Don was born in Nordegg, Alberta and raised in Red Deer. He graduated from SAIT with a Diploma of Technology in Electronic Technology in 1968. He continued his education at the University of Calgary graduating in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He started his teaching career in Castlegar, BC then moved to Victoria where he taught Computer Science at Camosun College for 30 years. He was a lifelong Ham radio enthusiast connecting with many people including King Hussein of Jordan. At age 23 while travelling around the South Seas, he brought radio to Tonga. He also lived and worked in Iran for a period. Don was an accomplished musician playing both acoustic guitar and accordion. He loved to cook and had a vast array of secret delicious recipes. He was an enthusiastic hockey dad always cheering on his children. He was a kind, gentle and generous man devoted to his family and friends and he just wanted the world to be a happy place.
Don is survived by his loving wife Lorraine, his children Laura and Jeff, his stepchildren Darren and Brent (Laurie) and grandchildren, as well as many cousins and lifelong friends.
Thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at RJH for the care and kindness they provided Don in his last days.
A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at McCall’s Downtown, Johnson and Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson’s Society British Columbia would be gratefully appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
18 Responses
Dear Jeff, Laura and Lorraine & family.
We were very saddened at the news of Don’s passing and wish to convey our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our neighbour Don, and his family, will always be remembered, as they were first to welcome us in our new home in 2001. I enjoyed chatting with Don often in his front yard or when I called to have my son Adam sent home. He will be remembered and missed, for the kind gentle soul he was. Our thoughts are with you all, at his difficult time.
Having worked with Don on variety of tech projects, Don was always optimistic and the most supportive person on the team. Don would always seek success and commit his time and resources as necessary often going beyond what was asked of him. His entrepreneurial spirit, openness to new ventures, and kindness in business made him one of kind. I will miss Don and hope that one of these projects bears his name some day. My deepest condolences to Lorraine and family. Murray.
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Don. We had many great times with Don and Lorraine, enjoying his creative and delicious food creations. Along with fine wine and entertaining conversation there was never a dull moment. He will be sadly missed.
Your Name
Georgina and Larry Schonert
Lorraine, Laura and Jeff. My sincere condolences. Don will be missed.
Darrell Cho
Thinking of all Don’s family and the many friends this genuine man had, with hipes that there is comfort felt and strength given for now and the times to come.
Don was one of those cousins that I didn’t get to be around much. I wish I had. Through my brothers that did know him well we were always updated, and told of how special he was. Even though our paths didn’t cross often, Don was family, and that makes him special to our hearts. Our condolences to the family. He will be missed.
Lorainne and family,
Chris and I are sorry for your loss. Don was a gentle, kind and friendly person who we were fortunate enough to have had the privalage Of meeting the few times he passed through on your trips to Alberta. Please know that we are thinking of you all.
Dana, Chris, Calem and Logan Geddes
Lorraine, our thoughts are with you & your family at this time.