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
Susan Britton
Kathy LaBelle
Rest In Peace Uncle Don
Nancy Marley-Clarke
I first met Don when he worked for me in Communications at Customs and Excise. He was a real professional, but with a wicked sense of humour. He was reliable and knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. Sincere condolences to the family.
Jim Durrell
I was truly saddened to read of Dons passing . Back in the 80s we had for many years the Hunt Club Steelers ,a feared and vaunted baseball team [better beer drinkers] and Donny was our pitcher and manager ....a position he rec’d when he forfeited his managerial renumeration to the post game party fund .
Don was a fun guy to be with ,wonderful teammate and a part of the legend .
He will be truly missed .
Please accept my sincere condolences Mary Ellen and family .
Jim Durrell
Shayne LeBreton
You will be missed ?
Safe travels
My condolences..
Laurie Brown
I worked with Don and Mary Ellen at the CAA from 1979 to 1986. Don was a fun loving, up beat guy - he made a big impression on a kid just graduated from high school. Mary Ellen, I am so sorry to have read of Don's passing. I am sure you have many happy memories to hold onto.
Cheryl Robb
My deepest sympathies, Mary Ellen and family. He was a legacy in our PR community.
Jean-Paul Brasseur
Dear Mary Ellen and family. I am very sorry to hear of Don s passing. He played a significant role in my public relations career and I will always remember him fondly. Please accept my condolences.
Elizabeth Hirst
Don, you were an inspiration to all of us with your dedication to the profession. With your passing, CPRS will never be quite the same. Fortunately, and due in large part to your efforts, the Society will live on, richer for your contributions. You will be sorely missed.
Jim Osborne, APR, FCPRS(H), LM
What a privilege is was to have known Don and to work with him on various CPRS projects over the years. He was one of the key builders of the respected professional organization that CPRS has become today. You have left an invaluable legacy, Don! RIP, my friend.
Don was my boss at the first full time job I ever had. He was a terrific boss - so much fun to work for. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family.