Haws, Donald Ernest, P.Eng.

It is with deep love and sorrow that the family of Don Haws announce his peaceful passing on July 24, 2026, at the age of 90.

Don was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia (née Fellman), whom he cherished deeply and missed every day since her passing. He was also predeceased by his parents, Ernie and Irene Haws.

He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Stephen (Mary), David (Margie), Kathryn (Brett) Chadwick, and Sandra (Rick) Managhan. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Keturah, Amy, Kyle, Michael (Eryn), Emily, and Sarah, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Don was born in North Bay on August 16, 1935, in his parents' homestead. From an early age he developed a love of athletics, particularly hockey, and played for North Bay Collegiate, where he also served as Student Council President in his senior year.

In 1955, Don left North Bay to study Engineering at Queen's University. During his years at Queen's he formed lifelong friendships with classmates that he treasured throughout his life. After graduating in1959, he returned to North Bay to begin his career with Northland Engineering and marry his high school sweetheart, Pat.
Together with Don Euler, he later co-founded Meldon Construction, a company specializing in sewer, water, and road construction that became a major contractor throughout Northern Ontario.

In 1973, Don accepted the position, Director of Plant and Property at Canadore College and Nipissing University during their early shared-campus years. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the planning and development of the campuses of both institutions. One of his greatest professional accomplishments was securing Ministry of Education funding that enhanced student facilities at Canadore College and Nipissing University. It was rare for someone in his position to also play such an instrumental role in obtaining government funding, but Canadore President, Murray Hewgill had complete confidence in Don's leadership, integrity, and vision.

Don's commitment to his profession and community extended well beyond his career. He was a dedicated Rotarian for more than 30 years and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award. He received the prestigious Professional Engineers Ontario Order of Honour (PEO) award for his 40 years of outstanding leadership and service, and generously contributed his time to numerous professional and community committees.

In 1995, Don retired from Canadore College, looking forward to spending more time with his growing family at their beloved home on Trout Lake. However, retirement did not last long. Nipissing University invited him to oversee the construction of three student residences, a project he gladly accepted as the perfect transition into retirement. Today, those residences remain an important part of the university and continue to provide students with an exceptional place to call home.

Don cherished the many lifelong friendships he made throughout his life. Whether sharing stories over coffee, lending a helping hand, or enjoying time together, these friendships brought him immense joy and remained a treasured part of his life.

At the time Don retired, his family continued to grow—with five grandchildren under the age of five and another on the way—Don and Pat embraced their next and perhaps most cherished chapter. Countless memories were made at Trout Lake, where summers were filled with boating, swimming, fishing, campfires, tea parties, laughter, and the simple joy of being together. Those treasured days became the foundation of family traditions that will be remembered for generations.

Above all else, Don was devoted to his family. He led by quiet example, teaching the values of hard work, integrity, kindness, and generosity. He was humble in his accomplishments, steadfast in his love, and happiest when surrounded by those he loved. His legacy lives on not only through the buildings and communities he helped create, but in the lives of his children, grandchildren, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to thank the exceptional staff on Pearl unit at Northern Heights and Dr. Alexis Lemmex for the extraordinary care and creating such an enjoyable home environment for dad. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever in our hearts.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in celebrating Don's life on Tuesday, August 18, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at 100 Elements (lower level D102) on campus of Hewgill Hall at Canadore College, 100 College Drive, North Bay. Reflections and brief speeches sharing stories and memories will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Arrangements entrusted to Martyn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the North Bay Rotary Club https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/148286.
Payment may be made by cheque:
Rotary Club of North Bay
1145 Cassells Street, North Bay ON P1B 4B4