Don was born in Blackpool, England, the eldest of three boys born to Donald W and Eva Ellwood. After World War II he moved with his parents and brothers to Vancouver. He found a job at the CIBC, where he met his future wife Eleonore.
After marriage they moved for a time to Victoria before finally settling in North Vancouver where they raised their four children. With his wife he travelled widely to such places as England, Saskatchewan, New York, Chicago, the west coast of the US, Hong Kong, and Mexico. After leaving the CIBC he worked for a time at OSFI, and stayed active by stamp collecting, gardening, and walking.
He is survived by his children Donald, Robert, Kathy, and Gary, his brother Jim, his other relatives, friends, and colleagues throughout the community.
The family would like to thank the staff of the West Vancouver Care Centre, North Shore Home & Community Care, Love and Care Home Health Services, and the doctors and nurses of LGH and Saint Paul's.
A memorial service will be held at St. Catherine's Anglican Church, 1058 Ridgemont Drive, North Vancouver at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.