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
Susan Brownrigg-Smith and Brian Smith
Gloria Macklin
Good-bye to a true gentleman. Condolences to the family.
Graham Wilson
My heart goes out to the family and friends. I had the pleasure of knowing Don for many decades, he was a kind and gentle soul, very positive and giving, a wonderful man. May you Rest In Peace.
John Kenny and Annette Thompson
We would like to pass along our sincere condolences to Denise, Michelle, Sarah, Drummond and children. John enjoyed over 25 years of Thanks Giving dinners with the family and I was blessed to be apart of the celebrations for 7 of them. Donny always made you feel welcome, he shined bright with a great warmth and charm. He will be missed by all and remembered fondly for years to come.
Colleen Fraser
We only began to really know you close to your Christie Lake exit. Such a wonderful family, so many diverse interests, (bull fighting we now know amongst them!), so much love for one another, for life and for Christie Lake. Denise, your determination to protect and offer Don right to the end exactly what he needed ran you in circles for months to ensure his end was as it should be. Admirably done and a loving farewell. You miss the lake and it misses you,
Ron Gardner
I was deeply saddened to learn of Don’s passing. We were childhood friends growing up in the Albert St, Lorne Ave and Empress Ave area where we played basketball for Chaudiere Community Centre and our YMCA Athletics club. He was our star player.
After he joined the Army and I joined the RCAF we lost contact but a number of years later somehow we did reconnect and Chrissie, my wife, and I attended Denise and Don’s wedding in Montreal. Although we briefly met after I retired we did not meet again. Recently I made a list of friends I wanted to contact and Don was at the top of the list. I now very much regret not having made the effort. Although we did meet again in our retirement years I will always have fond memories of my friend Don. It was a privilege to know him.
Kathy Everett Bob Joyce
Rest is peace. Don
Bob and Tanya Vergette
Denise and family:
So sorry to hear of Don's passing.
Our deepest condolences.
Christie Lake misses you!
Sincerely,
Bob and Tanya Vergette
Christie Lake
Ken and Saundra Eaves
Don was truly a gentleman. All those Snowhawks get togethers at your cottage - he was a very pleasant and welcoming host and it was a pleasure to know him. Our condolences go out to Denise and the family at this time of sorrow. Our thoughts are with you.
Gail and Stephen Brownrigg
Denise and family,
We are truly sorry for your loss and our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.
Don was a loving, caring and a truly great family man who enjoyed being a husband , father and grandfather! He loved all of his children, only wanted the best for them. Denise, you guys were a great team who brought joy and laughter wherever you went. We enjoyed spending Thanksgivings with you and your family at the cottage and will always treasure these fond memories.
Our prayers are with you as we bid Don farewell, but not goodbye. His spirit and love of life remain with us all. God bless.
Denise and Family.
Our heartfelt condolences. He and you are treasured friends of our family, and no extended family gathering was complete without you. Terry and Larry Brownrigg enjoyed your many get togethers, with Cottage events being a highlight of wonderful location, great food, and enjoyment of your company.
Don was a wonderful man and will be missed.