Donald Stephenson
1941-2026
Born in Galt (Cambridge), Ontario on February 3, 1941, Don passed away in Ottawa on Friday, March 13th in his 85th year. Beloved husband of 30 years to Linda (Drouin), proud father of Ian (Juliet) and Michael (Danielle) of Ottawa, ON and cherished grandfather of Kenna and Nicola. Fondly remembered by Kathleen Stephenson, Ian and Michael's mother. Predeceased by his parents, James Lorne Stephenson and Hannah (née Dawson) and brothers, Jim, Robert and Roy.
Don spent his working life doing what he did best, quietly making sense of the world. He built a distinguished career as an economist at the Bank of Canada and later shared his knowledge as a consultant with the International Monetary Fund. That work took him to Botswana for six years where he was an advisor to the country’s central bank. As often as possible, he and Linda embarked on safaris to explore the parks and wildlife of Botswana and surrounding countries. He never got enough of the adventure of camping in the Kalahari with a rooftop tent strapped to his Land Cruiser. He also shared his expertise with the central banks of Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Mozambique, Myanmar, and Ukraine. He loved to travel whether it was to introduce his sons Ian and Michael to the wonders of Africa, or to hit the slopes in Switzerland.
Home was also close to his heart and he treasured time at Marlborough Farm in Calabogie, ON, with Linda, the farm group, his sons and his granddaughters, picking apples, gardening and overseeing the health of the surrounding fields. He was happiest when he was outdoors moving bales of hay or harvesting the rhubarb.
He was the rock that everybody counted on for quiet strength and steady resolve and he is greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at The Ottawa Hospital for their excellent care and kindness in his last days. A Celebration of Life will be planned for this summer. For those who wish, donations in his name can be made to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.