Obituary of Donald Hackett

Donald Hackett, 82, passed away on May 4 at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa. Don was predeceased by his birth father, Andrew Dale Welper; mother Margaret Jenkins; adoptive father, Clarence Hackett; step mother Deja; and older brother David Hackett (Anne). He is survived by his wife, Lyn Martin, and their beloved son Graham; his sisters Peggy (Chris) and Susie (Charlie); step siblings Jamie, Jenny and John; nieces Mary and Caroline and nephew Michael; as well as numerous in-laws who came to know and love him.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio, Don grew up primarily in El Paso, Texas. At an early age, he developed a passion for the natural world. The earth in all its fullness was his religion and he was happiest when climbing mountains, hiking in the woods, cycling long distances, and photographing birds in the wild. He thrived on the human connection too. He had a questioning mind and an expansive heart and he brought his whole self to the table.

Don often recalled his years at Antioch College, where he majored in Philosophy and participated in an innovative work study program.

He moved to Canada in 1967 to resist being drafted to fight in an unjust and futile war. Immediately he stepped into a job as a computer programmer for a major Montreal-based company and went on to spend over 30 years teaching in the Computer Science department of Dawson College. He retired in 2005 and moved to Ottawa, where Lyn had accepted a position and Graham started high school.

Over the years he forged many friendships, through groups like Randonnez Aventure and the Lakeshore Unitarian Congregation, as well as with families in the autism community and his neighbourhood.

His last few years were marked by increasingly severe mobility challenges, but with typical determination, he worked hard to maintain physical strength. He will be remembered for his brilliant encyclopedic mind, hearty laugh, sense of humour, and readiness to engage in conversation.

A Celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later date.

Fare forward voyager.