TORONTO—The Canadian design community is mourning the loss of one of its visionaries, Don Watt, who died “suddenly and unexpectedly” on December 23 at age 73, according to an obituary which ran last Saturday in the Toronto Star.

Known for revolutionizing retail design, Watt’s proudest career moment was designing the Canadian flag, according to the Star. Chosen by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson, Watt's design featured "a realistic representation of a red maple leaf, flanked by two solid blue bands representing 'from sea to sea,'" reads the Star obituary. “Pearson changed the blue bands to red, saying to Don, ‘this is a Liberal flag.' Don’s design, until recently, was credited to a design committee. However, it is now recognized as his work by leading international and Canadian news and design publications.”

Errol Saldanha, founder of the Communication Designers of Toronto (CDOT), says one thing he’ll remember about Watt is that he always made time for people. “I remember phoning him as a young designer when he was in the old Watt building and being very surprised when his assistant put me through to him and he invited me in to talk to him,” says Saldanha. “I thought, ‘wow, this guy is such a tycoon in the industry and he is making time to see me personally.'” CDOT recognized Watt’s accomplishments as a design pioneer at a special ceremony last April.

A memorial service and celebration of Watt’s life is being planned for a later date. Details will be posted here as they become available.