Don Carmichael was born in Vancouver on August 9th, 1923 to John and Mary Carmichael. Don graduated from the Prince of Wales high school in 1941 and studied at the University of BC for a year, where he was head of freshman athletics and played for the UBC Thunderbird’s rugby team before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force. After completing training, where he graduated as a Navigator B, Don was stationed in the north Pacific and served 3 years as a flying officer and was awarded Tour of Operation Wings for more than 3000 operational hours. Out of the original squadron of 6 crews, 2 crews were killed on duty.
After the war Don returned to UBC and went on to complete a degree in commerce, completing three years in two and was awarded the Woodward Scholarship in Commerce. This was the beginning of Don’s 40 year career as an active and diverse businessman. He started as a manufacturer’s agent and then branched into several other endeavours in mining, electronics and textiles. He was an active executive and director of successful businesses including Dad’s Industries, Paton and Baldwins Yarn Inc., Sensormatic Inc., cofounder of Viceroy Mines of California, owner of North West Pipe Protectors and founder of Industrial Textile Fabricators. Don purchased 3 racehorses, 2 of which were successful and sold one horse (Burgundy Rose) to Mickey Rooney in California.
Don was an active member of the YMCA for 60 years and was president of the West Vancouver YMCA for 2 terms. He was also an avid golfer and member of Shaughnessy Golf Club since 1935 and the Capilano Golf Club since 1967.
Don married Elizabeth (Liz) Malcolm in 1949 and they raised a family of 3 children (Vicki, Craig and Ann) in West Vancouver. Liz suddenly died in 1999 after 50 years of marriage with Don.
In his later years, Don had 2 heart attacks and 3 bypass surgery operations. During a subsequent prostate biopsy procedure a main artery was accidentally severed but Don was saved after 7 transfusions. This was a significant turning point in Don’s life and after checking out of the hospital Don went to the First Baptist Church and committed his life to Jesus Christ. Don became actively involved in the First Baptist Church where his father John had been the first person baptized at that church and found great joy and fulfillment in his devotion and prayer.
Don is survived by his children (Vicki, Craig and Ann), grandchildren (Jessica, Roxanne, Matthew, Curtis and Paige) and great-grandchildren (Ruby and Emily).
Funeral services for Don will be held at the First Baptist Church (969 Burrard St) on Sunday September 8th at 2:30.
Donations to the First Baptist Church can be made in Don’s memory.
Flowers gratefully declined.
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