He was once dubbed the North East's longest-serving Santa and put a smile on the faces of generations of children.
Don Toon volunteered as Father Christmas at Peter Barratt's Garden Centre, in Gosforth, Newcastle, for more than 20 years. With his real white beard and full Santa attire, he continued to delight youngsters when he was in his 80s, earning the names 'Santa Don' and 'Peter Barratt's Santa'.
Now moving tributes have been paid to the great-grandad, of Burradon, North Tyneside, who died in April at the age of 95.
Read More: Family pay heartfelt tribute to South Shields ice cream legend Michael Minchella
As well as all the generations who knew him as Santa Don, he is being remembered for his work in the community. He was a founder member of the Burradon and Camperdown Forum and played an active part in improving the quality of life in the village. He regularly attended meetings and always volunteered at summer carnivals and Christmas parties.
He was also involved with the Burradon Athletics Club and a jazz band for many years, coaching scores of children.
His daughter Donna Glennie, 66, of Burradon, said: "He was very well known in the community. He was involved in so many things, including the athletics club and jazz band, and many people remember him as Santa Don.
"Children would try to pull off his beard, but of course it never came off. It was real. He would start growing his beard just after the summer holidays so it would be nice and long for Christmas.
"When he dressed as Santa, he used to come home with dummies in his pocket. The children were being told that they would get their presents if they gave their dummies to Santa.
"He was great with kids. He was a lovely man, a gentleman. He had time for everybody, whatever their age. He would always stop and speak to you and he was very kind. He would do anything for anybody."
Donna said her father was "fit as a fiddle" and walked everywhere he went. He also loved cycling, taking part in long bike rides for a number of years.
The dad-of-two and great-grandad was born in Shiney Row but moved to Burradon at the age of five. He was married to Mary, now 91. To celebrate Don's life and his contribution to the community, there are plans to plant a tree in his memory in Burradon.
Read Next:
