Randy McIntosh

​Many of the conversations about Don touch on the same characteristics: integrity, principles and ambition. I was privileged to have worked with Don when I joined the Rotman Research Institute in 1994 and quickly moved into the position of assistant director, helping him build on the vision he crafted. In that role, I got to see these characteristics play out over and over again, learning that if you stick to these, you will gain the respect needed to move things ahead. As I worked with him to expand the institute, we would sometimes get into conflicts over whether we should pursue an opportunity. No matter how prestigious or lucrative the opportunity, these conflicts would resolve when we considered whether it made sense according to the principles and if it would threaten integrity. That would always give us the answer. 

The other characteristic about Don that many mention was his absolute joy for life. He loved to laugh, and share his happiness. He made great efforts to make sure we all enjoyed working together, whether through “vest” or “hat” day or an excursion to the cottage. It was important for him that we actually wanted to be there. No matter how tough the task ahead was, he made sure we had fun.

​Don had great compassion. You saw this when you talked to him. He was genuinely interested in what you had to say no matter who you were. You saw this when you asked someone if they knew him. Their faces would immediately light up as they told their story of how they knew Don. To me, that was the essence that made Don who he was and why he had such a wide positive impact on so many.  Integrity, principles, and ambition are empty without compassion. His compassion welcomed you to share in his vision, and by doing that sharing a bit of your own. That’s what made a him a great leader, and great mentor and a great friend. I will miss him.