Donald Francis Dinn

Don was a gentle man and always a gentleman. Kindness and a strong moral compass guided him through his life. This, however, didn’t prevent him from having fun and adventure. He was always curious and full of energy, and this sometimes got him into a pickle as a boy and as an adult. Many stories could be told about his antics.

Born in St. John’s Newfoundland, Don moved to Halifax in 1962 to study engineering at Nova Scotia Technical College (now Dalhousie University). He received a Bachelor of Engineering in 1964 and Master of Engineering in1970. Don had a successful career as an electrical engineer working at EMI-Cossor Electronics, the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO), Magneto-Inductive Systems Limited (MISL), and Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. Don spoke often of his 29 years at BIO and maintained a strong connection to the people and the place.

As an adult, Don was defined by much more than his academic and career successes. Don loved music and dancing, and spending time with his family and many friends. Despite personal tragedies, Don held onto his optimism and generosity of spirit.

In retirement Don enjoyed travelling and volunteering, keeping very active and always learning new things.

A devoted husband and father, stepfather, grandfather, brother and friend, Don remained caring and happy until the end of his days with us.

Don was predeceased by his parents John Dinn and Joan (Moore) Jamieson of St. John’s Newfoundland, his first wife Cheryl (Forhan) Dinn, his son Michael Dinn, father- in-law Roy Forhan and mother-in-law Joan (Rodgers) Forhan, and his second wife Catherine (Pittman) Picco.

Don is survived by his son Stephen Dinn, daughter in-law Julie (MacLeod) Dinn, grandchildren Grayson and Marshall Dinn; wife Virginia Olsen, step-son Geordie House, mother-in-law Carole Coleman; step-sons Charles (Kim), Chris (Paula) and David Picco and step grandsons Spencer, Charlie and Felix of Newfoundland; sisters Jacqueline LeGrow (Bruce) and Sharon Leonard (Carson), and brother Gary Dinn (Margaret); and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all the kind people who helped us care for Don over the past couple of years.

A private family burial with take place. A celebration of Don’s life will be held this spring.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.