Don passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024 after a long healthy life. He is survived by his wife of 73 years; Wilma “Billie” (nee Little), his children; Gordon (Carol), Donald, and Heather, grandchildren; Graham, Andrew, and Michael, and great-grandchildren; Jayce, Jasmine, Henry and Avery. He is predeceased by his parents Harold and Gertrude Daw, brother Cliff, sister Gwen, and son Ken.
Don was born in Calgary and attended Balmoral School and Crescent Heights High School. He received an Honours Degree in Physics from the University of Alberta, where he met Billie at a dance. Don and Billie were married in 1951 and moved to Ottawa where Don worked at the National Aeronautical Establishment for his entire career. Don retired from the NAE in 1981 and he and Billie returned to Calgary in 1989 to be closer to their growing family and much-loved mountains.
Don, and also Billlie, were avid outdoor enthusiasts and passed on their love of hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, camping and swimming to their extended family, as well as their love of music. They were members of the High Country Choral Choir in Calgary for over 25 years, as well as various church choirs including the Riverside United Church Choir in Ottawa and the Red Deer Lake United Church Choir in Calgary. Don was also an accomplished artist and his oil paintings adorn the walls of family and friends.
A private ceremony will be held for the immediate family to celebrate Don’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
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