Dr. Donald Ernest Malcolm Glendenning

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Donald E. M. Glendenning, who died on February 10, 2026, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, at the age of 96.

Born on September 8, 1929, in Black River Bridge, New Brunswick, Don was the youngest of nine children of Elmer Alton Glendenning and Jane Elizabeth Jardine (Watling) Glendenning. Family and community shaped his life, and he remained deeply connected to his roots in New Brunswick.

Known affectionately as “Dr. G.,” Don devoted his life to education and public service. After teaching and federal government work in Ottawa, he moved to Prince Edward Island in 1969 to become the inaugural President of Holland College, serving for 18 years. Under his leadership, Holland College established the Culinary Institute of Canada and the Atlantic Police Academy, along with other major programs and institutions. His honours included the Order of Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Platinum Medal, and an honorary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island. In 2006, Holland College named Glendenning Hall in his honour. Don was widely known as a kind and beloved person, with a strong commitment to serving his family and community, especially in expanding educational opportunity for Islanders.

Don was predeceased by his wife, Carol Louise (Chesney) Glendenning (2025), and by all of his siblings: Grace Elizabeth (Smith), Walter Jubal, Venetia Katherine (Russell), Lillian Elspeth (Weeks), John Franklin, Elinor Jean (Taylor), Kenneth Elmer, and Norman Peters Glendenning.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Brian (Marie) Glendenning and Janet (Michael Spollen) Glendenning; his grandchildren, Lisa Glendenning and Laura Glendenning; his great-grandchild, Astrid Tegtmeier; and by extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Belvedere Funeral Home on February 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., with a reception immediately following. There will be no visitation. A graveside service and reception will be held in New Brunswick in the summer of 2026, with date and time to be announced. The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be accessed by the following link: Remembering Donald. Should you require assistance with accessing the livestream, please call 1-877-895-2739.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don’s memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.