In Loving Memory Of
Donald Joseph Biffin
It is with heavy hearts and disbelief that we announce the sudden passing of our father, brother and friend, Donald Joseph Biffin, resident of smith, AB, who passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 70 years young.
Donald was born on October 9, 1950, and raised in Verdun, Montreal, QC, and spent much of his life in Labrador City, NL, where he worked for the Iron Ore Company of Canada for over thirty years.
Affectionately known as Donnie, he was a loyal family man to both blood and chosen family, maintaining friendships that endured many decades. A lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan, he welcomed everyone with an open heart and open arms.
His children will be forever grateful for his selfless sacrifices and various life lessons, such as the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, to treat family as family regardless of the past, to call each and every adult “Mr. and Mrs.” aunts and uncles “Aunt” and “Uncle” and not just by their first name, and how making homemade fly dope is better than anything you can buy at the store (no joke).
We’re still not sure how he was able to drive, on many occasions, with his four young children over a journey of hundreds of kilometres from Labrador City to Montreal, the USA, and all across Newfoundland (can you imagine?) to ensure we maintained ever-important family bonds.
Donald will be remembered for being kind and always happy. He truly was one of a kind. He had a heart of pure gold and was a true gentle man. He was extremely generous, giving many times, even when he didn’t have for himself. He didn’t care much about material things. He had a heart almost as big as his character, and if you were fortunate enough to have met him, you liked him right away. He was just that kind of person.
He was a renowned distributor of cookies to the neighbourhood dogs and was lovingly referred to as “Grandpa Don” by many children who were not his actual grandchildren. He may have called you “Double-trouble”, but don’t take offence; it was his nickname for all the kids.
The world truly lost one of its finest.
A global pandemic may have kept us from gathering to say goodbye in person, but it won’t rob us of the loving memories we have and will cherish for eternity.
His love, uniqueness and spirit will live on through his children forever. He gave them gifts that are more precious than anything in this world. You will always live on in their hearts, and they will love you forever and always.
Donnie will be forever missed by his four children: Jackie (Scott) of Annapolis Valley, NS; Milton (Erin) of St. John’s, NL; Michael (Lindsey) of Carbonear, NL; and Mary (Kyle) of smith; 7 grandchildren: Claire, Alexandre, Noah, Nathan, Gauge, Wyatt and Bentley; brothers Milton of Montreal and Raymond of Montreal; as well as other family members and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his mother Mary O’Connor; father John Milton Biffin; sister Alice (Akie) Slaney-Makowiecki; and Margaret “(Margot) Slaney-Crumbly.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donald Joseph Biffin October 9 1950 January 9 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta