Don never had a serious medical problem until May 1995. After a botched cataract operation, his right eye became infected. Devastatingly, Don lost the sight in that eye altogether. However, he kept on drawing and eventually learnt to live with it. A second cataract operation in 1999 was a success but his health began to decline generally. He contracted emphysema of the lung and was forced to live on medication for the remainder of his life. After 50 years he decided to finally put down his pencil and his remaining days were spent walking the dogs, watching television, solving crosswords and playing with his grandchildren.

After a lovely Christmas in 2003 Don was admitted to a hospital near his hometown of Jevington. There he died on December 29 at the age of 75.