It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) Russell Andrew Wagnell, who left us peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday August 2nd, in Larder Lake, Ontario.
Don was born on May 1, 1962, in Montreal, Quebec, to the late Russell Wagnell and the late Annette Wagnell (nee McLauglin). He is survived by his beloved wife and constant companion of almost 30 years, Suzanne Martin. He will be sadly missed by his loving daughter Jennifer Thorkelson and son-in-law Jason Thorkelson. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Wagnell (Cara Larose) and half-brother Mike Brabant (Christie Geddes).
Don joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1980 as a Naval Combat Information Operator aboard HMCS Gatineau in Victoria, British Columbia. In 1986 he became the Naval Operations Room Supervisor aboard HMCS Terra Nova. Don left the west coast in 1989 and became a Signals Intelligence Analyst, at 2 Electronic Warfare Squadron in Kingston, Ontario. In 1991 Don was posted to DND Headquarters as an Arms Control Verification Intelligence Analyst and also served as an Intelligence Analyst- Foreign Naval Aviation under the Director General Intelligence. From 1994 – 1996 Don served as the Intelligence Training Officer at 2 Intelligence Platoon in Ottawa. In 1996 Don was posted to CFB Petawawa where he remained until 2002. During this time, he held various positions including G2 Plans, G2 Operations at 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group. Don served in Bosnia in 1998 and 2001. In 2002 Don was posted back to Ottawa as a C4 ISREW Systems Analyst under the Directorate of Strategic Intelligence at DND Headquarters. In August 2006, Don retired after 26 years of dedicated service to his country.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the loving and compassionate care provided by the Personal Support Workers at Closing the Gap and the VON Nurses. A special thank you goes out to our Care Coordinator, Amanda Charbonneau and our Nurse Practitioner, Tara Laframboise.
In accordance with Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
“Fair winds and following seas.”
I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss, and I want you to know that my heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time. There's no right way to navigate grief, and I hope you’re finding space to feel, remember, and heal at your own pace.
Sending you comfort, love, and gentle thoughts.
With deepest sympathy,
Debra
Sorry to hear of his passing. I never knew Donnie well but was aware of his naval service, and I know that all his family was very proud of him. RIP.
We know this was a difficult time for all of you But you were able to support Don and each other during this time. Which is special. Our Thoughts are with you.
Sending Our Love and Condolences
Nos plus sincères condoléances
à toi et ta famille.
Nous sommes désolés de ce qui t’arrive. Nos pensées sont avec toi.
Monique et Bruno
So sorry to hear about Don. Please accept our condolences.
Bruce and Diane Dudgeon
