WALLACE, William Donald

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Don Wallace announces his passing on February 14, 2024, at the age of 78.

Don grew up in Mimico, ON, and maintained a deep connection to his family home and neighbourhood throughout his life. He loved sharing stories of his childhood antics and reminiscing about the many good times he had in his youth.

He married and raised two children with wife Gail in Aurora, while pursuing a long and successful career in warehousing and logistics at Kuehne & Nagel, where he made lifelong connections with friends and colleagues. While on a business trip to Nova Scotia, Don discovered Lunenburg and fell in love. He returned to Aurora to tell his wife that he wanted to buy an inn. They packed up the house and moved to Lunenburg to run the Lunenburg Inn.

Don embraced life on the east coast, and innkeeping in particular. He loved talking to people and hearing their stories. He was never idle and worked two jobs during his “retirement” looking after the books for both the local curling club and the golf club. He valued beyond measure the many close friendships he made in his more than 20 years in Lunenburg.

In 2018, Don and Gail returned to Ontario, moving to Ottawa to be closer to their children, grandchildren, and extended family. He quickly made connections with his new neighbours and loved to take long walks in the neighbourhood, reporting back all the news. Don’s family meant the world to him, and his loss will be deeply felt by all who loved him.

He is survived by sister Barb, son Drew (Melanie), daughter Marnie (Melissa), three beloved grandchildren (Riley, Finn, and Addie), and Hania who was like a sister to him. Don will be dearly missed by friends and members of his extended family.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Don's care companion, Eva. He enjoyed their many outings for ice cream. We would also like to thank the management and staff at Prince of Wales Manor, and Seniors Solutions for their exceptional care and support of Don and his family. Those who so desire may make donations in memory of Don to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County.

A celebration of life will be held to honour Don’s memory at a future date.