Donald Lloyd Waugh Obituary
Don was born on a farm in Wilmot Valley, PEI where he grew up with his mother Dorothy, his father Lloyd and his older brother Arnold (Barb & daughter Nanci). From an early age his mother instilled in him the value of education which he embodied throughout his life and passed on to his children.
Don met his future wife Judy on a ski trip with mutual friends in 1969. Despite his initial struggle to remember her name, they were married in 1970. The timing of their meeting was particularly fortuitous as without Judy's help Don would never have completed either his Masters' or PHD theses. In 1974 Don obtained his PHD in biology from Dalhousie.
Don worked for the Nova Scotia Department of Environment for several years after graduation. Even though his career in public service was short lived it was not uneventful. He was once hung in effigy by a young environmental activist named Elizabeth May. It took him many years, but later in life he expressed admiration for her political career.
In the next phase of his career, Don and Judy operated several successful small businesses as a team -primarily Innova Design. Both before and after retirement Don and Judy travelled extensively, and for most of the last twenty years spent their winters in Mexico where he took great joy in learning to sculpt.
When at home Don could most often be found in his workshop or the garden, but his favourite pastime was going for a drive with Judy, usually toward the South Shore of Nova Scotia and always for much longer than planned.
Don was an avid downhill skier for 5 decades and was an inaugural member of the 1967 PEI Winter Canada Games alpine ski team. He also loved to windsurf, kayak and fly kites on the beach. He insisted well into his 70's that he could kite-surf, but thankfully no one ever gave him the chance to find out.
While not the most adept with a punch line or one liner, Don loved to joke with and tease his friends and family. His ability to always be running late was unparalleled and a great source of consternation for Judy.
Christmas was his favourite time of year. Finding a tree that met his exacting standards was always a challenge, and no Christmas morning was complete without him realizing he had forgotten a gift in one of his many hiding spots. He loved making Christmas gifts but after a Christmas Eve trip to the ER for stitches, Judy banned him from last minute (his specialty) gift making.
Don's greatest pride was his two children Andrew (Devon) and Sarah (Brian) and his two grandchildren Lily and Graeme. His limitless supply of unconditional love and support helped Andrew and Sarah in everything they achieved in life.
Don said he always wanted to be remembered for having a dream. His dreams took many forms throughout his life from endless projects in the house and garden, new product ideas for Innova Design, sculpture and helping to design and build houses for himself and his family. True to his nature, and much to Judy's chagrin, he was working on several unfinished projects up to and including the final days of his life. He will be profoundly missed.
Donations in Don's memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
