, Katherine (Jewell) Dempster, on June 29, 1957 in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Following his education, Don served in the Air Force in Lake Charles, LA from 1957 to 1961. He arrived in South Haven in 1961 where he practiced dentistry until 1995. Don was very active in his community and served as President of the School Board, the Rotary Club, and Senior Services Board. He was a Boy Scout troop master and active in Junior Achievement. Don loved playing golf and gardening. He attended the Peace Lutheran Evangelical Church in South Haven.

He is preceded in death along with his parents by his sister – Beatrice (Dempster) Cook.

Don is survived by his wife – Katherine Dempster of South Haven; children – Douglas (Melanie) Dempster, Diane (Dave Majchrzak) Dempster and Andy (Christine) Dempster; six grandchildren – Alec, Michael, and Nathan Dempster, Aaron Mack, Jacob and Hannah Majchrzack.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM – 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. on Friday, August 15, 2014 at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Haven. A visitation will be held from 9:30 A.M. – 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the church. Funeral services will follow Saturday’s visitation at the church at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Jim Foster officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Van Buren County Senior Services in Don’s memory. Don will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven.