August 15, 1939 – December 7, 2021
Don started his life in Edam, Saskatchewan, about 40 miles north of North Battleford. He and his parents left the farm in 1957, heading west to join relatives in Kamloops, BC.
In the spring of 1958, at the age of 18, Don joined the Army. He became a Gunner with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. He was with the Regiment in Winnipeg for three years. While serving, he participated in Track & Field and was on the Boxing Team. Alas, Army life was not in his future, so July 1961 he was Honourably Discharged and moved back to Kamloops.
It was here one summer night in 1961 that Don went to a country dance; the Thompson Valley Boys were playing. There a young girl caught his eye and he was smitten; in 1963, Bernice became his bride. Together they started their life together, a love story that spanned over 58 years. It wasn’t long before they welcomed two sons in quick succession and their lives became full and busy.
Before he knew it, Don was taking the Boys to their hockey games, camping, teaching them to fish and helping them develop a true appreciation for the beauty of nature.
In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Don’s sons grew into fine men, getting married themselves and starting their own families. Nothing gave Don more happiness and pride than being Gedo to four precious grandchildren and to three great grandchildren, each of whom he often called by their own special nicknames, an unbreakable bond they each shared with him.
Wanting to be sure of his ability to provide for a future wife and family, Don began to work as a Labourer with the Town of North Kamloops in 1962. After the North Kamloops & Kamloops amalgamation in 1967 Don became classified as a Truck Driver and went from #15 on the Seniority List to Number #150. “Oh, well; it is what it is” he would say.
Being industrious and a hard-worker, Don became an Equipment Operator shortly thereafter and operated everything from paving machines (not like today’s) to a muck stick (shovel). He enjoyed his years with the City; there was lots of variety to keep it interesting. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Don went on to become the Streets Foreman, a job he had great respect for, knowing that people’s safety depended on quality work often in difficult circumstances and knowing he had a hard-working crew on which he could depend. It was from this position in 1996, after a career spanning more than 34 years that Don retired, satisfied nothing was left undone. He would tell you he worked with good people, made some great friends and that he would do it all over again.
Don had a bit of a car bug and in the early years of marriage he got involved in stock car racing. First on a dirt track in Barnhartvale, but later onto a new and paved track at Schiedam Flats. All the young wives and their little ones watched some awesome, exciting races. GO #99 GO!
Always the sports enthusiast, when his sons were old enough to play ball, Don and some of the City Workers formed the first Slow Pitch team in Kamloops; Kamloops Kats. Don’s wife became the family taxi driver, dropping the three off at the various ball fields around town so they could play their games.
A kid at heart, Don thought Hallowe’en was a great time for them to dress up and hand out treats, often with the video camera hooked up to the TV, so kids coming to the door could see themselves in costume on the screen.
After retirement in 1996 Don was looking forward to some free time for himself, but that wasn’t really Don. If a friend or neighbour needed a hand, he was right there. He became a fixture around the neighbourhood and you could set your watch by the time of day he took his walk, or your calendar by the day of the week he mowed his grass or brought out the hedge trimmer. He enjoyed good conversation over the fence, but would often say after a lengthy gabfest, “well, better get back to work; the Boss is watching”…
Don loved working in his yard; cutting grass, manicuring hedges, grooming flowerbeds. He always took the time to stop what he was doing to chat with the neighbours over the fence, a routine with camaraderie and friendship that lasted over 35 years. Always time to visit with friends that stopped by to shoot the breeze and enjoy a cold brew or hot tea in the relaxing back yard. With a big smile he’d say, “I think I’m busier now then when I went to work”.
Don could wield a mean shovel, he was the first to bring it out when the snow came, helping other family mem- bers or friends in need. When his sons couldn’t slow him down they bought him a riding mower for the summer, which doubled as a snow plow in the winter once the blade went on. Don was happier than a clam in mud.
Don and his wife were also able to reignite their love of music and dance once he retired. He loved playing guitar and singing with the Jamming group, often entertaining at senior homes or centres.
Before COVID hit, the two of them went dancing Sunday nights. Don all dressed up in his fresh cowboy shirt, black hat and shiniest cowboy boots ever. When someone asked how he got them so shiny, he’d jokingly reply, “my wife polishes them!”
Don always took Life as it came. When asked how he was, you’d always get, “…not bad for an Old Fart….” He was more than satisfied with the Life he had built and felt rich beyond measure.
A respectful & thoughtful Son
A jokester & teasing Brother
A always there for you Uncle
A loving Husband for 58 years
A patient and caring Father
Awesomest Gedo Ever!
A true Friend
Right up until his passing, Don also thought of those very special children through the years that filled his heart and thoughts with Love and Joy. Children who may have grown from toddlers and preschoolers to teens and adults. Though not related by blood, they were also a treasured part of Don’s family and he theirs. They continued to be part of each other’s lives and THEY KNOW WHO THEY ARE!
Don’s family and friends will miss him, but he has left us with many good memories we can carry in our Hearts, where he will live forever.
In honour of Don, hold your family close. Call an old friend that you have not spoken to in awhile; try for today, not tomorrow. Be Kind and above all, Keep on Laughing!
Don, rest in peace. You have indeed earned that luxury.
Offer Condolence for the family of Don Prokop
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Don Prokop..
Décès pour la Ville: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique