Born Passed Away
Feb 21, 1935 January 29, 2024
Halifax, Nova Scotia Edmonton, Alberta
Don passed away on January 29, 2024 at the age of 88 years, after sharing a full life with his wife of almost 60 years, Shirley, who predeceased him in 2018. He left behind their much-loved granddaughters Melissa MacDonald and Megan Eliuk (Zach), daughter Deianna Goodman (Alan), son Bill Goodman, brother Terry Goodman (Audrey), and many valued friends.
Don wore his Nova Scotian tartan tam hat proudly showing off his down-east roots. He was also a proud veteran having served as a fireman with the Canadian Armed Forces. Throughout his time with the Forces, he and his family made several moves throughout Canada. Don was even stationed for 6 months in Alert, Canada’s most northern radar base, leaving Shirley to hold the fort at their Ottawa home. He did this so the military would grant him a longer posting in Ottawa, where Shirl’s family resided and where his children could enjoy weekends and summers at their Grandparents’ farm with their cousins. Don’s final move with the military brought the family to Alberta in 1976. After several more moves within Alberta, Don and Shirley made St. Albert their home, and Don worked for the federal government until his retirement.
Throughout his life, Don was an avid sportsman, continuing to play baseball and hockey as a senior. Shirley was always there to lend a hand keeping baseball scores or mending the team’s hockey jerseys. Don and Shirl travelled to many places for tournaments and built long lasting friendships. With them, friends became family. Win and Hank were an extension of our family. Don walked the Chilkoot Trail with Dave. Kenny shared his love of gardening with Don, and they spent as much time chatting as they did gardening. Bob and Hank were also part of the Gardening Club. Thanks to Bob’s kindness, Don was encouraged and able to continue to join in on the Boys’ Wednesday Breakfasts. This community of friends were a wonderful support to Don after Shirley passed away and we thank you for that. Don also found a new friend in Hamish, his walking partner at Chartwell. The stories Don could tell about adventures with each of you. And you know he loved to tell a story.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to Veterans Affairs Canada, his caregivers with Alberta Health Services (Nancy, Jasmeena, and Jill at Chartwell St. Albert), the Sturgeon Hospital (Dr. Chu Yang Lin and NP Roel Malemit), and to the staff at Miller Crossing Long Care Centre (especially Olha) for their support and assistance to Don and our family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, commencing at 12 noon to 3:00 pm at the St. Albert Legion, 6 Tache St, St. Albert AB T8N 2A4. Please dress casual, and bring some stories to share.
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the University Hospital Foundation - Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, 8440 112 St NW, Edmonton AB T6G 2B7 Phone: 1-833-448-3843 Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute – University Hospital Foundation (givetouhf.ca) or to the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation https://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/ No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation c/o Waterloo Ford Lincoln 11420 – 107 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 0Y5 Phone: 780-917-8855
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
