February 19th, 1923 – December 23rd, 2011
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our uncle, brother and friend, Donald Fraser MacLachlan. Don or Donnie as he was commonly known amongst his friends was a native Victorian, graduating from Victoria High School in 1940. He went on to serve in the War from 1942 to 1946. Don was predeceased in 1997 by his loving wife of 47 years Margaret, who brought the joy of Scotland into his life. He is survived by his only brother, Allan (Lena); his cherished companion for many years, Edna Lake; his loving nieces and nephews, Donna (Donald) MacLachlan, Ken (Lourdes) MacLachlan, Marie (Paul) Machek and from Scotland, Jim (Edith) Adam and Ian (Moira) Adam; also several cousins and great-nieces and nephews. Don’s passion was the railroad; he followed his father’s career and worked for the E & N Railway (CPR Division) for 42 years, retiring in 1983. Along with his father and brother, Allan, the MacLachlan family contributed over 131 years of dedicated service to the E & N. In recognition for his service, he was presented with the “Honorary Citizen of Victoria” in 1983. Don’s hobbies also included model railroading, collecting and writing books on the history of rail on Vancouver Island and his love and care of Sheltie dogs. A special thanks to all the Angels at Broadmead Lodge for their care and compassion of Don in the past months.
A Funeral Service will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 with a reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, who helped save Don during the War. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Crystal Bradfield
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mary dien My heartfelt sympathy to all the family. I am so glad we found my husband robs first cousins. It was such a blessing, Rob was so
happy to know them. Donald was such a treasure and will sadly
be missed. I hope he is with rob and uncle joe. We treasure the
books that cousin donald wrote.
We know the engineer was the good looking one.Much love Robs wife Mary
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Gale Polupski (Shepard) Dear Al and Lena, Donna, Marie and Ken and families. My sincere condolences in the loss of Don. Many fond memories of Donna and I visiting Uncle Don and his fabulous model trains. It was always exciting for me knowing we were going for a visit. I hope that the service went well. Take care, all the best, Gale.
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Valerie McAvoy To Alan, Lena and family – sorry for your recent loss, sorry I could be there however my sympathies are with you all.
Miss miss Uncle Don
Valerie and Doreen
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Frank Carter To the Maclachlan Family, thinking of you all at this time. I remember the many great trips I have made with Don and Al on the Dayliner, plus the events I have attended celebrating the various mile stones on the E&N Railway. I was always made to feel welcome along my family whether it was a trip on the train or visiting Don and Margaret at their home.
Don has contributed greatly to the E&N Railway and it’s history along with his Dad and brother Al. I am sure Don will be missed by all the fine employee’s, passengers and friends of the E&N railway that have worked, rode or knew Don.
I wish I could be there today to remember Don. I sure there will be many.
Thank You Don.
Frank, Kevin and Trevor Carter.
My family and I were saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Over the years I think all of us had the chance to chat with him one way or another along the line of the E&N. He always made it fun and informative. Please keep all the lovely times you shared with him in your hearts at this time and always and he will never be far away.
Our thoughts go forward with you.
Crystal Bradfield