Mr. Donald Gordon ‘Don’ Stephenson of Sylvan Lake, Alberta but a Swan Hillian/Saskatchewanian at heart, left on the wings of a snow white dove from the South Health Campus, Calgary, Alberta on May 29, 2022 at the age of 74 years young. Donnie, as his mother affectionately called him, was born on March 18, 1948, to Eileen and Gordon Stephenson in Regina, Saskatchewan. Most of his childhood was spent with his loving parents in Estevan, Saskatchewan. Donnie was strong-willed and had trouble sitting still, he was always dragging things home and loved building things. His life took a fortuitous turn when his family moved to Vulcan, Alberta and he met the love of his life, “his Alberta farm girl”, Marrilee Stafford. Don, as Marrilee, friends and family knew him, was especially lucky that this amazing cook said yes to marrying his non-cooking self, after his antics of pulling the desk out from under her and being two hours late for their first date because he had taken apart his car. It would have been a long life of Kraft Dinner and Sara Lee, otherwise. Though that should have prepared her for the years of just “ten more minutes” leading to longer. Most of the time, these “ten more minutes” were spent with Don making sure that everything was done correctly, with detail, and was above and beyond the usual project. This included making shelves for his holiday trailer with handwritten instructions on how to install them or creating a report with slides after his granddaughter asked his opinion on something. These traits, along with his strong work ethic, made him an asset to the various companies he worked for as an electrician from Calgary to Fox Creek, to Fort Nelson, to Fort McMurray, and then finally to Swan Hills. Upon settling in Swan Hills, Don put his skills and knowledge to work by getting his Master Electrician Certificate and starting Norcana Electric Ltd. Anyone who ever worked with him would say that he had a passion for what he did, and he left no task half done. During the years of 1973 and 1978, he also received a new name of daddy, or dad, from his two loving daughters, Mary Dawn (Eggleton) and Jamie (Seiyama). He taught his girls to have compassion, empathy, to help those in need at the drop of a hat, and how to love through being a role model and their hero. He also had a passion for his loud, happy, gregarious family which continued to grow to include two sons-in-law, Mike (Eggleton) and Masaru (Seiyama); after which he gained the new name of papa from five very loved grandchildren, Amanda (Eggleton), Michaela (Eggleton), Saralynn (Eggleton), Spencer (Eggleton) and Raiden (Seiyama). Many memories were made as this family of eleven laughed, joked, and largely loved through everything. Don and Marrilee settled into their dream home at One-A-Bee Ranch in 2000, where many more memories were made; including many fireworks shows that drew neighbors and rang out with the hollers of “duck”. Don always had an interest in stories and history. He would often talk with strangers wanting to hear their stories, or just about their day. He was especially interested in his own family story and after his retirement in 2019, he started researching his Norwegian background and would look for ways to bring Norwegian traditions into celebrations. He also would like to add after saying something funny “it is just my little Norwegian yoke”. Don often misplaced things, and so, when he was not looking for his wallet (which would never have a coupon in it) or his phone, he liked to wear his Ninja Turtle onesie while cheering on his favourite Nascar drivers but definitely not you, Kyle Busch. He also liked to watch his grandchildren ride horses, bikes, play sports and took an interest in whatever they were into. Travelling and camping, but never by the direct route, with Marrilee and family was also top of his list of pastimes, along with his newfound love of poutine. Don loved all animals, especially German Shepherd dogs, his most recent being Rex the lovable ball chaser. Although he would say he did not like cats, the numerous ones he fed at work, or brought home to be loved and cared for, would say differently. Throughout his life, this Saskatchewan Roughriders rooting man had a few near misses; including a motorbike crash and truck/boat/trailer incident but his “dead man’s poker hand” never came up until now. Besides his loving immediate family, he will also lovingly remembered by his brother, Les and his wife, Mary Ann Stephenson, his sister-in-law, Doreen and her husband, Doug Robertson, his brother-in-law, and Tom and his wife, Betty Stafford, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Don was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Eileen Stephenson, his parents-in-law, Armadice and Gladys Stafford and brothers-in-law, Dalton, and Gerald Stafford. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Don’s honor may be made directly to your local animal rescue or youth program. Due to Don’s aversion to funerals, the family will be celebrating his wonderful life in a Private Gathering. Santa has left the building. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd.,4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Gordon Stephenson Sunday May 29th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Innisfail, Province: Alberta