It is with sadness that his family and loved ones announce the passing of Donald Leslie Salmon, on August 24th, 2023 at the Centre D'Hébergement, Réal Morel in Verdun Quebec at the age of 93. His family is grateful that he passed away peacefully.
Donald, or Don as he was known, was born to Winnefred Ford and Berle Barcus (Bud) Salmon in Toronto, Ontario. At some point in his life he moved to Montreal, Quebec, where he lived, eventually married and raised a family. Don was an accomplished man, both academically and professionally. He also leaned into his life, both artistically and spiritually, in his practice of Zen and his love of music.
After completing high school, he attended McGill University, graduating with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychological Sciences. He was an active member of the psychology club and a reporter for the McGill daily newspaper. His graduation led him into a 20-year career with ALCAN, now Rio Tinto. Throughout these years he lived in Arvida, Quebec where his children Lesley and Bob were born, then on to Kitimat, BC, then back to Montreal where his son Peter was born.
At 40, he returned to university to pursue a career in Optometry. He spent the first course of optometry studies at the University of Montreal, and his last at Pacific University, in Forest Grove, Oregon. As a Director of Optometry, he became the Low Vision Clinic founder, and Clinical Director of Optometry for the Montreal Association of the Blind for a little over 26 years,  helping people improve their vision. His contribution to low vision optometry was so valued that he was chosen as one of the 100 founding members of the Profession of Optometry in Quebec.
Don also loved music. He played the piano in his youth and the organ in his later years. His family and friends will always remember the lovely tunes he played over the years, at his home in Montreal West.
Retirement brought him back to academic life! He became the oldest student to graduate from Concordia University in 2013 with a BFA in integrated music studies - at 84 years of age. He celebrated his love of music by attending the opera, and he was the organist for the Grand Masonic Lodge of Quebec for over 10 years.
Don is predeceased by his sister Nedra and grandson David. He is survived by his children, Lesley, Bob and Peter, his grandchildren Victoria, Micheal, Chantal, Daniel, Drew, Kristin and James, and his great-grandchildren, Ethen, Elliott and Katherine.
His family would like to thank his special friend Debrah White as well as the staff at the Real Morel for taking wonderful care of Don, it is greatly appreciated.
Instead of flowers, donations can be made at a charity of choice