Obituary for Donald Joseph Horton
Donald Joseph Horton
April 19, 1941 – January 4, 2022
Don passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2022, in his 81st year. He was the very loved husband and friend of his wife Janice for 57 years. Don was the loving father and mentor of Hugh, David (Marie-Josée) and Katie, and proud Grandpa to Daniel and Michael. He grew up in Calgary and Winnipeg with his sister Shirley now of Trail, BC, Joe (Bernadet) of Fredericton, NB, and the late Roger (Eileen) and Jim (Pat) of Vernon, BC. Don enjoyed family gatherings with Janice’s sisters and their families. He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews living across Canada and Europe and by his friends, and former colleagues including his tennis partner, Lynn. Don was born in Calgary and moved with his family to Winnipeg at an early age, where he enjoyed fun and adventures with his sister and brothers. Don attended Tec Voc High School where he pursued his interest in electronics, played in the band and made lifelong friends, including his dear friend John. Don graduated as an electrical engineer from the University of Manitoba in 1965 and joined the then Ministry of Transport, where he worked for 31 years in the development of the air traffic control systems in Canada. He was excited to be part of the introduction of digital systems and software to the engineering world. Don was a great innovator and problem solver in all parts of his life and, with his sons and daughter, found many ways to improve the family cottage at Buck Lake. He played and composed music and had a keen interest in all scientific innovations. Don enjoyed excellent health until his cancer diagnosis in 2020. During his final illness we were able to care for him at home with the support of the Regional Palliative Consultation Team and doctors Michael Malek and Kaitlyn Boese, nurses Samantha and Ahmed and the home care team. We want to express our special thanks to Jackie Taylor for her loving care and her support to our family. We are grateful to Don’s doctors at the Cancer Clinic and for our health and hospital services. A graveside service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 11am, with a memorial service to be announced later for the spring of 2022. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Clinic or the Fraser Institute.
April 19, 1941 – January 4, 2022
Don passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2022, in his 81st year. He was the very loved husband and friend of his wife Janice for 57 years. Don was the loving father and mentor of Hugh, David (Marie-Josée) and Katie, and proud Grandpa to Daniel and Michael. He grew up in Calgary and Winnipeg with his sister Shirley now of Trail, BC, Joe (Bernadet) of Fredericton, NB, and the late Roger (Eileen) and Jim (Pat) of Vernon, BC. Don enjoyed family gatherings with Janice’s sisters and their families. He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews living across Canada and Europe and by his friends, and former colleagues including his tennis partner, Lynn. Don was born in Calgary and moved with his family to Winnipeg at an early age, where he enjoyed fun and adventures with his sister and brothers. Don attended Tec Voc High School where he pursued his interest in electronics, played in the band and made lifelong friends, including his dear friend John. Don graduated as an electrical engineer from the University of Manitoba in 1965 and joined the then Ministry of Transport, where he worked for 31 years in the development of the air traffic control systems in Canada. He was excited to be part of the introduction of digital systems and software to the engineering world. Don was a great innovator and problem solver in all parts of his life and, with his sons and daughter, found many ways to improve the family cottage at Buck Lake. He played and composed music and had a keen interest in all scientific innovations. Don enjoyed excellent health until his cancer diagnosis in 2020. During his final illness we were able to care for him at home with the support of the Regional Palliative Consultation Team and doctors Michael Malek and Kaitlyn Boese, nurses Samantha and Ahmed and the home care team. We want to express our special thanks to Jackie Taylor for her loving care and her support to our family. We are grateful to Don’s doctors at the Cancer Clinic and for our health and hospital services. A graveside service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 11am, with a memorial service to be announced later for the spring of 2022. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Clinic or the Fraser Institute.