Remembering Dr. Donald Kenneth McCleary, 83: A Sherman College Tribute

In Memory of Dr. Donald Kenneth McCleary, ’83

Sherman College of Chiropractic extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Donald Kenneth McCleary, who passed away on June 17, 2025. A proud 1983 summa cum laude graduate of Sherman College, Dr. McCleary dedicated his life to the chiropractic profession with humility, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.

His legacy as a skilled and caring doctor, a devoted family man, and a tireless advocate for chiropractic extends far beyond the communities of South Australia and Queensland, where he practiced and inspired generations. We honor his life, his service, and the countless lives he touched with his gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to principled chiropractic care.
The memorial, Alumnus Memories for Donald Kenneth McCleary, was lovingly written by his daughter, Aimee McCleary, in honor of his remarkable life and legacy.

Dr. McCleary will be remembered with great respect and affection by the Sherman community.

Alumni Memories for Donald Kenneth McCleary: By Amimee McCleary

It is with profound sadness that we announce to the Sherman College community the passing of our beloved father Donald K McCleary D.C. 17th June 2025.

Dad’s strength, wisdom, gentle ways and his love will forever inspire us. We will carry him in our hearts always.

Don graduated summa cum laude from Sherman College in December 1983.
Upon returning home to Australia Dad was offered an associate position in Murraybridge South Australia. During this time Don participated in arranging public talks given by Dr’s Thom & Betty Gelardi to audiences in Adelaide, South Australia.

Keen to reach out and have his own practice Don moved his growing family to the Sunshine Coast Queensland; setting up clinics on the coast in Mooloolaba and in the mountain town of Maleny. Here he began his long association with country clients. Whilst residing in Queensland Don served on the Queensland Board of the Australian Chiropractors Association.

As Don’s family continued to grow [to four children], he relocated his tribe to Happy Valley in South Australia, for the family to reside closer to extended family members.
In South Australia Don and his wife Robyn established a new clinic and proudly delivered Chiropractic care to local and country people, many of whom brought generational family members to him for care [circa 1990-2025].

Don took his practice and service all over Australia. Don and Robyn’s love of the Australian Outback for a time saw them move to the top of Western Australia, where they provided Chiropractic care to people living in the remote community of Kununurra, located in the East Kimberley region.

Throughout his Chiropractic career Don was a humble professional; a dedicated Sherman College graduate. Don helped and touched the lives of many, he is remembered as a gentle, kind colleague, doctor and friend.