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Donald John MacInnes
Donald John MacInnes
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Donald MacInnes Obituary
MacINNES - Donald John July 8, 1942 - April 11, 2009 Don lost his hard fought battle with cancer and peacefully passed away on April 11, 2009 at Laurel Place Hospice with his son Gord and daughter Sheila by his side. Don was born in Vancouver, BC. In his late twenties, he started his career with the Vancouver City Police. Don continued this for almost 30 years and had a special gift of playing the bagpipes. He was a member of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band and ended his piping career as the Pipe Major of Vancouver City Police Pipe Band. Don travelled the world impressing many with his abilities to pipe a tune. He enjoyed life and was always the life of the party, never wanting it to end. Don began a new journey upon retirement. He joined "A.A." and became a dedicated and active member. He became part of something that went beyond our wildest dreams. He made many new and old friends that were there to support him and the family throughout his illness. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to those people. Don's other love of life was his wife Garthia and was devastated when Garth passed away in September 2008. Don is survived by his son Gord (Angie); daughter Sheila, grandchildren Kyle and Alicia; sisters Rae Marie (Neil), Therese (Willie); many special aunts, nieces, and nephews. Too many special friends to list but they know who they are! Don is predeceased by his wife Garthia; brother Duncan; sister Heather; father Michael; and mother Mary. A Service will be held for Don MacInnes at Christian Life Assembly Church, 21277 - 56th Ave., Langley on Monday, April 20th at 1:00pm. To send condolences to the family please go to www.mem.comTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
15 Entries
Alfred Bequet
May 1, 2009
Gord, Sheila and family
I was very sorry to learn that Don had passed away and so soon after Garthia.
My condolances and love to you all
Alfred
April 29, 2009
Mrs. Macinnes, Gord and family our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Kirby Trolland and Family
Jane Straker Gray
April 22, 2009
Sheila and family,
Just wanted to pass on our condolences over your dear dad's passing.
With love,
Jane and David Gray
Carolynne Miller
April 22, 2009
To the MacInnes Family
So sorry to hear the news. I have fond memories of Donald, particularly in our teenage years. Piping and dancing and the fun times. I remember, with many laughs, the Port Mellon Burns Supper. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family
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April 20, 2009
Dear Gordie, Angie, Sheila and the MacInnes family,
We just want to let you know how sad we were to here of your Dad's passing. He was such a truly good man, with so many special qualities that were one of a kind.
We have very fond memories of your Dad piping us out of the church at our wedding back in '92, and piping us into the following reception at Burnaby Lake. He was also our Master of Ceremonies and was entertaining to say the least. We couldn't think of a better person for the job!!
Big Don will forever live on in our wedding video and our hearts with his wit humour, and warmth.
Sending you love and wishing you peace,
Steve and Deb Moore
Lynda Sangster
April 19, 2009
To Gord, Sheila and family
"Big Don" MacInnes comes to mind every time Robbie Burns day comes around. Growing up and then later as adults, our late father, "Big John" Flaten(43) always took us to the VPD Pipe Band Robbie Burns day Dinners. I think back and I can see your father in his kilt dancing the sword dance as gracefull as any ballerina. Kilt swaying, standing tall and proud, not missing a step.
It was nice to be able to tell him this in person when he & your mother were in SMH to let him know how much we enjoyed his bagpipe playing and Scottish dancing.
This world has lost another "Big" man which has left another huge hole. Take comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering.
Lynda (Flaten) Sangster for the late
"Big John" (43) Flaten
I can hear the two of them swapping cop stories already!
Maurice Quinn
April 19, 2009
I sit here daily wondering what to say, going through all the wonderful memories of spending time with Don and Garth. I've come to the realization there are no words to be formulated to describe such a wonderful man as Don was. I am deeply sadden and hurt by his untimely passing. And though this moment in time hurts, the memories I will forever hold still makes me smile. They are my family and will be missed dearly. Gord and Sheila, I know this past year has been hard, but know they are in a better place now watching over you both. And know Don and Garth were so very proud of you both. My prayers will be with you all.
Gary Cameron (PC 15)
April 18, 2009
There's an old Scottish proverb: "Be happy while you're living, For you're a long time dead."
Don certainly lived life to its fullest!
He was my first training officer back in 1975 and I have many fond memories of walking the Granville beat with him as I began the process of becoming a police officer. It was an interesting experience, to say the least, especially when he and Millman got together!
My condolences to the family.
Peter Groenland
April 18, 2009
To Gord/Sheilla and the MacInnis Family.
We are very saddened to hear of Don's passing. His image is everywhere throughout the Department on the Recruiting posters. He always made me smile and I enjoyed being a part of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band with him. We will always keep his memory alive.
Peter & Collen Groenland
Jolynn De Bono
April 17, 2009
I am sending my condolences to you and your family. My father John Vella who also was at Laurel Place Hospice was friends with him.
My father talked about Don with great respect and I know he would send his personal message himself but lost his battle with cancer yesterday. His friendship with Don was short but mourned for Don like a long time buddy.
My sincerest condolences to you and the family. My name is Jo I stood with my father at the hospice. God Bless!
Freddy (Jack) Hall
April 16, 2009
To Gord/Sheilla and the MacInnis Family.
It is with profound sadness, and a feeling of loss, that I heard of (Big) Don,s passing.
I first met Don away back in 1963, when we went to Hawaii with the Police Pipe Band, and continued to serve with him in the band until 1991.
I have a huge amount of memories of that time, within the band, and in our every day lives. These memories will remain with me for ever, and I choose to remember (Big) Don as he was.
My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Ingrid Sanne, Retired VPD Dispatcher
April 16, 2009
To the MacInnes Family:
I am so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. I had the pleasure of being one of his dispatchers in the "good old days"! My favourite memory of Don is when he played the pipes at Ollie Thomson's service. Don played till everyone thought he couldn't play anymore; and then he played more still! May you find comfort in your memories, and knowing that he is with his family, and can now play forever more. You are all in my thought and prayers.
Blair Boyd
April 16, 2009
Sorry to hear of Don's passing I have many happy memories of working with Don, he will be sadly missed.
Greg and Raye Bell
April 16, 2009
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
April 16, 2009
I am very saddened by the news of Dons passing. I have fond memories of Don through out the years. I first met Don in 1968 in Seattle. He was a member of the Vancouver Police Pipe Band and had come to Seattle to participate in our Seafair parade. I was a member of the Seattle Police Mororcyle Drill team, and we had the honor of showing the Band members around our town. It became apparent that Don was a fun person to be around. He had the knack of lighting up a room when he entered. He was always cheery, laughing and joking with everybody he came in contact with. That's the Don I will always remember. My condolences to his family and friends. Retired Officer Robert Ballantyne Seattle Police Department.
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