It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of Donald (Don) James MacLean. Don passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of 78 years. Don was a wonderful person who touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be remembered as a loving and caring man who was exceptionally devoted to his family.
A prairie boy at heart, Don was born and raised in Winnipeg. In 1960, the family relocated to Montreal, where he met his future wife, Heidi. After marrying in 1972, Heidi and Don moved to Ottawa, where they settled down and started their family with the births of Craig and Elizabeth. In the 1980s, the family bought a cottage on Grand Lake, in Val-des-Monts, Quebec. The cottage on Grand Lake provided an excellent location for outdoor adventures and entertaining, and it has remained an important focal point for family life ever since.
Don was bright, ambitious and driven to succeed in his career in telecommunications. His efforts and achievement were rewarded in 1992, when he was offered a diplomatic position at the International Communications Union in Geneva. Life in Switzerland offered new opportunities and excitement, but Ottawa remained the family home, and they moved back in 1999.
Don had varied interests, tireless energy and an infectious love of life. He was passionate about politics, history and literature, and he had an endearing interest in his Scottish cultural roots. These esoteric interests were matched by his love of canoeing, skiing, tennis, walking, slapstick comedy and his beloved Ottawa Senators. Don loved good food, good company and a hearty draught of fine scotch.
Heidi was Don’s loving wife and constant companion through thick and thin. In 51 years of marriage they travelled the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. They doted on their children and beloved grandchildren, spoiling them with affection and attention at every possible opportunity.
Don passed away surrounded by the love of those who were closest to him, at peace with the end of his life and proud of all that he had been able to accomplish.
Friends are invited to celebrate Don’s life and assemble in the Sacred space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Thursday July 25th after 12 noon. A memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a reception. Those unable to attend in person, may attend virtually via live stream and register here. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian Nurses Foundation to honour the exceptional care he received over the last few years.
Livre de visiteurs
Ulli Rath
Barbara Fradkin
Heidi, Craig, and Elizabeth, my deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man. My memories of him, with his huge smile, dimples, and laughing blue eyes, go way back to my childhood, when the family first arrived in Montreal. Many fond memories of afternoons spent at the MacLean house after school, getting into teenage girl mischief. I remember lots of laughter. My thoughts are with you now, and may his memory always be a blessing.
Heather Macdonald
Don was a true son of the Clan MacLean. Don, whom I met in our teen years through his cousin Ian, embodied honour, strength and courage. He was bright, had a kind & brave heart and was great fun. To have known him was a delight and a memory to be cherished.
David Souter (for David and Carole)
This is such sad news. I first worked with Don when he was with the ITU in the 1990s, and then on a number of independent projects over the next decade or so, but he was so much more than a colleague: a joy to work with; a kind and generous, dear and valued friend for the last quarter of a century; a wonderful host, with Heidi, the many times I stayed in their lovely house in Ottawa; always full of insight on so many things. Dear Don: Carole and I will miss you very much.
Tim Kelly
Don, you gave me a big break in my career, when you recruited me to join you at the ITU in 1992. Thanks, you were a great boss. We'll miss you dearly
Michael Pohoresky
Dear Heid, Craig and Elizabeth: Sincere condolences. I have fond memories of Don even when his head turned red. I did run into him some years ago in New Edinburgh and we were able to have a friendly chat. I am happy he chose Ottawa over Switzerland and I will always have a fond place for Don in my heart as an elder and neighbor. Reflecting on Søren Kierkegaard's wisdom, may you find comfort in knowing that life's meaning often becomes clear in hindsight, even as we courageously move forward through grief.
JoAnne Cohen Sulzenko
I send my deep sympathy to Heidi and to Heidi and Don's family. Although our paths crossed infrequently in Ottawa, from where he moved last year, they take me back to heady and free-wheeling days on the McGill Campus. If I picture Don in my mind, it's seeing him standing tall and with authority in his Scarlet Key gear, controlling whatever event over which he presided. May memories of Don as was his life be a blessing.
Sylvia Phee
I am truly saddened to hear of his passing and truly grateful to have had the privilege to have known him. My condolences to your family.
Patrick Deschamps
My sincere condolences to the family of Don and Heidi MacLean .
Yes, Don to me was a person of sincerity ,honesty and good humor.
I will miss him but knowing Don ,he will always be around,especially in my heart.
Patrick
Maja Andjelkovic
I was deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I met Don while working at the International Institute for Sustainable Development on Internet governance issues. Don kindly agreed to contribute his wealth of experience and knowledge to the work of connecting sustainability and technology governance, some 20 years before the idea would become “mainstream.” I remember his generosity in sharing his knowledge with our team, his always positive outlook, and his passion for tennis. My sincere condolences to the family.
Don your “grace under pressure” and your kindness to all has been a true inspiration for me. You lived a full life with Heidi and your wonderful family, you were a true friend. I will miss you.