WHITEHEAD, Donald Brian
September 13, 1949 – March 19, 2021
Donald Brian Whitehead was born on September 13, 1949 in Calgary, AB, to Allan Wilfred Whitehead and Norma Anita Whitehead (ne. Clausen). His father was a police officer and WWII veteran; his mother was a talented musician and artist. He was raised in Calgary when the cityscape was very different from today. As a new build, his childhood home in Capitol Hill was only 2 blocks from the north edge of the city. He would walk a short distance to play in the fields and valleys that are now Confederation Park, Rosemont and the furthest north blocks of Capitol Hill – an area that he called Grasshopper Hill.
Don’s athleticism was apparent from a young age, manifesting in hockey, football, wrestling and even downhill skiing, but hockey was his favourite sport. As a child, he would lace up outside his house, then skate down the road to the outdoor rink. He started playing with local community teams, eventually making it to the AAA Stampeders. At age 17, he passed the Ski Patrol test at Mt. Norquay, becoming the youngest person to patrol the upper slopes at that hill.
After high school Don attended the University of Calgary on a hockey scholarship, playing for both the football and hockey teams. Deciding that a PE degree was not the right path for him, Don left university before his third year to pursue different career opportunities, including working as a pro-patrol at Lake Louise and managing a variety store. Eventually he found his true calling, following in his father’s footsteps as a Calgary Police Officer. The CPS changed the rule about fathers and sons not being allowed to serve together in order to hire Don. He served the city for 27 years, demonstrating integrity, impeccable work ethic, and a true gift for detective work. He achieved many firsts for the department, including the city’s first cocaine bust.
After retirement, Don ran his own lawn care and snow clearing businesses in Cochrane, AB, before working as a property manager and tow truck driver. Not working was never an option for him. He also returned to ski patrolling as a volunteer at Nakiska. In the summers, he developed a love for golf, spending many weekends at the Tooth of the Dog.
Don retained a life-long passion for hockey, playing on the police team as well as numerous recreational teams. He was known for his speed, great defense skills, toughness, and remarkable sportsmanship. Many people have said that they enjoyed the game more when playing on his team. And in his early 60s, he was still fast enough to play with 40- and 50-year groups. One of his favourite hockey memories was playing in the Oldtimers Hockey Challenge against NHL greats such as Guy Lafleur and Lanny McDonald, which was refereed by Maurice Richard. Don continued playing as long as physically possible, until he was required to use oxygen.
Those who knew Don, appreciated his positive outlook on life and quick-witted sense of humour. He always wanted to make other people smile and laugh, even near the end when he was in great discomfort. He was a kind and compassionate person who would go out of his way to help others, no matter the inconvenience. He had so much love to give.
Don’s greatest joy was probably his children. He was a wonderful father who supported their many interests. He coached them in various sports, attended concerts, drove them to activities, took them fishing, hiking and camping, and of course, he taught them all to skate and to ski. As soon as his child could walk, they were ready to skate.
In the early hours of March 19, 2021, Don succumbed to pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable disease, passing peacefully in his sleep at the Agape Hospice in Calgary, AB. His final day on earth involved cheerful visits, butterscotch ice cream, and as always, winning multiple games of crib. He is survived by brothers Ron and Laurie, his first wife, Marion, sons DJ and Carl, daughters Keri, Laura and Jessica, seven grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Don also touched the lives of everyone that he met, leaving behind countless friends.
The family would like to thank the Agape Hospice for making their father’s last days as comfortable as possible. In lieu of flowers, Don wished that donations be made in support Pulmonary Fibrosis research. Donations can be made in memory of Don Whitehead at: cpff.ca/get-involved/donate/
If you wish to notify the family of your donation, notice can be sent at the time of donation to: donwhiteheadmemorial@gmail.com
An online memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 27th at 3:30 pm.
Use this link to join the service. The link will be live starting at 3:15 pm on March 27th:
us02web.zoom.us/j/85003287872
Arrangements entrusted to Florence (Flo) Simpson, Funeral Director
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de WHITEHEAD Donald Brian September 13 1949 – March 19 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Cochrane, Province: Alberta