Obituary

On the afternoon of Friday, April 26, 2024, Donald Albert Dohan ended his struggle with lack of oxygen from pulmonary fibrosis, peacefully taking a last breath in his home.

His 80 years of life encompassed many adventures. Born on a farm in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba, he worked along with his brothers and father driving tractors, milking cows, and doing all the farm chores. He was also a stellar student, always earning top grades. His love of math and science led him to choose research in nuclear physics as his career goal. He achieved Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He then chose McMaster in Hamilton, Ontario for his PhD studies. But before he took off across the country, he decided to ask Margaret, a sweetheart from high school, to be his wife and accompany him. Four years later, he had his degree as well as two wonderful sons who were his pride and joy. He returned to Manitoba to work in his field and do some further studies. During this time he thoroughly enjoyed being part of a choir. In 1972, he happily announced to everyone that he was now also the father of a lovely baby daughter.

A few years later, he was offered and chose to take an interesting position at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Moves following that fulfilling adventure were to labs in Davis, California, Triumph in British Columbia, the Super Collider in Texas, ESRF in France, the Paul Scherrer lab in Switzerland again, Argonne in Illinois, and lastly Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island before he retired. Each move and work situation happily resulted in a large group of friends and acquaintances that he enjoyed being with.

Bellingham Washington was chosen to be the last move after retirement, in order to be closer to his sons and daughter, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, and to be able to see them more often, something that was very important to him.

In the latter years, his lung issues made him less active in the many sports he enjoyed, such as skiing, golf, squash, and hiking. Computer prowess kept him occupied.

He was predeceased by his mother and father and sadly all of his four siblings.

His loving smile and tender care will be achingly missed by his wife and family, who adored him.