Notice of Passing – Retired Veteran Donald K. WILSON – Reg. #20143 / O.686

#0.0686/20143   D/Commr. (Ret’d.) Donald Keith Wilson

(April 15,1935- November 7, 2020) passed away peacefully in White Rock, B.C. after a short illness. Don, the youngest of three boys, was born and raised in rural Manitoba where his father was a United Church minister. Don attended United College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There he met Lucille, his future wife and partner of more than 65 years. Don received his B.A. and in 1957 he joined the RCMP, following in the footsteps of his older brother, S/Sgt. (Ret’d) Douglas Wilson. Don’s first posting was to “N” Division – the Musical Ride, followed by postings in “K” (Banff and Calgary) and “D” (Winnipeg) Divisions. While in Winnipeg, Don attended the University of Manitoba Law School, and graduated with his Law Degreein 1965. After returning to regular duty in “D” Division, he was transferred to “E” (Vancouver, 1966), “HQ” (Ottawa, 1969), “L” (Charlottetown as C.O. “L” Division, 1980) and back to “E” Division HQ (1981), where he retired in 1991 as D/Commissioner, Commanding Officer “E” Division. Upon retirement, Don accepted the position of Inspector General for New South Wales Police Dept. in Sydney, Australia, from 1991-1994. Full retirement back in South Surrey, B.C. followed. Don and Lucille, and their three daughters, have felt very privileged to have worked and lived from coast to coast across Canada.  

During retirement, Don and Lucille travelled extensively-throughout Europe several times, Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. They made Palm Springs, California their second home, and were delighted to host family and friends from across the globe both there and at their home in Surrey.  Don enjoyed golfing, reading, walking and hiking, especially in the California hills near their home. He and Lucille were bridge players all their lives.  They were involved in their Church, no matter where they lived, and Don was always an enthusiastic choir member. They enjoyed their neighbourhood activities, and Don remained active with the Vets Association and variousinformal Vet get-togethers until COVID arrived this past Spring. Having so many friends and family members connected with the RCMP meant Don was never out- of- the- loop with what was happening within the RCMP. Hisinterest in the goings-on, the leadership and direction of the Force never waned. 

Don loved being a grandfather to his six grandchildren – 5 boys and 1 girl- and he took his role very seriously. He and Lucille were fixtures at soccer, baseball, ball hockey and ice hockey games, as well as swimming, skating and riding lessons! Grandpa was their most loyal fan.

Don is lovingly missed by his wife Lucille and their three daughters: Deborah (Sgt. (Ret’d) Howard) Walden,grandsons Ben and Steven (Jacquie); Sgt. Dawn (S/Sgt. Ken) Parker (both retired), grandchildren Kristen and Braeden; Sandra Fletcher (Pascal Larochelle), grandsons Jacob and Matthew, and their father S/Sgt (Ret’d) Paul Fletcher. Don is also fondly remembered by his brother’s family in Alberta – sister-in-law Jo Wilson, niece Lori (Allan and Tyler) Schmidt, and nephew Cst. (Ret’d) Alan (Theresa) Wilson, as well as by many longtime friends and colleagues across the country. Repeatedly described as “a true gentleman”, he left a lasting impression on those he met throughout the years. 

Don will be interred at the RCMP Cemetery Columbariumin Regina, Saskatchewan at a later date. Condolences may be left at rememberingdonwilson@gmail.com