June 28, 2021
Don - loved godfather and friend, generous supporter of public education and the Anglican church, and wonderful cook, host, and music lover, passed away at his home on June 28, 2021 at 80 years young.
Don was born on the Prairies and raised in Vancouver. His early life focused on his career with Canada Safeway, retiring as senior management for Western Canada. He was also very active in the arts and music world, supporting and attending opera, plays, and jazz music.
He loved antiques, and as a young man put himself through university buying and selling antiques and jewellery. This love of history was something he shared with his friends, teaching all of us how to use unusual silverware and jewellery and he taught us to love and understand the value of one hundred-year-old treasures.
t was always great fun to have dinner with Don and use older things that our quick world today takes no time to think about. Don was always teaching us something and it was truly delightful to share an evening of conversation while sipping champagne from a delicate and beautiful glass. An old world pleasure.
Don settled in Chilliwack as a teacher-he took on a second career as an instructor at what was then Fraser Valley College. He was a favourite amongst the adult educator group-he was known for his focus on what the real world of business demands and the practical application of his teachings.
He taught not just the "numbers" but also how to impress your employer by showing your skills and speaking and dressing as a professional.
Don retired finally in the late 90's, wishing to travel and increase his community service. He volunteered as church warden and treasurer for both the St Thomas church community and the St Johns Anglican Church. He supported and taught for Elder College, volunteered for years at soup kitchen and was a financial supporter for community Arts programs and Chilliwack Senior High school as well as the University of the Fraser Valley.
Don supported youth and learning-he believed that young people should be respected and listened to and that young people and young ideas should be tried. Don was never afraid to try new things.
Don was a true steward-he offered his time, talents and treasures to those around him and the organizations he supported.
Don was also an amazing support for his friends and family. Don had an extended non-traditional family. He always made himself available to those he took under his wing as family.
He was a beloved god father to Georgia and Warren, a strong and loved friend to Lori and Ken, an uncle figure to Dave and the Boker kids, and a wonderful confidante to Donna, Mary, Lorna, Laura, Jenny, and many others.
Don also cared very much about all his wide circle of friends that affection was returned by them. He was so fortunate to have close friends such as Florence, Bertha, Dale and Jordan, Rhonda, Trish, Susan and Bruce and of course his jazz buddies.
Don was very grateful to have these friends in his life and in particular was grateful to Florence and Rhonda for their time, meals, conversation and friendship. He loved his very frequent calls from Dale and Jordan all the way from Australia, and knew he was loved.
The untraditional family he left behind will always benefit from his generous spirit and the kindness and understanding he gave. Don helped us all be better people.
Don was predeceased by his traditional family and by the love of his life Roger Gardner.
A memorial service will be held October 23, 2021 at St John's Anglican Church in Sardis at 2 pm to be followed by a reception. Numbers may have to be limited depending on the provincial health order in place.
A joyful celebration will be held next year also at St John's Anglican Church to celebrate the opening of a labyrinth at the Church bequeathed by Don.