Don was born in the logging hamlet of Winfield, Alberta, in 1935, a time when men like his dad, George, earned .25 cents an hour at the lumber mill, paid .75 cents a tin for tobacco and .05 cents for chocolate bars and gum. He was the eldest son in his family with four siblings: Doreen, Darlene, Dwayne & Dennis.

In December 1943, Don was eight years old, his father was offered a partnership in the Brule Lumber Co. and the family left Winfield to settle in the logging camp of Brule, Alberta. Six months after arriving, the camp became host to over 100 German prisoners of war and World War I veterans were posted as Canadian guards.

In this unique community of logging men, POW's and WWI veterans, Don grew up driving CAT dozers, clearing roads, and playing 'war' in the hills of Brule. His sister, Doreen, fondly remembers him running to the top of the hill to play shoot the soldier and then racing back down to play the soldier who got shot. 

Don's adventures of growing up in Brule were thoroughly enjoyed by all who had the pleasure of listening to him, when on occasion he would break from his quiet, smiling contentment and spin a story by the campfire.

I'm almost certain it must have been in this dashing manner that he won over his wife, Shirley. They were married on May 20, 1961 in a quiet ceremony in Banff, Alberta. 

Together Don and Shirley travelled the world, leaving footprints throughout Europe, South America, Asia, the Mediterranean, and Caribbean. But of all the sights they saw, their favourite and most treasured spot was their cabin at Lake Wabamun. When Don wasn't at home with his wife and children, David and Deborah, he was enjoying the pipeline business at Banister Pipelines. He worked on projects from Alaska to Louisiana. In his office you would find a large collection of model tractor-bulldozer pipeline equipment. 

However, for the last 35 years it was at the lake, surrounded by friends and family where Don and Shilrey were both the happiest: with gardens to tend, lawn to mow, trees to manicure, parties to throw, weddings to host, and marshmallows to roast. A hard days work typically ended with happy hour, a barbeque, and a bonfire. 

It is in these loving memories that we will all cherish Don and his time spent with us. As per Don's request, some of his ashes will be spread at the original homestead in Brule along with his brother, Dwayne's. The remaining will be kept at the lake alongside Shirley's.