Sydney, NS
June 26, 1957 – September 14, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of D.A. Landry on September 14th, 2024.
Born Donald Allan on June 26th, 1957, to Doug and Eileen Landry, he was raised in Sydney.
A graduate of Sydney Academy, he majored in French at St. Francis Xavier University. During his university years, D.A. participated in Canada World Youth, spending time in remote Canadian communities and Senegal, West Africa. He was subsequently awarded a scholarship to further his study of French at the Université de Besancon in France. These experiences were formative as they sparked an interest in language, culture, and the importance of local and global communities.
D.A. earned a Law degree from Dalhousie University. He began his career in public service in Ottawa and later returned to Sydney to work at Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. A lifelong learner, he continued his education, receiving a Master’s degree from the University of Alberta.
Above all, D.A. was a loving husband and father. When D.A. and Anne Frances first met in grade eight, they didn’t know their friendship would develop into a great love. Their interests and personalities complemented each other in every way. D.A. would say that he married his best friend and dancing partner. Because of his caring nature, fatherhood came naturally to D.A. He was a devoted father to his three children, Pierre (P.J.), Nicholas, and Carmen.
Known for his benevolence, D.A. was generous with his time and talent. He contributed to his community as a Sydney Sunrise Rotary Club charter member. Serving in several roles, including president, he was recognized for his service when his club named him a Paul Harris Fellow. D.A.’s early experience with youth exchange programs fostered an interest in providing others with the same opportunities. He volunteered as a board member and chair of Crossroads International. He acted as youth exchange coordinator for his Rotary club, where he and his family were frequent hosts to exchange students from all over the world.
D.A. had a lifelong love of music, starting as a choir boy at Sacred Heart Church. He was known for his beautiful tenor voice and was a longstanding member of the Cape Breton Chorale. He enjoyed skiing with his children and friends, from Ben Eoin to the Alps. His boundless sense of adventure led to many memorable trips with his family and friends. With D.A. planning the itinerary, you’d never know where you might end up, but you could be assured of unique experiences and good times.
He will be forever remembered as a man of faith, strength, and courage who loved his family and valued his friendships. He was known for his calm presence, optimistic outlook on life, quick wit, and sense of humor. He was a gentle man who did ordinary things with extraordinary love.
He will be dearly missed by his wife Anne Frances D’Intino, children, Pierre (P.J.), Nicholas and Carmen, brother Colin (Barbara) Landry, his sisters-in-law Brenda Landry and Yolanda D’Intino, his brother-in-law Carmen (Nancy) D’Intino and his nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Paul, and great niece Liberty Murphy.
D.A. and his family are grateful to the many healthcare professionals who provided him with exceptional care throughout his journey and the many individuals who provided the family with unwavering support.
To honour D.A.’s commitment to giving back, those who wish may consider making a donation to Rotary International, the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, or a charity of your choosing.
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