Donald Ewing MUNRO

DONALD EWING MUNRO
(1929 - 2011)
Queen's University BSc. '52, P. Eng.,
Retired President and CEO of RYCO and RYCO-Alberici Ltd. It is with great sadness, the Munro family and devoted friends announce the passing, on July 15th 2011, of our Don, a stalwart in so many lives. We will miss his unflinching loyalty to family and friends, his personal and business integrity, and his endearing charms as an old-school gentleman. Don was born in Montreal PQ, the eldest of four children of Gwendolyn Ewing Munro (of Fredericton, N.B. and McGill 1924) and Donald James Munro (of Worcester, Ontario and UNB 1922). Following Donald Sr., as Wood's Manager for Abbitibi, when Don was 11 years old, the family moved to Sault Ste. Marie and, after Don had left for university, to Toronto. A life-time career and many business successes began for Don when he joined the Robertson Yates Company (RYCO) as Field Engineer in 1952. He rose through the ranks to become a partner in 1962 and sole proprietor in 1971. In 1990, the company was joined by an American firm to become RYCO-Alberici Ltd. Don was president and CEO of both entities until his sale to Alberici in 1999 and his retirement in 2001. Don's highly regarded skills and solid principles were recognized by his peers. He served as President of the Hamilton Construction Association and of the Ontario General Contractors Association. Don will be especially missed by Jean Moore, his partner of many years. Don & Jean experienced the world together through their mutual enjoyment of travel. During the last few years, Jean was a devoted caregiver, along with Don's family & life-long friends. Don will also be lovingly remembered by Jean's family members including her daughter Suzanne Kummer (Corey), her grandchildren Ashlyn & Kaelyn, and her son Michael Moore. Don is survived by his sister, Shirley (Tom) Ashton of Winnipeg, his brother David (Carol), and treasured nieces and nephews. Don is also survived and mourned by his wife, Mary. Though living separately for many years, Don and Mary continued to be steadfast friends and supported each other in times of adversity. Don was predeceased by his children, Sarah Anne (1981) and Donald James (1987). Don and Mary were devastated by the tragic accidental deaths of their cherished daughter and son. Their mourning was unceasing but mitigated by joyful memories and the ongoing support of family and friends, and especially that of their children's friends. Sarah and Donald were Queen's students and in their memory, Don and Mary endowed BeamishMunro Hall, in concert with the Beamish family, to help establish the Queen's University Integrated Learning Centre for engineering studies. Also in their children's memory, the Sarah and Donald Memorial Fund has been established under the aegis of the Burlington Community Foundation. The Fund is dedicated to early childhood development programmes and to provide financial support for post secondary education for those in need. Don was also predeceased by his much loved charismatic brother, Ross, and a special nephew, Danny Munro. Visitation at SMITH'S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stoplight north of QEW) BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) on Thursday from 6-9 p.m. A Service of Remembrance will take place at Port Nelson United Church, 3132 South Dr., Burlington, on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 2 pm. A private family burial has taken place. If you wish, donations in Don's memory may be made to the Sarah and Donald Memorial Fund or to a charity of your choice. www.smithsfh.com