It is with great sadness our family announces the passing of our father, grandfather, great grandfather.
Don passed to rejoin the love of his life Shirley on March 6, 2021 at the High River hospital with his family present at his side.
Don was born in Huntsville, Ontario on July 22, 1926 to Oliver McKenzie and Ethel May Ward and had four siblings, Jim, Roy, Allen and Mae. The little stone school at Williamsport is where he met his soul mate and partner for life Shirley Edna Birtch. They married on May 22, 1948 and had 3 children, Robert Douglas, Cheryl Ann and Susan Diane. Don was predeceased by his parents, siblings, son Robert Douglas, daughter Cheryl Ann and soulmate of 61 years, Shirley.
Lovingly remembered by his daughter Susan Cooper, son-in-law Brian Cooper, Grandson Eli Cooper, Grandson Isaac Cooper (Jenn Cooper), Great Grandchildren, Madison, Lilia, Caiden and Kylie. Don and/or Uncle Don will be missed by his Brother-in-law, Sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins all who thought of him as a kind and gentle man. He always wanted to know how everyone was.
He owned his own business in Huntsville and retired when he was only 52. Dad and Mom loved to travel and had pretty well covered the continent of North America. They camped, fished, explored and had many adventures year round. Through their travels they met wonderful friends who many of who Dad was still in touch with. They moved from Ontario to Vernon BC to be closer to their children and Grandchildren, then to Nanton, AB. When Mom passed Dad moved to Okotoks where he had many friends and neighbours that visited and card games. He got his little buddy Benji for company and they spent 9 years together as constant companions.
Special thanks to the following people and organizations for your compassion and care: High River Hospital Third Floor Unit, Dr. Adam Vyse, Dr. C. Hoggard and Veteran’s Affairs Canada. You made his life so much more comfortable.
If you wish to honour Don’s memory, the family has chosen the Royal Canadian Legion Nanton Branch #80 as the recipient, P.O. Box 299 Nanton, Alberta T0L 0R0, where Dad has been a member for 17 years or to https://www.legion.ca/donations.
Due to Covid restrictions, we will be having a small private family service for internment, with a Celebration of Life when able, later in the Spring.
To email condolences, please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, High River (403-652-2222).
