GREEN, Donald William, C.D., Major (Ret’d)
Feb 22, 1937 – April 1, 2006
Passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital following a short battle with complications due to Multiple Myeloma. Predecased by his father William and sister Mary, he leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years Margaret. Survived by his mother Winifred, two sons, Rick (Karen) and Tim and brothers Bobby, Billy, Reg, and John. Don was born in Calgary, Alberta but was raised in Victoria, BC. At the tender age of 17 he enrolled in the RCAF as an airman, communications technician. His 33-year RCAF and CF career took him across Canada, twice overseas to France and Germany and assignments with NORAD at Duluth, Minnesota and Colorado Springs, Colorado, achieving the rank of Major as a CELE officer. He will always tell you that the highlight of his career was marrying Margaret in London, England, May 21, 1960 and was now welcomed as a new member of Margaret’s large family of twelve brothers and sisters.
He followed his stellar military career with equal success as an engineer and project manager employed at CANAC MICROTEL and was charged with modernizing the communications systems used by the military in Canada’s far north. In his retirement years, Don enjoyed the daily grind of having to golf at Eaglecrest, Qualicum Beach five days a week and loved the camaraderie of his golf partners. These newly formed friendships reminded him so dearly of the bonds he formed earlier in life with fellow soldiers and airmen. Don believed in service before self, not only service to his country, but to serve the needs of his family and friends before considering his own. Son, husband, brother, soldier and friend – Canada has lost a great Canadian and a true warrior.
The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of the Nanaimo Hospital ICU for their kindness and compassion to Don in his last days with us. Special thanks to Dr. Williams and Dr. Benton of Parksville who gave Don the hope and encouragement he used to gather the strength required in his courageous battle.
A memorial mass will be held for Don at the Church of the Ascension, 887 Wembley Road, Parksville on Saturday, 8th of April at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the church.