Donald passed away peacefully at the age of 95 years at Lions Gate Hospital, North
Vancouver on February 25, 2019.
Survived by his loving wife Iris; children Catriona Sinclair (Martyn Wade), Mairin
McManus, Patrick Sinclair (Jeff Gibson); grandchildren Blake James McManus, Daniel
Wade (Ruth Wade), Joseph Wade, Andrew John McManus; great-grandchildren Chloe
and Jacob Wade. Also remembering Donald are his sister Alexandrina Blair of Glasgow,
Scotland; first cousins Margaret Willis and Donnie Laing of Vancouver and their
families; nieces and nephews Donnie, John and Katrina, Alistair and Anne, Alasdair,
Iain and Graeme and their families; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews and
cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held at Hollyburn Funeral Home, 1807 Marine Drive, West
Vancouver on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 2 p.m., to be followed immediately at 3 p.m.
by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60,
580 18th Street, West Vancouver, BC V7V 3V7.
Donald was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland to a family from the Hebrides. He
served as a Captain in the British Army in WWII in India, Burma, Malaysia and
Singapore, where he met his wife-to-be, Iris, who was also serving in the British Army.
Donald immigrated to Canada in 1947 and was joined the following year by his now wife
Iris. He was employed in the Insurance industry and worked as a sales representative
and sales manager in Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver at Standard Life Assurance
of Canada.
He had a great love of sport and in particular rugby. Donald played for the Toronto
Scottish RFC in the early days in Ontario and was the founding secretary of the Toronto
Barbarians RFC, for whom he also played. In Vancouver, Donald became a lifetime
member of the Vancouver Rowing Club, Rugby Section.
Donald had a great love for the written and spoken word, particularly Scottish poet
Robert Burns. He was the founding president of the Toronto Scottish RFC Robbie
Burns Supper. Later moving the family to Edmonton, he joined the already thriving
Edmonton Burns Society. In Vancouver, he helped to establish The Vancouver Robbie
Burns Club and also initiated the Vancouver Rowing Club Robbie Burns Supper.
In West Vancouver, Donald found a haven which grew over the years to be a “home
away from home” – the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 60. He served as a volunteer
for many years: first helping this dedicated organization in their annual Poppy
Campaign, then as a member of the Branch Executive, and eventually as their
President. He firmly believed in the important and necessary work of the Legion in
their fine support of Veterans and their families. Proudly marching in the annual
Remembrance Day parade and participating in the Cenotaph service was a highlight
each year for Donald. In Branch 60, Donald found many friends and compatriots. He
loved them all and always enjoyed his Friday evenings with them having good
conversation, a pint and a wee dram.
"Everyone you knew, Dad was so touched by your kindness and fullness of life. Your
ability to speak to anyone and make them feel welcome and your stoicism in the face of
all that life brings is a legacy to your family and friends. We love you and miss you."
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18