Donald J. Wilson

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness, that the family of Don Wilson announces his passing away on April 21st at Forest Valley Terrace in Orleans at the age of 80. He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Barbara, sons Kevin (Tracey McQuair) in Penticton, B.C. and Graham in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. Grandson Kael and granddaughter Evyn will miss their grandpa. As well, sister Barbara Goyer (John Snyder) in Abbotsford and brother Warren (Karin Holm-Pedersen) in Victoria will remember their big brother with great fondness. Don made the military his life and proudly served his country for 35 years in the Canadian Army, after receiving his Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba. His career took him to the Gaza Strip, to Cyprus as UNFICYP Force Engineer, as well as postings in Victoria, Chilliwack, Winnipeg, Trenton, Chatham and Ottawa where he retired in 1993. He was Chief Instructor at the Banff National Cadet Camp for several years and Head of Military Support for CESAR in 1983. He enjoyed keeping fit and relished the great outdoors participating in mountain climbing, downhill and cross-country skiing, backpacking, and cycle touring, as well as coaching minor soccer and managing peewee hockey.

Friends and Family are invited to visit at Beechwood Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa from 12 – 2pm on Friday, May 3. Graveside service and interment in The National Military Cemetery at Beechwood will follow at 2pm. Please join us at Don’s local, the Blackburn Arms, 2586 Innes Rd. for a celebration of Don’s life, story telling, and a toast starting at 3 PM.

Thank you to Dr. Grimard and his caring staff at the Cancer Centre, Dr. Daoust-Bernard and her staff at the Montfort Hospital, and his new family at Forest Valley Terrace for their compassion in caring for Don. Thank you to Don’s GP, Dr. Ed Seale for his care and understanding to both of us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cancer Society.