Age 86 Passed away peacefully at Melville Lodge on April 2, 2020.
Born in Oshawa Jan 9, 1934 to the late Clayton and Jean (Campbell) Laing, Don moved to Sydney at a young age. He graduated from Dalhousie, BSC’56, Nova Scotia Tech, BEng ’58 and Advanced Electrical Engineering, Penn State ‘80
Survived by loving wife of 61 years Shirley (Morrison) and children Gordon (Anne Marie), Nancy (Mark), Denise (Michael). In addition to his parents Don was predeceased by his brother Graham. Papa will be missed by his grandchildren James, Adam, Alex, Kevin, Ella and Evan, with each of whom he shared a very individual and special relationship. He never missed the opportunity to see a school play, concert or sporting event. With a gentle teasing he often pretended not to appreciate their latest hairstyle, music or fashion choices.
Don started his career with Nova Scotia Light and Power and later moved to manage the Systems Operations Division at Nova Scotia Power, retiring in 1991.
Don was a quiet person, with a very quick and dry sense of humour. He loved being around people. Quite content to be in the background and listening, he enjoyed hearing stories about what was taking place in the lives of others and would offer his advice, but only if you asked for it.
He was passionate about music. Don was long-time supporter of Symphony NS and would drive anywhere in Nova Scotia for a good concert by a local performer, particularly if they played “Cape Breton” music.
Don was very active, playing tennis, badminton, skating, skiing and going to the gym, but his true passions were golf and curling. As a long-time member of the Mayflower Curling Club, he twice won the Nova Scotia Masters Championship. As a member of the Grandview Golf Club and the Maritime Seniors Golf Association he was competitive in many senior events, however he was most proud of being a two-time NSGA winner in the Grandparent/Grandchild Division.
Don was a resident of Rockingham for over 50 years and was active in the community. A member of Rockingham United Church he participated in many committees over the years. He was quick to lend a hand to those in need, quietly helping new families get settled in Halifax, driving people to appointments or helping with home repairs – whatever you needed he was there.
As the leader of the “Nightingale Gang” and was renowned for his lists of menus, games, partners and meticulous planning of their annual golf getaways. He was reunited with many, in time to play 36 on Friday.
Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic there will be no visitation or service at this time, which would be fine with Don as he would rather avoid the fuss and attention. He would prefer you enjoyed a glass of scotch, (with no more than one ice cube) and think of a time you spent together that brings a smile to your face.
Donations in Don’s name can be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to JA Snow Funeral Home, Halifax.
“Golf… is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.”
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