Don and I graduated from OVC in 1966.  When Don moved to Calgary, we would get together for lunch 3 or 4 times a year and share updates from our classmates.  Don was a reader and would bring along books he thought I would enjoy and in due time I would return them to him.  There was a time when I would take in events at Spruce Meadows, in the cheap seats. Then Don started to treat me to those deluxe tables (one of only twelve) where one gets food and beverage on white table cloths!  Forever spoiled after that!  And he loved the show bands at Stampede!  When we three amigos started Vintage Veterinary Exhibit, I saw Don on a monthly basis at our meetings.  We are going to miss him more than words can express.
It was so hard to only be able to talk on the phone while he was hospitalized when we normally would be able to visit.  Thank you my friend for your generosity, kindness and intelligent conversations.  Until we meet again..rest well Tio.


Sundays and every other special occasion will never be the same without you. 
You gave me the greatest gift of all, your time and your wisdom. So many memories from the endless hours we spent together talking about the dogs and trivial fun things as much as deep conversations about life greatest questions. 
You were my guide, my counselor, my source of reason and a wonderful role model I was lucky to have, I learned so much from you. 
As declared by many you were a kind, smart, generous and the most thoughtful man.
I saw another rainbow today, I like to think is you smiling down on me.
I miss you more than words can say my sweet Tio.
Johanna


I have lost a best friend in Don Wilson. I met with Don over breakfast near his condo on a regular basis, where he would fill me in on the latest in classmate news, local and even international news. I called Don my personal encyclopedia which he got quite a chuckle out of. He was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever known. Ross Fitzpatrick, Don and I started the vintage veterinary exhibit project in May of 2016 and he was passionate about it. Don was the only person who never missed a meeting except perhaps our secretary Nora. Thanks to Don's enthusiasm for the project, our committee of 18 people is now more determined than ever to see it completed. 
R.I.P. dear friend. 
Ted


My late husband, Dr. Otto Radostits OVC 1959 taught at the WCVM in Saskatoon, SK. We attended many Veterinary conferences  and we would see Don there and enjoy his company. I remember one special occasion , I believe in Madison, Wis., where we attended a symphony concert together. It was quite lovely!  Don was a quiet ,unassuming and dignified man. He often spoke about his beloved, Beatrice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories of your times together  and the love of family and friends help in the days ahead.

Thank you Tio for all the memories we made together from the Stampede parades to the camping trips and Chrsitmas dinners, ballet performances and many other moments we shared. You truly  always made us feel part of your family with your love and kindness. 

You inspired us to hang a big map in our house and start marking the places we have visited just like the one you had at your place. We always enjoyed listening to your adventures around the world. We will think of you everytime we look at our map.

We will miss your warm and beautiful  smile and your sweet laugh but you will live in our hearts forever. 

Please know we will keep an eye on your beloved Johanna and Fernando as well as Lola, Bruno & Branca. 
 
Te queremos mucho.

Gimena, Carlos, Sofia & Emilia.

I just learned of the passing of a very good friend, Don Wilson.  Don and I had many adventures together including our involvement in politics, Young Progressive Conservatives or his help and guidance for my two nomination meetings, the first not successful but the second was a big win.  He was instrumental in helping me get elected to the House of Commons four times. We had many ventures together, a shared boat, shares together in PemAir, a little shuttle airline that flew between Pembroke, Ontario and Toronto and of course our investment club.  I am writing this with tears in my eyes. I just sent him my best wishes for his Birthday, not knowing that he was ill. We didn't see much of each other in the past few years but when we did get together it was memories, it was politics and it was laughs.  I watched the romance between Don and Beatrice grow into something beautiful, I was with him when he got one of the first Mustangs produced and  went with him on his veterinary calls where I helped with calving and one night, at the Hon. Sinclair Stevens farm, a cessarian section on a ewe where Don delivered twin lambs. The memories just keep flooding back. My condolences to brother George and Sister  Mary Ann and all the family.  He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace my friend, you have earned your eternal rest. 

Dearest Tio: 
Thank you for being a guiding light in my life. You were one of the smartest, funniest, most interesting people I ever met. Thank you for encouraging me to never stop learning, and for supporting me in learning Japanese when others said it was useless. I know you are in a better place now, hopefully it’s just as beautiful as your beloved Canada. I love you, I miss you, and I‘ll never forget you. Say hi to aunt Betty for me ❤️ 
RIP Tío Don Wilson, a source of guidance and joy to everyone who met him. 


Don and I grew up together on George St., Belleville, Ontario. He was my best bud and I was devastated when he and his family moved to New Hamburg, Ontario. I recall visiting with the Wilson family at the time of The Canadian Pacing Derby , the only time that  I was ever sprayed by a skunk. We last met in person about 30 years ago at a beef cattle meeting in Toronto.
My thoughts are with you all especially George and Mary Ann.
Rod

It seems like I knew Don forever both from the  AH industry that included our many years together at Bayer.  Certainly a guy who embodied the very best traits one could have - considerate, fine intellect, sense of humor, and loads of common sense.  I was so looking forward to being in Calgary last April where we made plans for a lunch date which  unfortunately was cut short by Covid 19.  Nevertheless I will remember him as he should be remembered - as a truly fine person.

I had the privilege to work with Don when I first started working at Bayer. I was impressed by his kindness, his professionalism and his ability to share his extensive knowledge. He will be missed.

He was an exceptional man who embraced my family like his own, and constantly demonstrated having a big heart towards everyone around him. 
He will always be in our memories and in our hearts. 
Rest In Peace, dear “Tío”Don. 

-Isabel & Jerry

A valued classmate, fellow veterinarian, industry colleague, friend. Will be missed.

Don was a fine gentleman who I had the privilege to work with and be a friend of.  He had a love for veterinary medicine, agriculture and politics in conjunction with a keen intellect which I enjoyed and will miss.  His contributions to the Canadian Animal Health Institute which I was president of was greatly valued.  
Jean Szkotnicki

Goodbye Dr. Wilson. I will always remember you as a true gentleman.  db

I first came to know Don when we both started working for ICI Pharma in  1977. A wonderful influence on my career development. Our career paths parted in 1985, but we kept in touch  over the years and visiting once in a while to discuss pharma, cattle, people we both knew and the occasional political debate. Always a pleasant visit that I will miss. 

Tio, we will miss you! You are one of the smartest people I ever met, able to carry on a conversation around any subject. Generous, thoughtful and kind. I always appreciated the Toronto Life magazines you would bring back for me from Ontario. May you rest in peace..

A kind and gentle man passes from our midst. I knew Don for 50 years and never heard him raise his voice or speak harshly about anyone. Don served as a historian for the livestock industry, the veterinary profession in Canada, the US and Europe and the global animal health industry. Don will be missed by hundreds of people. Rest in peace dear friend. You remain part of the stories and volumes of knowledge you kept at hand. Ron 

Tio Don, you will always be in my heart, there are only good memories, smiles and what you always gave love. I will always love you. 

I remember sitting with my wife Marian at the 1985 CVMA convention in PEI on the ferry boat when over the loud speaker it was announced that we should all go to the main hall for a wedding. When we got their Beatrice was dressed up as a bride, the captain was in his official outfit and Don looked like a deer in the headlights when 2 or 3 of our classmates brought him into the room. Once he realized that we were not far enough off shore for the captain’s service to be official he relaxed and enjoyed the moment. In fact I think we all did.
Jim Pettit

Don was a member of our foursome in vet school(Webster,Wall,Wilson and Whyard. Some of the best days of our life. Don was our best man at our wedding. a kind, generous and giving person. He will be sadly missed by everyone whose life he touched

To the family of “Doc”.  I worked with Don at Bayer in Toronto for a few years until his move to Calgary.  I was unaware that I also would move to Calgary later and was able to meet up with Don again. He was a kind, rather humorous person to work with and I enjoyed working with him and listening to his stories. He always made a point of bring me back a bottle of Kalhua from Mexico during travel.  He will be missed for sure.  My heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.  

OBITUARY

Dr. Donald Craig Wilson ("Tio")

June 12, 1941 – July 5, 2020

South Calgary Funeral Centre and Crematorium

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services