I met Don when we were on the 172nd FBI National Academy and I recognised him immediately as a fellow "colonial."
Don and Kay had a holiday around New Zealand in 2011 and came and stayed with us a few months after the big earthquake that hit this city. I gave them the rules about what to do in the highly probable event of another shake while they were with us. Sure enough, in the middle of the night we got belted with yet another 5.0+ shake. When it stopped, I rushed downstairs to check on the guests. There they were, still in bed, with the duvet pulled up against their chins and looking more than just a little bit terrified.
Next morning they headed off on the South Island tourist route in their rented car. I headed off on my Gold Wing motorcycle with them following me to get them on the route out of the city and on their way. At the very last turn to get on the highway heading south, I made a right, checked the mirrors and they had disappeared. Don had made a right but into the right (i.e. wrong) lane on a divided highway! How he extricated himself I do not know. I never saw him again until 2014, when they drove to Maine and met us on our Autumn Leaf tour of New England.
Don had a distinguished police career but we shared a long-time commitment to helping the poor through our shared involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society. A man of compassion and sharing.
It is with a sad heart that we recently heard of Don's death. He was a true gentleman.
His contribution and support of The Marguerite Centre was unwavering. His quiet wisdom and clear thinking coupled with compassion was so appreciated. He faithfully accompanied us on the Board over many years.
It is a tribute to Don and the other generous and gifted Board Members over the years that the Marguerite Centre is still very much involved in the lives of women in recovery.
Kay we offer you and your family our sympathy and prayers. Thank you for supporting us also through the years as you accompanied Don to the many events held for and at The Marguerite Centre.
Blessings and love, Srs Mary and Connie
Dear Kay,
We (Donna and Gerry) have just returned from a 2 week vacation abroad and learned the sad news of Don’s passing. We are so sorry to have missed his funeral and to have been able to offer you our condolences in person. We have so many fond memories of you and Don in our Sacred Heart church community in Timberlea. We will miss our occasional encounters with Don when we are out and about. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers over the coming days. Take care.
Donna and Gerry Boulos
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We have fond memories of sharing time together with both Don and Kay when we visited Nova Scotia.
Our thoughts are with the family.
God Bless.
Merv and Sue Andrews
To the Family of Don,
It was my pleasure to cut Don's hair for many years at Papa's Moustache Barber Shop. Many stories were shared over the years that he came to the shop. We knew many Officers former and retired that had nothing but great words for Don. We had many conversations about health and how thankful he was to have led the life he had and have the support of his family. He was missed when he was no longer able to come see us. I will always remember his smile and always his well wishes for the day.
Our deepest condolences to you all
Wanda and Lindsay
Papa's Moustache Barber Shop
To Don's family, I want you to know that he and I worked together as Sergeants on #4 Platoon . Don was a very good friend. We shared many experiences together. I will never forget his friendship. Don was an integral person.
Gerald Zinck
Kay and Family.
I was so sorry to hear about Donnie.i have such great memories of our early years in halifax. I enjoy our phone calls the last few years. Sending prayers your way.
Louis Brow
Thinking of you Kay, Joanne and Doug. You are all a beautiful family and Don and Kay were one of our first friends when we came to Halifax in 1964 We kept contact all the years and now there is a missing link. RIP DEAR Don. You were a truly wonderful man and a beautiful friend
John & Maureen Wood
Ottawa, Ont
Sending condolences to Donnie's family. I have lots of great memories of the times we spent together. We lived together when I first moved to Halifax and always enjoyed our phone calls the last few years.
Loius Brow
Kay,Joanne and Doug,
Our condolences to the Boudreau Family at this very difficult time.
Don was a long time friend and a fine example of professional police officer.
From a policing point of view he was seen to be a loyal team member guiding the Halifax Police Department in its public profile as a modern well trained force.
Don was not only proud of his career choice however only superseded by his outspoken love of family.
Don would often say to me,”You know Vince,I’m blessed”. And now I would add to that ,we were blessed having him in our lives !
Vince/Florence
A very special human being.........
During my tenure as the last Chief of Police in Dartmouth,, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with Don on several occasions, most often dealing with the work that we did together or in support of each other. Those meetings took on the important task of organizing the Police Service that would become HRP as a result of the amalgamation of the municipalities. Don’s quiet demeanour helped to keep those meetings on track and in control. His pleasant personality encouraged others to work toward a goal of cooperation and meeting the needs of all police participants as well as the municipalities that were being combined. He was a credit to the organization he served so well and was a reliable friend and confidant. He was certainly “one of the good guys”.
Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Don Boudreau. My late husband was also a Police Officer and worked with Don. Don was a perfect gentleman
at least that is what I saw.
I never got to meet his son and maybe his daughter once. His wife Kay as I knew her and some others used to go to The Police dances.
May the memories of your Father and Husband provide comfort and ease your sorrow.
Sincerely Eva
Our condolences to Donnie's family. I still remember as a kid, him going to play hockey with my brother Johnnie and when he first starting dating Kay. He was such a nice person.
Dear Family,
Our hearts go out to you, as we extend our deepest sympathy to you all.
Donnie was extraordinarily special to each and every one of us, in an individual, unique way.
I always felt that he was the head of our MacDonald line, someone I looked up to, a natural leader.
My Mum and Dad, Aunt Maggie and Uncle Ambrose, they absolutely adored him, I know they thought of him as another son…and when he visited, the first thing that came out was the crib board…and the laughing would begin!
I am so very sure that if the crib board hasn’t come out, it soon will.
Marlene, Scott, Marlo and Rick
It is with great sadness we learned of the passing of Uncle Don. He was a man of fine character, a great husband and father, and a great leader in the police community. He always minimized his declining health situation while focusing on his beloved wife Kay's well being. He will be sorrowfully missed by all. A donation in his memory has been made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Joan & Jim Levangie
Kay, Joanne and Doug,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Don’s recent passing. I was fortunate to have worked with him at the Captain William Spry Community Centre in Spryfield. He was an amazing gentleman who was well thought of and respected by everyone. I will always remember his sense of humour, positivity and thoughtfulness. I have many fond memories I will hold close of the time worked at the Community Centre. He will always be remembered fondly, God Bless, Keeping you close in thought and prayer,
Brenda Murphy Jollymore
My condolences to Don's Family, his Wife Kay, Daughter Joanne and Son Doug. Don was a great friend when we were on the Police Department and after we Retired we stayed in touch having coffee together, he would often phone to check on me.I never heard him say a bad word about any Police Officer or Staff he worked with. He was a good and honest Police Officer.
Don my you R.I.P your friend John Bowser
Don always walked multiple times on the beach,everyday,when we stayed in Indian Shores in Florida. He was so active and fit. But most of all, he was kind and always said “ How are you folks doing?” He will be greatly missed.
Jan and Rich
We met Don and Kay when they moved into our apartment building on Solutions Dr. They were the kindness, caring people . We enjoyed many chats and visits over the years. Don was always so pleasant no matter what health issues he was dealing with. My husband shared tea biscuits and cookies he made which they both enjoyed. In the last couple of months Don would just drop in for a little visit which we always enjoyed. Our condolences go to Kay, Joanne and Doug and his family. We will certainly miss him and have fond memories of both Don and Kay. Rest in peace Don.
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Kay, Joanne, Doug and family on Don's passing. Words are not adequate to express my sorrow for your loss.
I enjoyed many occasions and good times at your home and great conversations with Don.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Marian T. MacKinnon
Kay, Joanne and Doug,
Our prayers and condolences on Don's passing. Don was such a fine gentleman and wonderful person to be around that it was certainly difficult to say "no" if he asked you to help him with one of his volunteer projects. Consequently I, along with others, wound up working with Don for a number of years on the Parish Council and/or the Maintenance Committee of Sacred Heart Church in Timberlea. The man's charisma also got me involved, later in life, in another one of his volunteer charities for a number of years. These were all wonderful experiences and times, thanks to Don. May he now rest in peace. God bless.
Carey and Anne McFeters
Public Statement on Behalf of the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners
On behalf of the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, I extend our deepest condolences to Chief Boudreau’s family, friends, and former colleagues. His remarkable 34 years of service to the Halifax Police Department, culminating in his leadership as Chief, left a lasting impact on both the organization and the community he so faithfully served.
As the last Chief before amalgamation, Chief Boudreau played a significant role in shaping the legacy of municipal policing in Halifax. It is a testament to his character and leadership that, even decades after his retirement, he is so fondly remembered by many within Halifax Regional Police.
Please know that we join you in mourning his loss and honouring his lifetime of dedication to public safety.
With sympathy,
Greg O’Malley, Chair
Halifax Board of Police Commissioners
May I offer my sincere sympathy and prayers to Don's family I met Don in the early years of the Community Police Service in Halifax. He always impressed me with his fairness, calm strength and insight in dealing with people. His wisdom and humanity was valued by many who also worked in the community of Spryfield at the time. After my own retirement I had opportunity to see these qualities again as he continued to serve others through the Board of the Marguerite Centre. You must miss him greatly but we were all blessed to know him . Kay Ann Meagher
Dear Kay;
Don was a wonderful, supportive guide and mentor when he represented the then St. Leonard’s NS on the SLSC Board. I have many good memories of working with him and enjoying your gracious hospitality when I came to Halifax. With my sincere condolences.
Elizabeth White
To Doug and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Although I hadn't met him, hearing you talk about him told me a lot. Keeping your family in our thoughts.
Roger Miller
Dear Kay and family,
I met Don 35 years ago and so appreciated his presence in the community. He was a good listener and always respectful and kind, no matter with whom or where he was. After his retirement it was really nice to meet up with him unexpectedly somewhere. His smile touched me always.
I hope you find peace in knowing he is in eternal peace.
love and prayers,
Joan
Don’s family:
My condolences on Don’s passing. I met Don after the amalgamation of three police forces. I was immediately struck with Don’s appearance, his uniform was pristine. Don was a true gentleman and treated people fair and equal. He served his community with pride and professionalism. Keep your fond and happier memories close to your hearts.
Kind Regards:
Charlie A. Verge
My condolences to the Boudreau family on the loss of Don. I met Don when I joined the Police Department in 1979 and was fortunate enough to work for him various times diring my 36 year career. He was a role model and someone I had the greatest respect for. He was a fantastic leader and was always willing to listen, give sound advice and direction, and always fair with everyone. Truly a real gentleman and someone I enjoyed working with and for. He will certainly be missed. May he rest in peace.
It was a privelege knowing and befriending Don for a good part of our lives. He was a caring, loving and gentle person who treated everyone with respect and it was my good fortune to have had a visit and coffee with him a short time ago. May he rest in peace.
Bob Harrop
The family of Donald Augustine BOUDREAU uploaded a photo
Dear Family
So very sorry for the loss of a very dear,kind gentleman.
I first met Don at the Captain Spry Center when our Public Health office and the Community Police Office were there. Though conversations we realized that we shared other friends who vacationed in Florida with them,( always such a small world) and shared friends who lived in the same apartment as them on Solutions.
Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time , sending prayers ,
Sincerely
Shirley Williams
We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Doug, Joanne, Aunt Kay and the rest of the family. May Uncle Don rest in peace. May Jesus guide you on your journey home.
Deborah and Boes Winkel
2025-05-05
To all of Don’s family & friends;
I was fortunate to have worked with Don for many years within the ranks of the Halifax Regional Police Service.
Don was not just an excellent police officer, he was an excellent father, husband and friend to so many.
Don always had time for everyone, and he always left you feeling better after speaking with him.
Don loved his family and he always speaking of their accomplishments through their lives.
We have lost a beautiful soul here on Earth, but I know that St Michael has a new recruit in Heaven.
I was privileged to have known and worked alongside of Don
God’s best
Pam & Michael P Spearns
