Obituary announcement for old comrade Lt.Col(Retd) Donald(Don) Dingle

Lt.-Colonel (Retired) Donald (Don) Dennis Dingle died suddenly at home on March 25, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario at the age of 91. Don is survived by his wife, Doreen Elizabeth Dingle (nee Smith); Children: Ken, Nancy Akehurst (Steve). Liz Grimes, Peter (Susan) from Nova Scotia; Grandchildren: Robyn (Derek Pierce), Matthew (Candice Moore), Melanie, Riley; and Great-Grandchildren: Brooke and Jackson all from Ottawa. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Vivian Dingle, siblings: Art, Russell, William, Iris and Bob. Don was born on July 3, 1927 in Calgary, Alberta. He was always interested in a military life. At age 11 he joined the Alberta Military Institute Cadet Corps. During World War II he rose to command this unit, leaving to join the Reserve Signals where he qualified as a Sergeant. After graduating from high school he attended the University of Alberta attaining a BSc in Electrical Engineering, attending summer training with the COTC at the school of Signals in Kingston. He was commissioned as Lieutenant in 1949 and joined the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. He was a decorated Military Veteran, having spent two years in Korea. He married Doreen Elizabeth Smith in 1952 after meeting on a blind date. The couple welcomed four children into their home. Because of Donald's military career, the family spent many years travelling extensively including stints in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Kingston, Ontario; Richmond, England; Rheindahlen, Germany; Ottawa, Ontario and Shilo, Manitoba and eventually landing in Ottawa where they purchased a home. He also spent time with two postings to Alert, NWT and time in Ghana, Africa developing an early alert warning system. They have lived in Ottawa since 1972. His children remember him as a very supportive and caring father. He was very proud of the achievement of his kids and enjoyed his time spent with his great grandchildren. Don was an active and dedicated member of Trinity United Church and often volunteered at their bazaars and events. Friends may pay respects at Kelly Funeral Home, Carling Chapel,
2313 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON,
K2B 7G3, 613-828-2313
on Sunday, March 31, 2019 from 2 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Military Communications and Electronics Museum, 95 Craftsman Blvd, Kingston, Ontario, K7K 7B4. The family would like to thank his Personal Care Givers Christine and Jill, for their compassionate and attentive care during his final years.

Published on March 28, 2019