Donald Wrigley

Don passed away peacefully in his 100th year, surrounded by family, friends and care aides in the Burnaby home he and his wife of 74 years, Dorothy, had built in 1964. 

Don survived WWII and the bombing of Liverpool in 1940, then joined the Royal Navy Reserve in 1942 at age 17, serving as second lieutenant aboard the King George V battleship.

He and Dorothy emigrated from England by boat and train in 1957 with their 2 children, Lynda and Clive, who survive him along with his granddaughter, Saralyn. Dorothy, executive assistant to many Burnaby mayors, predeceased him in January 2023, age 97. Don and Dorothy shared a life of adventure and community involvement with many travels all over the world. The Isle of Man being Don's favourite UK destination, he was a member of the Vancouver Manx Society. Don took his last cruise (of 15!) to Alaska this May.

Don spent his working life as export sales manager for Seaboard Lumber Sales, exporting BC wood all over the world. He retired at 55, then as a long time resident, took active roles in many Burnaby civic groups & community projects, including The Burnaby Historical Society, Burnaby Rhododendron and Garden Society, Pacific Assistance Dogs Society, BC Summer Games, Friends of the Carousel and the twinning of Burnaby's sister cities, Kushiro, Japan and Loughborough, England.

His awards were many: Kushiro Cup for Burnaby Citizen of the Year, 1990; Governor General's Commemorative medal for Community Service, 1992; BC Seniors Certificate of Honour for outstanding voluntary service, 1992; Burnaby Arts Council and BC Chamber of Commerce award for individual leadership,1996.

Don and Dorothy spearheaded the rehabilitation of the Burnaby Village Carousel, now housed in the "Don Wrigley Pavilion". Don visited the Carousel often and rode it with his care aides just weeks before he died. Another legacy is the Dorothy and Donald Wrigley Patient Bay in the cardiac ward of Royal Columbian Hospital where he received a new heart valve 10 years ago. Don was also a long-time, active member of the United Church of Canada. 

A full life well lived! His friends and family will miss him dearly!

Don's friends and community associates are welcome to join his family for his funeral in September. Pease contact the family for date, time and venue.