Don Northgraves

March 11, 1933 - March 14, 2025

Don passed away at Chilliwack General Hospital after a brief illness.

He is survived by Margaret, his wife of 71 years, daughters Colleen Northgraves and Pat Clark (Neil), grandsons Paul (Katie) and Tony (Jessica) as well as great grandchildren Ember and Casey, who called him Ultimate Poppa. He also leaves his sisters Norma Beer and Jeanne Bacigalupo, nieces, nephews, their families and many, many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents Art and Ethel, stepmother Elsie, and his brother Fred, with whom he was especially close.

Don was born in Stettler AB and moved to Chilliwack as a young child when his family bought a dairy farm on Gillanders Road. Don and Margaret subsequently purchased that farm and operated it for 20 years. He found fulfillment as a dairy farmer, then co-owner of a general store in Savona and lastly as a realtor in Chilliwack. After retirement he and Marg moved to Vernon for 13 years on a happy new adventure before returning to their roots in Chilliwack.

Don satisfied a personal dream when they purchased "the lake house" at Pavilion Lake and for 28 years they shared this special place with family and friends of all ages.

Throughout his life Don was a musician, primarily as an accordion player entertaining generations of dancers at both community and private events. Although he never learned to read music and was notorious with his bandmates for multiple key changes within a song, he kept the dance floor full.

He often said of his life that there was nothing he wouldn't do again. When asked how he was doing, the most common reply was "I'm nigh on to being perfect." As a farmer - philosopher, he had a deep and enduring appreciation for nature. He was loving, kind, funny, patient, honest, generous and humble.

To him, family were friends and friends were family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Brussow for his compassionate care, and the ladies of Modern Day Home Health Care for their respect, support, kindness and friendship for Don.

A celebration of Don's well-lived life will be held on Monday, May 5 from 1 to 4 pm at the Chilliwack Curling Club, 45550 Spadina Avenue, Chilliwack.