Donald Yeomans (1925-2010)

By Fraser Bryans - August 28th, 2010

YEOMANS, Donald Ralph BASc, P. Eng, CMA, FCMA, LLD. 1925 - 2010

The grieving family of Don Yeomans announces his death on August 24, 2010 after a brief fight with cancer. Don leaves behind his wife, partner and best friend of 60 years Catharine (nee Williams); his beloved daughters Patty Yeomans, Nancy Love and Jane Charlesworth; his wonderful sons-in-law Jon Love and Mark Charlesworth; grandchildren Erica & Andrew Danyluk, Christie & Jason Love, Catharine & Amanda Charlesworth; granddaughter-in-law Samantha Love, great-granddaughter Scarlett Love, and soon to be grandson-in-law James Berlin. Don will be remembered for innumerable qualities that enriched the lives of everyone who knew him, including his boyish enthusiasm, infinite curiosity and his sincere interest in everything and everyone around him.

As the master of lists, details, and organization, he was an "engineer's engineer", always ready with the right tool for the job. A consummate planner, Don rejoiced at the invention of the Post-it Note and carried with him at all times his Letts Diary, including a fold-out list of past events - some four decades' worth - in 6 point font. Don passionately taught his children and grandchildren about everything from attire to fishing lures, and instilled in them his life-long values of integrity, humility, acceptance, and caring. His compassion, commitment to community, and deep love and affection for family and friends have created a living legacy.

Don graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering) from the University of Toronto in 1947 and worked in the private sector until 1962. After being seconded to the Royal Commission on Government Organization (Glassco), Don held senior positions in the Privy Council Office, Treasury Board, Supply and Services Canada, the Anti-Inflation Board, and Health and Welfare Canada. Most notably, Don served as the Commissioner of Corrections and was Chairman of the Tariff Board. During this time he was also a special advisor to many boards and committees. Don served as an active and passionate member of the Board of Governors of Carleton University for twenty-five years. In addition to his volunteer work with Carleton, Don was President of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, The Society of Management Accountants of Canada, and the Canadian Club of Ottawa. He was Founder and President of the Association of State Correctional Administrators, a member of the Founding Board of the Canadian Comprehensive Auditing Foundation, Founding Co-Chair of the Canadian Council of Administrative Tribunals, Chair of the Council of Chairs of Ontario Universities, and Chair of the Awards Committee of the American Correctional Association. He was also on the boards of many non-profit organizations, and a life-long and enthusiastic member of the Five Lakes Fishing Club.

Don was the recipient of the Centennial Medal, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, The Financial Management Institute Award, an Australian Commonwealth Visiting Fellowship, The Shoab Memorial Lecture (Pakistan), The E.R. Cass Outstanding Achievement Award of the American Correctional Association, the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal, a Fellow of the Society of Management Accountants of Canada, and the Carleton University Founders Award. In June 2008, Carleton University conferred on Don the degree of Doctor of Laws; a great personal honour.

As such, in lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to The Donald R. Yeomans bursary at Carleton University. Friends may call at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, (at O'Connor), Ottawa, Ontario on Friday, August 27, 2010 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at Glebe-St. James United Church, 650 Lyon Street South, Ottawa, Ontario, on Saturday, August 28 at 2 p.m.

Condolences, donations and tributes can be sent to www.mcgarryfamily.ca (+1-613-233-1143)



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