19562 - 2025
It is with much sadness and great love that we say goodbye to our dear husband, father and grandfather who passed away June 28, 2025, at the age of 72.
Don was born October 21, 1952, to Pat and Vera Connell. He was raised on the family farm by Monitor, Alberta. After graduating high school, Don came to Calgary to study Heavy Duty Mechanics at SAIT. He quickly became close friends with Mary’s brother John, who was taking the same program. John would often invite Don out to the family farm of Alfred and Louise Poffenroth by Delacour, Alberta. The first time Mary saw Don she was keenly interested in getting to know him better. Due to both Don’s and her extreme shyness, she only had to wait seven years to be asked out on their first date.
Dating moved on to an engagement and then marriage. They joyfully welcomed their first daughter Sandra while living in Calgary. For a short while they moved back to the family farm then came back West and settled in Didsbury. Soon afterwards Danielle came to complete their happy family. Don worked at the Carstairs Gas Plant until it’s closing and then he retired. He spent many happy hours at the Olds/Didsbury Airport, flying and working on airplanes, and the family’s two westies accompanied him most of the time.
People would contact Don from all over, and he was happy to share his extensive knowledge on various subjects ranging from flying and mechanics to beekeeping.
When the grandchildren started coming, Don effortlessly fell into his roll as “Grandpa”. He and Mary have enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren more than anything else and always looked forward to seeing them the next time.
Don leaves behind cherished memories with his loving wife Mary; daughters Sandra (Steven) Wirch and Danielle (Garrett) Wenckowski and grandchildren Wylie, Noah, Sidney, Poppy and June. Both Don and Mary have four siblings each and several nieces and nephews, and cousins. Don is also blessed with still having two sweet aunts.
If desired, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmonton Stollery Children’s Hospital at: Phone numbers 780.433.5437 or 1.877.393.1411 in Don’s honour.
Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements 403 507 8610. Condolences may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
