March 1, 1941 - December 7, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Don Walmsley passed away on December 7th 2020. He is survived by his wife, Alison Ross and his six children and their partners: Jeanine and Amin Manji, Michael Walmsley, Craig and Celeste Walmsley, Joanna Walmsley, Darcy Walmsley and Renee Carswell, and Megan Walmsley; and by his sisters Ramona Douglas, Miriam Stenmark, and Vaughn (Don) Hatch and his brother Ian (Sue) Walmsley. He was predeceased by his sister Faere Houghton.
Don also leaves behind his ten grandchildren: Rahim and Alisha Manji; Matthew, Christopher and Michelle Walmsley; Kaitlyn, Alexis and Jessie Walmsley; Kiera and Kaliegh Walmsley and his great granddaughter Sally-rose Walkus.
First and foremost, Don was a teacher. He taught at and was the principal in various communities in BC. However, he will be best remembered as a well-loved teacher in Boston Bar for the last 30+ years of his career. Don did not limit his teaching to children. For several years he taught the Project Teach programme to teachers in the Upper Fraser Valley.
Don understood if you wanted positive change you had to get involved. Therefore, he became very active in the British Columbia Teachers' Federation. He was elected to the BCTF Executive Committee, including two years as Vice President. Don was also a leader in bargaining, serving for many years on the BCTF Provincial Bargaining Committee, including Bargaining Chair for his last term.
Don served for many terms as president of the Hope Teachers' Association. Through his leadership Hope teachers achieved one of the strongest contracts in the province when collective bargaining was finally allowed in BC. Don was elected President for the first term of the amalgamated Fraser-Cascade Teachers' Association.
Don received the BCTF G.A. Ferguson Award for outstanding service to public education. He also received a Lifetime Membership in the BCTF and a Lifetime Membership in the Fraser-Cascade Teachers' Association.
Don will be remembered by all as a patient man with quiet strength who took the time to listen and to care for those around him. He will be greatly missed.