Donald Lynn in an undated photo that accompanied the news article published upon his death. Source: Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

Donald J. Lynn

1907-1953

Donald J. Lynn, born in Arnprior, served for 10 years as Secretary of Local 180 until his sudden death at age 46, on April 23, 1953. Upon Lynn’s death, Allan Saunders, President of Local 180, described him as “a most valuable member of our union.”

Before World War II, Lynn led his own orchestra. During the war, he worked at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and was active with Allard de Ridder in the long preparations to establish the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra. After the war, Lynn’s job as Secretary of Local 180 became a full-time position.

The Ottawa Citizen featured a photo of Lynn alongside fellow Local 180 representatives John De Falco and Harry Gossage at the 52nd annual convention of the American Federation of Musicians in 1949.

His funeral was attended by officers of the Local 180 and various members of the musical community who worked closely with him, including Eugene Kash, conductor of the Ottawa Philharmonic Orchestra; Clifford Tripp, dance band leader; Cammie Howard, leader of popular dance bands and the Western Five; Sol Max, violinist with the Ottawa Philharmonic; and Lawrence Freiman, President of the A. J. Freiman Department Store and President of the Ottawa Philharmonic.

Kevin James