Donald Cameron MacLennan

Dr. Donald MacLennan, born on January 5, 1929 in Cornwall Ontario to Langill MacLennan and Hazel Cameron, passed away on Friday evening July 2, 2021 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Don embraced growing up as an only child among cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents in and around Cornwall.  As a youth he would ride his bike across the bridge spanning the St. Lawrence River unimpeded by border officers to play with his cousins in Massina, New York.

After graduating from grade 13 Don joined many WWII veterans at Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph and graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Toronto in 1952. He then ventured west to Lethbridge where he began a partnership with classmate Garth Passey. They purchased the Lethbridge Animal Clinic adjacent to the stockyards on Highway 3 and through their career-long partnership became close friends with many of the cattlemen, feedlot operators and mixed farming families across Southern Alberta.

Don felt especially confident with his move to Lethbridge when he met Sheila Roberts. They married on September 16th, 1955 and enjoyed a long life together.  Together, Don and Sheila raised five children, Cameron (Cathy), Scott (Karen), Rory (Norma), Megan and Murray. He spent much of his time coaching his children in hockey and baseball, as well as hiking, boating and golfing. Later in life he was often found gardening, relaxing and reading books at the family cabin in Waterton and watching his grandchildren in their many athletic and artistic pursuits.

Don served in a number of leadership positions including as president of the Southern Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, on the board of directors of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, on the board of directors and as president of the Lethbridge Country Club and as one of the founding directors of the Western Drug Distribution Company (enabling all veterinarians access to animal pharmaceuticals at the same base cost).

Don was an exceptional athlete, having played professional lacrosse and college hockey and football. He also thoroughly enjoyed his career as a veterinarian. Most importantly, throughout his life he felt the love and support of Sheila, his children, Sheila’s six siblings, Margaret Kennedy, Mildred Wood, John Roberts, Gordon Roberts, Beth Webb and David Roberts and their families, as well as his many friends.

Don leaves to mourn Sheila, his wife of 66 years, his 5 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Don’s legacy of caring and kindness continues in the lives of many of his family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Salmon & Sons.  A Funeral Service will be held in Lethbridge on Saturday, July 17 commencing at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Centre adjacent to the Enmax Centre.

Family and friends are invited to meet with the family on Friday evening, July 16, from  6:00 – 7:00 PM at the Lethbridge Stake Center or prior to the funeral service from 10:00 – 10:45 AM at the Lethbridge Stake Centre.

Please click this link to view the live stream of the service.

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