Donald Ralph (Don) was taken from us very suddenly on September 24, 2005 while out for his nightly swim at the Canada Games Pool.
Don will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 50 years Claudette; four children: Kim (Glenn), Donna (Allan), Greg (Susan) and Diana (Israel); seven grandchildren: Jason (Nicole), Cheryl (Matt), Lynda, Ashley, Adam, Diego and Alexis; two great-grandchildren: Rosie and Elijah.
Predeceased by his father Harold; two brothers Leonard and Albert; nephew Albert Jr., and is survived by his mother Irene, brother Francis (Lorelle) and sister Marilyn.
Born in Burns Lake, BC, on September 8, 1935, Donald moved with his family to Kimberley and then to Creston where he received most of his education and graduated from Prince Charles High School in 1953. After graduation, he worked for the Co-op. Don married Claudette on January 22, 1955 and together they moved to Riondel, BC, where Don began working as a miner at the Bluebell Mine. Shortly after the mine shut down in 1972, Don moved with his wife and children to “the coast”, New Westminster, BC. He completed the building construction course at BCIT and worked in the construction industry until 1977. From 1977 until his retirement in 1995, Don worked for the Government of BC as a Rehabilitation Officer. In retirement, Don and Claudette enjoyed many trips abroad. Dad’s first and foremost passion was the happiness and success of his family. Dad took much pride in the cultural diversity of his family. He not only accepted it, but embraced it - trekking through the Philippines and listening to Spanish language tapes.
Dad thanks to you we are all settled. We are happy and we will be okay. Our lives are better for having you in them. You did your job, and then some. The strength of your love pulled us through the tough times and made the good times even better. Your spirit and zest for life will live on forever in our hearts, and we know you will always be watching over us, your faithful video camera always in hand.
A Celebration of Life reception was held on Thursday, September 29, 2005. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation. Columbia-Bowell Chapel 604-521-4881.