Donald Leo McLachlan

Don was born in Stockport, Cheshire, near Manchester in northern England, in 1934. He was the only child of Jack, a Highland Scot from Oban, and Amy, a quiet young local woman. Don’s early years were overshadowed by the war, when the area was targeted for its critical engineering and aircraft industries. On many nights his bed was moved downstairs for safety, where he heard the sirens and explosions, and watched the searchlights as they combed the sky.

Though diligent and thoughtful, Don did not pass the notorious 11-plus exam that determined which children would be streamed towards higher education. He was sent to a secondary modern school oriented to the trades, and adept at woodwork, he considered becoming a carpenter. However, Don’s potential stood out, and he was selected for a second attempt at age 14, leading him to the renowned Stockport School. This opportunity completely changed the course of his life. Don embraced the demanding curriculum, developing a strong academic foundation that included fluency in German and an appreciation for international perspectives. In 1952, Don went to the University of Leeds, where he earned a PhD in Economics specializing in the shipping cartels that dominated ocean trade. It was at a student dance in 1953 that he met the love of his life and his future wife, Frances Moran, a radiant and engaging girl from an Irish family.

In 1957, Don was among the last cohort called for National Service, serving as Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Air Force at Kinloss in the north of Scotland. His academic career started in 1960 at Queen’s University in Belfast and then the University of St. Andrews, where he lectured for five years before taking a position as a trade economist at the United Nations in Geneva. In 1969, seeking broader opportunities for his family (and an affordable home!) he accepted a position at the new University of Calgary, where he spent 20 years as a professor and served an extended term as head of the Economics Department. Although his research focused on trade and industrial organization, he also took an early interest in First Nations economic development. Don loved Canada and always believed in its great potential and long-term future.

Don was a devoted father who, along with Frances, prioritized opening his children’s world views. He shared his love of learning and discovery through moves to Scotland, Geneva, and Calgary, travels in France and Italy, and a sabbatical year that took the family to California and Australia. These journeys instilled a sense of wider awareness and global connectedness in his children. He also inspired love of the natural world through pursuits that included skiing and hiking in the Alps and Rockies, fly fishing on the Bow River, and working in his garden with beautiful results.

Following retirement in 1990, Don and Frances moved to Victoria, British Columbia, where Don lectured part-time and learned Italian, while Frances earned a Certificate in Literacy Instruction. In 2001 their lives were changed when Frances received a near terminal cancer diagnosis. For the next decade, Don provided steadfast care, and they were blessed with many more years together. They particularly enjoyed several trips to Italy, as well as attending local concerts and community events. After Frances passed away in 2018, Don built an independent life at home, enjoying gardening, reading widely, daily walks with his dog, Jake, and time with his children and their families. He loved discussions about government policies and current events, bringing calm, clear thinking, fairness, and pragmatism. As the elder statesman of the family, Don was wise, patient, supportive, and unifying.

Don was predeceased by his father, John (Jack) Joseph, his mother, Amy, and his wife, Frances. He is survived by his children: Ian; Fiona (Steve) and granddaughter Tessa; and Alistair (Sheila) and their children Megan, Lucas, and Noah. Don was at peace with his passing, knowing he had lived a long and full life, blessed with good health almost until the end. Always appreciating others, in his last few days he made provisions for his family and friends to gather, as his guests, for a good meal and conviviality. Don, we remember you, and we hold you warmly in our hearts.

To read Frances McLachlan's obituary, please follow this link: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/victoria-bc/frances-mclachlan-8039381