It is with great sadness that we announce the passing away of Don Lauber on January 7, 2015 at the age of 82 years old.
Don was born in Breton Alberta on January 9, 1932 to Joe and Pearl Lauber. He grew up in Breton and lived there until he began working away from home at around the age of 18.
Don moved to B.C in 1954 to work for Pearson Lumber Company along with some other men from around Breton, Alberta. They lived in a logging camp at Taltapine lake. Don returned to Alberta in 1957 and worked in a lumber camp in the Smith, Alberta area. He met Joyce Zamiski who was teaching school in the camp. They were married in 1958 in Edmonton AB and returned to live at Taltapin Lake.
Their first daughter Janet was born October 12, 1958 while at Taltapin Lake. On November 4,1960, a second child was born, a baby boy named Darren Richard Lauber who sadly did not survive at birth. The family then moved to live in a logging camp at Babine Lake along with some of the other men from the Breton area and their families.
Don, Joyce and Janet moved to the town of Burns Lake in the spring of 1962 and their second daughter Donna was born on July 11, 1962. Don worked for the Forestry Department for a period of time, and then began working for a number of years driving heavy machinery for George Hart whom he truly respected and thought very highly of. Their third daughter Shannon was born on April 11, 1965. Shortly after Shannon was born the family moved to a farm in the Palling community which he dearly loved, not only for the great friendly people, but for the beautiful land.
Don started his own road construction company and operated one of the cats until about 1989 when he could no longer drive because of health issues. He continued to run his company for a number of years.
He was diagnosed as having Multiple Sclerosis in the mid 1980's. Don and Joyce lived in Palling at the farm until July, 2006.
Don moved to the Tweedsmuir House in Burns Lake from Palling in 2006. As everyone knows Don did not want to leave his home in Palling and it was a hard time to have to leave Palling not only for him but for the entire family. However due to the wonderful facility, and amazing staff at the Tweedsmuir House he felt at home within 3 weeks and loved living there. This made it much easier for the family to be able to relax knowing how happy he was.
Don moved to the Pines in August 2012 and once again he had a hard time leaving his home at the Tweedsmuir House. However, once he became adjusted to his new home at The Pines he was happy there and we know that he appreciated all of the help that everyone there gave him.
Over the years Don was in the hospital several times for many different reasons. He was always treated with respect and well taken care of.
Don was pre-deceased by his father Joseph Lauber, mother Pearl Lauber,brother Jack Lauber,and sister Marie Hansen.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, 3 daughters Janet Lauber, Donna Hodge (Frank) and Shannon Lauber. Grand daughters, Marley, Dakota and Jenna, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Donations to be made to the M/S society.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held this summer in Burns Lake B.C for Don and we will announce the exact date at a later time.