Donald Dougans TANSLEY

TANSLEY, Donald Dougans Member of the Order of Canada Born in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 19, 1925, died peacefully at home on July 19, 2007. Dear husband and best friend to Murielle Lise. Loving father to Jean, Doug and Jill; father-in-law to Bill, Anne and Michael; grandfather to Wes, Petra and Matthew; and stepfather to Pierre (Annette) and Colette. After the war, Don attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned degrees in Arts and Commerce. Over the next 35 years, he served as a senior public servant in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and the Government of Canada. Highlights included his work as Chairman of the Commission which implemented Medicare in Saskatchewan, and his contribution, as Deputy Minister of Finance, to the revolutionary program of reform in New Brunswick. His federal appointments included Executive Vice-President of C.I.D.A., Administrator under the Anti-Inflation Act, and the first Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. From 1972 - 1975 he was on leave of absence to the International Red Cross, charged with producing a report on their future role in the world, an assignment which involved visits to some 45 countries. In 1999, Don was awarded the highest honours possible by both the Canadian and International Red Cross. In that same year he became a Member of the Order of Canada. When Don found out about his imminent departure, he said "Hey friends, I'm leaving. But what a time I've had! It's not often that I've been one of the first to leave the party. I want to say thanks and to pay tribute to so many whom I have been blessed to know." It was Don's hope that in lieu of a service, family and friends would find comfort in their memories. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Outreach Program or the Canadian Cancer Society. An on-line Guest Book can be viewed and signed at www.legacy.com/can-ottawa Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 7/21/2007