Don is survived by his loving wife, Carol and children, David (Tanja), Kenton (Melanie), Russ (Janet), and adopted son Bob. Don is also survived by his many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom will miss him.

He will be remembered for his wit, caring, knowledge, wisdom and music (saxophone).

Don grew up on the family farm west of Warner and began his formal education at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC, and continued with a Bachelor of Education from the U of A and his Masters from the U of C. His career began in Edmonton at the Alberta School for the Deaf and Richie Junior High. In Calgary, Don taught at Sherwood Elementary, after which he participated in a school exchange program in York, England.

While in England, Don took his wife and two young sons (#1 and #4) on a motorcycle with sidecar tour of France, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden.

In Calgary, he started the band program at Vincent Massey and was principal of Bob Edward’s elementary where he introduced an open multi-grade program. Don then became principal of Olds Junior/Senior High School.

Don and Carol designed and implemented a program operated from their farm near Water Valley for young men that did not fit conventional school. Participants began with extended wilderness experiences in the Rockies, West Coast Vancouver Island, northern Alberta, and the Yukon. Farm activities included shipping cream, raising hogs, cows/calves, forage, and hay. Don helped his boys set up logging and sawmill operations. Don was also an accomplished contractor.

Don and Carol taught ESL to teachers and engineers in China and traveled the country extensively. Don and Carol played with many dance bands through the years in many communities.

A Celebration of Life will be held at ELKS HALL, 210-4th Avenue, Warner, AB on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.