01/19/2026
LAMONT, Donald Earl
Nov 20, 1932 – Jan 15, 2026
Passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Ottawa General Hospital at the age of 93. Husband of a wonderful wife, Lise, for 68 years and father of daughters Linda and Susan and son Robert (Sylvie). Grandfather of Lindsey and Mitchell of Riverview N.B., Michelle (Max) and Renée of Ottawa and Rhys and Abigail of Perth Australia.
He was born in Winnipeg and raised on a farm in Dominion City Manitoba with his two brothers, Lorne and Hugh. The brothers stayed in the area and had successful careers/businesses while raising close knit families.
Don chose a different path and went to United College in Winnipeg and then joined the RCAF in 1952 where he won his pilot wings. He then served in Our Defense Command at Bagotville Quebec where he met his future wife, Lise. He was a pilot instructor in Cold Lake Alberta, exchange pilot in the RAF, UK where he was involved in flight testing the Lightning supersonic fighter aircraft. On return to Canada he was attached to Bristol Aerospace flight testing the CF 101 aircraft being introduced into RCAF service.
Don left the RCAF on the last day of December 1967 and joined Transport Canada, served as Civil Aviation Inspector in Winnipeg, Regional Controller of Civil Aviation in Moncton (while living in Riverview), National Director of Civil Aviation in Ottawa and General Director responsible for the V.I.P. flight services, Coast Guard helicopter services and the Department of Transport aircraft at operation across Canada.
On retirement from the Public Service, Don joined the Air Transport Association of Canada as Vice President of Flight Operations representing the airline and commercial aviation industry in Canada and internationally though ICAO.
There were some health issues over the last few years that he faced with the determination that he had when presented with any obstacle in his life. This last bout and resulting hospitalization however was too much to overcome. He was visited everyday and always said that he had a very good life, was proud of his accomplishments, his family and that he had left everyone well cared for. He also said that he was tired and it was okay for him to go. He requested to be taken off medications and treatments and passed away two days later. He was at peace. There will be private family service and interment at Beechwood Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home
tel. (613) 233-1488
https://www.whelanfuneralhome.ca/services.html