Apr 6, 1924 - Nov 24, 2017
Don was born on April 6, 1924 in Dodsland Saskatchewan. He was the third of six children born to parents Stewart and Doris Dewar of Hoosier Saskatchewan.
From his mother, Doris he learned of God's love and at an early age he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Don lived and worked on the family farm at Hoosier and during the warmer months he developed a taste for rodeo competition which turned into a passion. Both his father Stewart, and his brother Gordon were involved in rodeo and for Don it grew into a passion that would become his focus and his mainstay financially.
At the age of 21 while competing at a rodeo in the USA he met a cute young waitress at a local cafe in Wolf Point, Montana. It was love at first sight. Soon after, in 1945, Don and Billie (Milinda) were married and travelled across the US and Canada as Don made his living as a professional rodeo cowboy. He received recognition as a 'Pioneer of Rodeo' in 1993 at the Calgary Stampede where he had ridden and won events several years running.
Then in 2009 Don, along with sisters Claire and Lois - the first set of three siblings ever, was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. After Don retired from competition in 1955 they farmed in Ernfold, Sask. and Enderby, BC. In 1965 they moved their 5 children to Salmon Arm, BC which would be their home for more than 30 years. While there, Don ran a printing shop, a garbage & septic tank service.
They raised their children with an abiding sense of the love of the Lord. In 1997 Don & Billie retired to Kamloops, BC. Then, in 2004, they made their last big move to Finch, Ontario to live out their days close to their youngest daughter, Lenae, and husband Murray.
Billie left this world and went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on July 6, 2017 to be followed by Don shortly after on November 24, 2017. (On December 2, 2017 they would have celebrated their 72nd anniversary).
He leaves behind his daughter Linda Gleddie (Doug) of Kamloops, son Murray (Marti), son Garlyn (Taralin) both of Campbell River BC and daughter Lenae Bamber (Murray) of Finch Ontario as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don was predeceased by his son Loren.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at 1:30 PM, January 20, 2018 at Victory Church, 6402 - 1a Street SW, Calgary Alberta.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse in both Canada and the U.S.
Online messages of condolence may be made in the obituary section of: www.wilsonfuneralhome.ca