Canton- Mr. Donald J. Ames, 77, passed away Tuesday December 11, 2012 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital with the love and support of his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Donald was born in Canton on September 11, 1935 to the late Charles and Kathern (Burke) Ames. He was raised and educated locally in Canton, proudly serving his country in the U.S. ARMY. On April 19, 1969 Donald married the former Emma Dorothy LaClair. The two shared a devoted union of 43 years until her passing on August 12, 2012. Don worked as an operating engineer for the Union Local #545 out of Syracuse. He served as the Fire Chief for the Pierrepont Fire Department, and was a member of the Potsdam Elks, Lodge #2074. Don was an outdoorsman at heart; he especially took pleasure in cutting wood along-side his grandsons, Ralph and Mike. He enjoyed brainteasers such as: jigsaw and crossword puzzles and had a special admiration and love for his feline companion "Boots". He is survived by his step-children: Mary and Ellis Flint of MA, Barbara Morin of Rochester, Deborah LaPage and her companion Floyd Snyder of Brushton, Lois and James Davidson of Bangor, Lewis and Natalie LaClair of Hastings, Donald and Paulette LaClair or N.Syracuse, and Wanda Pagano and her companion Jeffry Wakefield of Moravia, five sisters: Elenor and James Cassoni of Carthage, Sharon Simmons of Ancram, Karol and Michael Mace of Canton, Janet Aldous of Canton, and Kathryn Fountain of Canton, one brother: Leo and Cheryl Ames of Potsdam. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive Donald. He was predeceased by his step-daughter, Laurel Wells, his sisters: Elizabeth, Ruth, and Baby Margeret Ann, and brothers: Charles, Arthur, Clarence, and Joseph. Visitation will be Friday from 4-7 at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Donald's Funeral Service and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11AM at St. Mary's Church in Canton with the Rev. Doug Lucia presiding. Burial will follow in Brick Chapel Cemetery. For those wishing to express and act of kindness, memorial contributions in Donald's honor may be made to the: Colton Fire Dept., and/or the Pierrepont Fire Dept. Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com