Black Watch Friends:

Regret to report that Gordie Donald passed away yesterday in the Perley-Rideau Veterans hospital in Ottawa.

Gordie served with 1st Battalion during WWII. He was captured at Verrieres Ridge and spent the remainder of the war a POW.

He was the last remaining RHC WWII veteran in the PRV facility.

With thanks to Milan Joncas for the foregoing.

R.I.P.
NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT

In his 95th year, Gord passed away peacefully at his home in the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Care Centre on March 27, 2015. A devoted husband and exceptional father, Gord was predeceased by his wife Rose Mary Donald (nee Macaulay), his brothers, Alexander (an infant) and George (Marjorie Snelgrove), and sisters Vera (Cyril Wagner), Ethel (Lorne Levy), and Jessie (John Rose). Gord is survived by his daughter Darryl Ann (Marsha Delaney), and his adorable grand-dog Baffin. Gord was a veteran of the Second World War. He served with the 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Montreal. He was present when his commanding officer was killed, and at the same time he was taken a prisoner of war. He was included in the Black Watch documentary (aired on History channel) "Massacre at Verrieres Ridge". Following his capture, he and 3,000 other prisoners were forced to march for 37 days with very little food or water. He spent his remaining months in various prisoner of war camps in Poland. This too was documented by various Canadian Forces historians. He received an honourable discharge in 1945, married Rose Mary Macaulay in 1946, and began a career in the transportation business. He first worked for Canadian National Railways, then Alcan Aluminium as a transportation manager in Montreal. Moving to Toronto in 1972, he worked for the Canadian Transport Tariff Bureau until he retired. Throughout their life together Gord and Rose loved camping and took their infant daughter camping before she could walk. His love of nature, and gentleness of spirit had a profound effect on Darryl and those around him. In 1988 Gord and Rose moved to the village of Chesterville, where he became a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 434. Gord knew about caregiving. He was the primary caregiver for Rose for about 20 years. After Rose passed on in 1999, Gord moved into the Perley Rideau in July 2003, and started a new chapter in his life. He became a champion for the staff and helped educate nursing students about the experiences and challenges unique to war veterans. In September 2006 Gord and 8 other veterans were decorated by the French Ambassador M. Daniel Jouanneau, as Knights of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur). In distinguishing these veterans, France paid homage to the courage that they demonstrated during the battles that led to the liberation of Europe. A very special thank-you is extended to the amazing staff and volunteers at the Perley. He was there almost 12 years and developed deep, heart-felt friendships. You enriched his life greatly, both through your professionalism and your amazing compassion. You were his extended family. Gord's Funeral will take place Monday, April 6, 2015, 11 a.m. in Lupton Hall at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Care Centre, 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley Rideau Veterans Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

I remember when Rick and I first visited him at the Perley one Remembrance Day. He was in his jacket with Balmoral and Hackle and a very proud man indeed. He had lots of pics in his room and had a pic of us with him taken. I wonder if that pic is around somewhere? He was a really nice man, loved his Regiment and it sure showed!