in m e m ori a m
Don Henderson 1945–2022
It was with great sadness that I heard of Don’s passing on February 13 at the age of 76 with his family by his side. I first met Don 31 years ago at an ITE Greater Vancouver Section meeting. He quickly became a great ITE mentor of mine and we collaborated on many initiatives over the years to strengthen the Canadian presence and identity within the ITE family. Don graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Science (Civil Engineering) in 1967 and started his career with the Metropolitan Winnipeg Streets and Traffic Department. In 1970, Don returned to university to obtain his Master of Science Degree from Texas A&M University where he also worked for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. In 1972, Don joined the Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton then became the Traffic Management Engineer for the City of Vancouver in 1977. There, he was project manager for the first computer-based signal system in British Columbia. In 2000, Don joined Bunt & Associates Engineering Ltd. as a Senior Transportation Engineer. Later, he started his own company and continued to work until he retired in 2015. Don loved his work as a transportation engineer. He was a guest lecturer at The University of British Columbia and served as chairman of the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control (NCUTC) for Canada. Don received the Transportation Association of Canada / Association des transports du Canada Award for chairing the NCUTC and the
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preparation of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada. As a member of the NCUTC and other TAC committees, Don provided sound advice in preparing guidelines for geometric design, traffic calming, pedestrian standards, temporary traffic control, and provincial guide signs. Don was a dedicated member of ITE for over 40 years. He held several elected offices including ITE Greater Vancouver Section President; CITE Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Past President; and Canadian representative on the ITE International Board of Direction. He served on many committees (including Co-Chair of the 2010 ITE Annual Meeting in Vancouver), published and presented papers for ITE events, and served as moderator at many ITE conferences. In 2009, Don was a very proud recipient of CITE’s most prestigious award, the H. Robert Burton Distinguished Service Award, recognizing a notable career in the field and dedicated service to CITE. Don was a steadfast, consistent, and trustworthy member of ITE and in 2010, became the second Canadian recipient of ITE’s highest honour—the Burton W. Marsh Award for Distinguished Service—for his long-term contributions to the Institute and the transportation industry. Don’s family has requested that any donations in his honour be made to the Richmond Hospital Foundation or Parkinson Society British Columbia. Don will be forever remembered. Generously contributed by Jan Voss, former President of CITE
