Former Sheffield police officer and publican remembered as “a true gentleman”
A former Sheffield police officer, publican and choir singer who lived a life shaped by service, family and strong moral values has died at the age of 94.
Donald Alexander Caley, known to family and friends as Don, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025.
Born in Sheffield on Valentine’s Day in 1931, Don was one of seven children born to Florence and Alec Caley.
He grew up in a large working-class family, with four brothers and two sisters, and was raised in part by his aunt and uncle, Hannah and Ernie, with whom he shared a lifelong bond.
National Service played a formative role in his early life.
Don joined the Royal Pioneer Corps in April 1949, training at Saighton Camp in Chester before serving in Leamington Spa.
His aptitude for military life was clear, and he extended his service at the request of his commanding officer to consider a long-term army career.
Ultimately, however, Don returned to Sheffield and joined the South Yorkshire Police Force in 1951, serving until his retirement in 1976.
Reflecting on that decision, his son John said Don “often reflected on whether this was the right decision and how his life might have differed had he stayed,” adding that “it’s safe to say that life in the police force was not always easy”.
During his policing career, Don became known for his immaculate presentation.
“His boots were always shined and his uniform precisely pressed,” said John.
It was at a dance at Sheffield City Hall that Don met Maggie Plester, who would become his first wife.
The couple married and settled in Sharrow, raising two sons, Stephen and John. Although the marriage later ended in divorce, family remained central to Don’s life.
A new chapter began when he met Pat while attending a police driving course.
John said: “They quickly realised that, in each other, they had found their ‘soul mate.’”
The couple married in 1978 and went on to run well-known local pubs, including The Bridge Inn at Ford and later The Castle Inn at Bradway.
Away from work, Don was known for his love of music.
Blessed with a fine singing voice, he joined the Dore Male Voice Choir and could also play several instruments, including the harmonica and trombone.
He was also a member of the Freemasons during the late 1980s and Abbeydale Golf Club for a number of years.
In later years, Don and Pat built a life in Scotland, constructing a bungalow on the banks of Loch Linnhe at Ballachulish.
John said: “It was an idyllic spot.”
The couple eventually returned to England to be closer to family, settling in Allington near Grantham, where Don lived independently for many years.
Don was a devoted grandfather and later a proud great-grandfather. He shared a close and loving bond with his grandchildren, Sam and Bethany, and took great joy in their visits throughout his life.
In later years, Don especially cherished time spent with his great-grandson Rowan, Sam’s son.
Pat’s death from cancer in 2009 was a profound loss.
John described her as “a bubbly and inspirational partner, who was a force for good in Don’s life.”
With the support of family, Don continued to live on his own until a fall in October 2025 led to hospital treatment and a short stay in a nursing home.
John said: “He desperately wanted to be at home. Sadly, he never made it, and on December 6, at the age of 94, he passed away peacefully, finally to be with Pat in a special place.”
Don is remembered by his family as a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and as a man of principle.
John said: “Don will be fondly remembered for his keen morals, his exemplary character, immaculate appearance and his dry sense of humour. A true gentleman.”
A cremation service took place at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium on January 7.