The Story of Donald Allan McCormick
As told to us by his parents, with poetry by his sister Colleen

Don's life was short, but he accomplished much and he influenced the lives of all those who knew him well. Don was born on August 17, 1952. His grandfather had a farm and even as a child he loved animals. By the time he was 8 years old he had his heart set on being a veterinarian. Don was as determined with this early goal as he was with every goal he set thereafter. Being the first of his family tree to attend university, Don set an example for all his siblings and cousins that followed. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Agriculture in 1974, then from the University of Saskatchewan, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1979.

Never lacking in courage, Don opened Hill 'n Dale Animal Hospital in December, 1979, with no prior experience or education in business development/management. He also became a partner in Caufield Animal Hospital in West Vancouver in 1989. Both businesses prospered. His clients remember him because he cared.

Don's determination was legendary by this time. He set goals and he followed through. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 and with AIDS in 1989. One year after he began to show the immunosuppressive effects of HIV, he decided he was going to run a marathon. He trained for 6 months before completing the Vancouver Marathon in 1990. Wow! He was also determined to conquer the virus. This was probably the only goal he was not successful in, but it wasn't for lack of trying. When he was diagnosed with HIV, he took control of his attitude, his nutrition, and his treatments. He found out all that he could about AIDS, including many experimental therapies. He was diligent about tracking all his blood results and his response to different medications. Don persevered even when results were not promising and survived a life-threatening complication with pneumonia early in his illness.

Don influenced the lives of others by setting a great example of how to live your life. His heart was gentle and caring. Cards of remembrance and thanks for his acts of kindness still arrive at Hill 'an Dale Animal Hospital today. Family sharing, caring and tradition were always very important to the man. He was the one we went to when we needed encouragement. He was always there for you. His daughter, Sara Erin, was born in 1977. He loved her dearly. It was his greatest fear that he would die before she got to know him. It was his greatest wish that she would always be a part of his extended family.

Despite this soft side, Don was tons of fun. He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer, sometimes the silence of a long hike deep in the woods, and sometimes skiing, kayaking, white water rafting, or sailing. There is not much Don did not experience of life. Risk-taking was in his blood, from parachuting to risky decisions in business. He also loved to travel and saw much of the world. His home glowed with his appreciation of art, music and fine things. He played the piano from a young age and is remembered for leading the family in Christmas carols year after year.

Don is admired for the determination with which he lived his life. The legacy he left his siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends is his belief that you must "take chances and enjoy life, but always take care of each other". Those of us close to Don are better people for having known him.

Don passed away December 9, 2003. "In all that we are, in all that we do, his love is our gentle companion".

"My Brother"

Don was a kind and generous man who deeply changed the lives of many of us. I know I am a better person because of his influence. To me he was:

My brother when I needed unconditional love
and my companion when I was afraid to be alone,

My inspiration when I was growing up
and my teacher when I was struggling with our profession,

My proudest fan when I achieved
and my good friend when I wanted to celebrate,

My counselor when I was undecided
and my guardian when I went the wrong way,

My conscience when I showed prejudice
and my support when I felt defeated,

My strength when he was sick and suffering
and my deepest sorrow now that he is gone.

My brother Don
I love him and I will miss him.

Colleen

Donald Allan McCormick on the Memorial