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.
Livre de visiteurs
Juliette Lawson
Nijyar Shemdin
Good bye Don. You were a real and true friend. I will miss you.. May the Almighty Bless your soul.
John Kimber
Don was the Major when I was posted to Gagetown in late 69. He was very good to a totally green Lt. He had me make up a roster with ranks and trades of all the personnel in the workshop. I was proud of the fact that I had colour-coded the pages depending on the trade of the individual. Presenting him the book, he then explained that he was colour blind. We had a good laugh. Very sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences to the family.
Maj(ret) Yves Pedneault RCEME
Met him twice during my career and a real gentleman
J. R. Digger MacDougall
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our brother at arms Don Wilson. We extend condolences to family, classmates from Royal Roads and RMC, friends and all whose lives were touched by Don
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
5276 Digger
J. R. Digger MacDougall
President Ottawa Branch, RMC Club of Canada
Chair, Sing Canada Harmony Legacy
Volunteer Interpreter, Canadian War Museum
Diane and Brooke
Without question, Don is revered, loved and respected by many. An epic career with the love and support of Denise, Michele, Sarah, and Drummond. The Art of Bull Fighting! Really? Who knew! We send strengthening (((hugs))) to each of you!
Chris Winter
I have good memories of the enjoyable converstions at the cottage and the big friendly smile that always welcomed me.
Judy and Roger Barker
We have very pleasant memories of Don as a friendly, welcoming host, and upstanding gentleman. Sincere condolences to Denise and the family.
Joan Tostowaryk
Dear Denise, Drummond, Michelle, Sara and Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. We will miss Don immensely, but we will cherish our memories of all the wonderful years and the times we spent together as neighbours at Christie Lake. May Don rest in peace
and May his memory be eternal.
With our love and condolences,
Wally and Joan Tostowaryk
James Leclaire
What a beautiful obituary. The first thing that struck me was his smile in the photo. Which was then commented on in the write up. What an accomplished individual with so many exciting experiences. Bullfighting! WOW! I never met him personally but I can see the rippling affect that his good nature and adventurous attitude has had on the generations after him through Sarah and her boys.
All my respects and condolences to the entire family.
So sorry Denise and family.He will be missed but what amazing memories? All those adventures! I first met Don at a Snowhawks gathering at the cottage. A kind , generous and gracious host