Donald LaBelle passed away peacefully in Ottawa at Granite Ridge Care Community on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at the age of 86. Predeceased by parents Ernest LaBelle and Kathleen White, and his brothers Jack, Ken and Gerry. He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen (nee Murphy), and by his sons James (Kathy), Peter (Pam) and Andrew (Celine), six grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. He is survived by his sister Shirley.
Don was born and raised in Ottawa and enlisted in the RCAF in 1951. He served at Air Force Headquarters, the Air Division in France and Sardinia and in Edmonton. He left the service in 1965 to become Director of Public Relations with the Alberta Association of Registered Nurses. In 1977 he returned to Ottawa as Director of Public Relations with the Canadian Automobile Association. In 1982 he was appointed Head of Communications with Canada Customs and Excise. In 1997 he was appointed Manager for Alberta with Western Economic Distribution. In 2001 he spent his last 14 months with the Public Service, as Deputy Director with the Canada Gun Control Program. Don was a founding member of the Edmonton Chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) where he served three terms as Edmonton President. He was elected National President of CPRS in 1982 and Chief Examiner of the CPRS Accreditation Program in 1991. For his many contributions to CPRS over his 50 years as a member, he received several of the Society’s major awards and was appointed a Life Member in 2002.
Funeral Arrangements under the care and direction of Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Service (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa). A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A special thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Granite Ridge. For those who wish to make a donation in memory of Donald you may do so to your favourite charity or to the CPRS Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Anne Douglas, APR
Fraser Likely
Don was a mentor, a friend and a really funny guy. He accomplished much in his life and I feel privileged to have been associated with a big part - his volunteer leadership in CPRS. No one else gave as much as he did over so many decades. He'll be long remembered. We'll miss you,. Don.
Don was a great motivator and a very effective problem solver. I enjoyed all of my meetings and conversations with him at CPRS events and professional development sessions. He was a positive force in my career, and so many others. Sincere condolences. RIP, Don.