Memorable Manitobans: William Norval “Bill” Donald (1914-1980)

Educator.

Born at Harte on 15 September 1914, youngest son of Alexander Martin Donald and Margaret Ann Shaw, he was educated at Winnipeg, receiving BA, BEd, and MEd (1963) degrees from the University of Manitoba. During the Second World War, he served from 1942 to 1946 with the Canadian Army, being discharged with the rank of Major.

During a 45-year working career, he worked in the Winnipeg School Division as a teacher at Faraday School (1940-1942), Greenway School (1946-1948), General Wolfe School (1949-1952), and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate (1952-1955). He served as the Principal of Sir William Osler School (1955-1959), George V School (1959-1965), and Cecil Rhodes School (1965-1967). He was Superintendent of Elementary Schools (1967-1973) then Associated Superintendent (1973-1980). He retired in 1980.

He and wife Alexandrina Emily Maclean (1918-2011) had five children. He was a Director of the Rotary Club of Winnipeg, Age and Opportunity Centre, Mount Carmel Clinic, and Society for Crippled Children and Adults of Manitoba. He was an elder for St. Andrew’s River Heights United Church. In recognition of his community service, he was made a Life Member of the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents and was given a City of Winnipeg Community Service Award (?).

He died at the St. Boniface Hospital on 9 October 1980.

Sources:

Birth registration, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

“3 school areas approved,” Winnipeg Free Press, 9 March 1973, page 7.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 14 October 1980, page 74.

Obituary [Alexandrina Emily Maclean Donald], Winnipeg Free Press, 11 October 2011, page 28.

We thank Kim Griffin and Nathan Kramer for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 3 February 2024

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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