DR DONALD ALLAN ROSS SINCLAIR

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DR DONALD ALLAN ROSS SINCLAIR

1945 - 2023

Don passed away peacefully the morning of September 27, 2023 in Nanaimo General hospital after a short illness.

Don was the only son of the late Ruby and Alan Sinclair from Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his wife of over 40 years, Jill Wade, and his sister June Cameron. Don leaves behind his two sisters, Pat and Carole, many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends from many different walks of life.

Don was born and raised in Winnipeg where he attended university, graduating with a Master of Science degree. He then moved to Vancouver (1971) where he joined Dr. David Suzuki's lab at UBC to pursue a PhD. Don went to Davis, California where he did a fellowship and then returned to Vancouver. Don's passion was genetics research, and he had an outstanding record of research publications from his work at UBC and SFU. He was also an excellent teacher of undergraduates and an encouraging mentor to many young researchers who benefitted from his patient and thoughtful advice.

Besides his research and teaching at UBC and SFU, Don also taught in the Thompson River Open Learning program and was a frequent presenter to high school biology classes. He was generous with his time; his curiosity and enthusiasm were contagious.

Don was a wonderful friend and colleague to so many people; always kind and caring, and ready to join in any activity, research, political or personal, that he thought worthwhile. He had the utmost integrity and always followed through on his word. He was a fine raconteur with an engaging wit and shared many humorous stories of his time at UBC and SFU with his family, friends and colleagues over the years.

Don was a cat whisperer, and his home was always filled with felines, many of whom he and Jill rescued, and a visit to their home was accompanied by their comforting purrs. There place on the island was affectionately known as "The Cat Ranch".

Don had many interests apart from his academic work. He loved cooking and sharing meals with friends, folk music, the VSO and the theatre. He was also a keen follower of sports and was an avid supporter of his hometown football team the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Don and Jill were long-time and active members of the NDP. He worked tirelessly on many election campaigns and regularly contributed to human rights causes by participating in rallies and events. He loved to discuss politics, dissecting every nuance as election returns rolled in from any election anywhere in Canada.

Don was an idealist who put his ideals into action – always present, always helpful and always effective. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 02, 2024, Mar 02, 2024