It’s with great sorrow that Donald James Krause passed on July 25, 2022. Don was born in Oliver BC on January 11, 1946, the second child in a family of nine children. Don was predeceased by his parents Emanual and Isabelle and all three brothers, Reg, Alvin, and Ken. Don is survived by his Wife Karen (Gunderson)daughters Candace Laughy (Russ) Tracy Hoffbeck (Trent) and son William (Taryn) and Grandchildren Ryan (Tori), Sarah (Dylan), Zack, Samantha (Dakota), Madison, and James and great grandchildren Liam, Theo, Beau, Talon, Corbin and Charlie Lynn. All his sisters Gail, Sandy, Sharon, Cathy, and Shelley.
Don moved to live at his aunt Betty and uncle Jack Wilson’s ranch in the Sullivan valley at the age of 17. It was here that he developed his love of horses and the outdoors. At a dance in Vinsulla, Don met the love of his life and the center of his world Karen Gunderson. Don did not own a vehicle, so he often rode his horse over the mountain and into the valley to visit Karen. They were married on February 5, 1966.
With a family on the way Don found employment in laundry then housekeeping dept at Royal Inland hospital. Don was determined to improve and soon found his way to the gardening department and eventually moved to the maintenance department. Don took an apprenticeship for welding and completed his GED. Don continued his education and became a millwright and eventually was the maintenance supervisor for RIH, Ponderosa and Overlander. After 35 years, he retired from the hospital, but found that he missed the social interactions, so after a year of retirement he returned to Overlander and worked for another 10 years before retiring for a second time. Don worked a total of 47 years in the health care system in Kamloops.
Don took great pride in his work accomplishments, but his true pride and joy was his family and all his babies. He would show pictures and brag about them to whomever would listen. Don’s children feel truly blessed to have had an incredible loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. Don’s most favorite pastime was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved babies and toddlers and their antics delighted him. Wrestling in the grass, playing video games or just hanging out and listening to the kids telling their grampa about their day was Don’s truly happy place. Above all Don loved his wife Karen with every fiber of his being and their strong bond was the foundation of his family.
Don was gifted with the ability to tell fantastic stories and loved to talk to anybody about anything. Don was an open and inclusive man and welcomed many people into his family and into his home. He never turned down anyone who needed a place to stay. Many people over the years lived at Don and Karen’s house when they needed a place to stay. Don touched many people with his good nature, insightful sense of humor and was well known for his great hugs.
Another of Don’s loves was his horses. One of his favorite times was early in the morning and starting down the trail on the back of a good horse with his dog at his heels. He stated that he had rode over 100 different horses in his lifetime and was grateful to have had that opportunity. Don also loved hockey. He especially loved to watch the Blazers play and had season tickets for over 30 years. The only thing he loved more than watching a game was watching it with his family. Dons had many other interests that he enjoyed with family and friends including, camping, fly fishing, hunting, and exploring western Canada and USA.
Don had a passion for collecting “treasures” as anyone who looked behind his shop could attest to. After retirement and with the help from his brother-in-law Jim, he was finally able to restore his 1957 Chevy truck that he owned for most of his adult life.
Don’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Don’s niece Nicole Ritter for all her tireless support over the past months while Don was in the hospital. You truly made a difference in all our lives. Thank you.
There will be a celebration of Don’s life on September 25, 2022, Heffley Creek Hall at 2pm.
Offer Condolence for the family of Donald James Krause 1946 – 2022
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald James Krause 1946 –..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique