Obituary of Donald Hugh (P. Eng.) Husson

was a genuine and generous person who overcame early challenges to lead the life he charted for himself. He was always there to give his time, skills and knowledge, to family and friends. Don passed away peacefully, with his family by his side at McCormick Home on Thursday, January 7, 2016, in his 84th year. Born on November 25, 1932, Don was the 6th of 7 children to Daisy and Fred Husson of London, Ontario. He is survived by his youngest sibling, Ruth Husson of Kelowna, B.C. He was loved and will be dearly missed by his wife and partner of 54 years, Mary, and children David Husson (Karen Heather), Paul Husson (Michelle Fontaine) and Jennifer Cluff (Paul Cluff). “Best Grampa Ever” to Kady Husson, Nicholas Husson, Matthew Husson and Connor Cluff. Schooling posed many challenges for Don as he lost his hearing at the age of 5. He attended Ealing Public School in London, where he relied solely on his self-taught ability to lip read for communication. He switched to Lord Roberts Public School for Grade 8 with the early stages of hearing aid technology now an option. Moving on to H. B. Beal Secondary School he mastered the craft of carpentry while completing his high school education, however soon after decided that was not the career he had in mind. Enrolling in the Architectural Technology Program at the former Ryerson Institute of Technology he graduated with gold medal honours in 1953. He worked for M. M. Dillon for 14 years where he worked his way to the position of Head Draftsman. In the mid 1960’s, with two children now at home, again he sought out a new challenge. He began taking courses toward attaining his certification as a Professional Engineer, which he completed in 1967. Leaving his many friends at M. M. Dillon, he began his engineering career at the County of Middlesex. In 1978, Don was promoted to County Engineer where he worked until retirement in 1995. In his 40’s Don took up sailing which lead to many years of enjoyment with his family and friends at Fanshawe Yacht Club. Expanding his love of sailing he not only completed, but later taught, the Canadian Power Squadron course. He went on to enjoy many years of sailing charters with a close knit crew of friends, exploring places such as the British Virgin Islands, the North Channel, the Canadian West Coast and many others. Don was always busy and he enjoyed playing bridge, making wine, woodworking, bowling, fishing, home renovations, and spending time with family and friends. Don lived life to its fullest potential, and will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the amazing staff at McCormick Home. A memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the McCormick Home Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.