4230-RR-RMC
Class of ‘58
Peacefully and full of grace, Donald passed away at home on August 5th at the age of 85. Very loving husband of Denise, they enjoyed a beautiful marriage of 58 years together after a romantic proposal in Paris while Don was on leave with the military in the Middle East. Don was an incredible father to Drummond, Michèle and Sarah, a devoted grandfather to Alexandra, Victoria, Eric, Glenn, Jordy, and Matthew, and great-grandfather to Chloe and Lila.
Don’s accomplished career began at Royal Roads in Victoria and then Royal Military College in Kingston. This was followed by the University of Alberta where he obtained his degree in Electrical Engineering. He served his country for 22 years and enjoyed many postings. After attending the RCEME school in Kingston in the early 60’s, he was assigned as a member of the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) to secure an end to the Suez Crisis. On returning to Canada, Don was posted to the Canadian Infantry Brigade Group at Camp Gagetown, NB, as the Officer Commanding of the Light Aid Detachment. In 1965 Don moved his family to El Paso, Texas, where he attended the Guided Missile Course, and on Sundays he spent time studying the Art of Bullfighting in Juarez, Mexico. He then returned to Kingston where he instructed at the RCEME school. In 1969 he moved his family to Accra, Ghana. He was seconded to the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces in the procurement of army equipment. After another posting in Gagetown, he eventually landed in Ottawa and was Executive Assistant to the Director General of Land Engineering and Maintenance at NDHQ. In 1976 Don decided to retire from the Forces and joined Transport Canada to work in the airport security field. He was part of the team that designed and developed Canada’s first explosives detector equipment that was later installed at all Canadian International Airports. He eventually retired in 1993.
Sharing times at the cottage, sporting events, piano recitals, and travelling are just a few of the many things he loved to do with his family. His infectious smile, good nature, and his gentle and kind spirit will be with us always as we bid farewell to the amazing soul we honoured.
We are very grateful for the people in our lives who have surrounded Don and our family with love, care, and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to the Ottawa Heart Institute or charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 10:00AM. An interment will follow in the National Military Cemetery with the presence of a Military Honour Guard and Bugler.
Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance will be restricted to a limited number of individuals, personally invited by the family. You are welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast to celebrate the incredible life of Don. To register for the livestream, please click the link above.
Digital Guestbook
David and Connie Renshaw
George and Heidi Abdelnour
Don is family and a friend he will be missed a lot.
We always enjoyed his company he was so gentle and caring .
God rest his soul and help his family during this difficult time.
Russ Perkins
My sincere sympathies to Denise, Michele, Sarah, Mike and Drummond and all the grandchildren that Don so obviously adored. He was a gracious man. I am sorry for your loss.
Nathalie Wadsworth
It was a beautiful service. I am so glad I was able to attend it virtually on ZOOM.
Calleigh Quinn
Denis, Drummond, Michele, and Sarah: I was so saddened to learn of Don's passing - I know we have lost touch over the last few years, but you have always been in my thoughts and memories. Dakota Drive was the training ground that forged lifetime friendships in the adults and all the children; and spawned legendary stories that continue to entertain the farther we are from them in time. I will miss your father, but I believe Jory will be happy to see him and the reminiscing will begin anew. My thoughts and prayers for you during this most difficult time of grief and loss. It was right that it was raining today on the island. Love and hugs Calle
Joanne Fraser
We very much appreciate the invitation and are so pleased that we could attend your very touching and lovely tribute to Don The farewell brought tears but also so many ,many lovely memories.
Even though George did not have the pleasure of knowing Don for very long, he certainly enjoyed Don's company.
We look forward to that lunch soon, Neicy. Just call when you are ready.
My love to you all
Joanne
Christine Mellon
My deepest condolences to the Wilson family. I enjoyed hearing Michele’s stories about her father. He was an incredible man.
Hope and David Tennenbaum
Always gracious and welcoming. A wonderful man. We will always remember Don.
Janine and Art Melbourne
Out thoughts go out to all of you. It was great growing up with Don and such a fantastic family. So many super times! Love you!
Brian West
So happy to have met Don and his loving wife Denise. So Sad to read of his passing.
All my best to his close family,
Brian , Kanata
We first met Don and Denise in 1972 when David joined him as a fellow company commander in 3 Service Battalion. [Gagetown] He commanded the Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Recovery and Repair Company; and David the Construction Engineering Company. Don was very personable, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. He provided sound insight and thoughtful advise. In particular, his electrical engineering knowledge proved helpful.
Don & Denise welcomed us warmly and became good friends and were 'a cross the street' neighbours. They threw a memorable welcoming party for us at their cottage. Our two boys played with their children, and have remained good friends since. We enjoyed many dinners and socialized together frequently, during our tour in Gagetown. Socializing continued when we met up again in Ottawa, including pleasant days as guests at their cottage.
Don, we will miss your smile and sense of hummer; most of all your camaraderie and friendship.