April 28, 1936 – February 6, 2024 

Don was born and raised in Peers, Alberta, and was the second-eldest child of Maude and Percy Young. When Don wasn’t working on the family farm, he was on the baseball diamond wearing No. 10. He loved sports and was an excellent athlete. 

Don met his wife, Shirley, in Edson, Alberta, and they were married for 66 years. Together, they had four children: Sheila, Brian, Michael, and Jeff (Deanna). Don and Shirley raised their family in Jasper, Alberta, where Don enjoyed watching and coaching his sons’ hockey and took great pride in watching his daughter compete as a figure skater. Don and Shirley were blessed with eight grandchildren: Rigel (Peteris), Christopher (Caylan), Elyse (Justin), Keely (Cass), Bennett (Erin), Dylan, Mik, and Liz. They also welcomed seven great-grandchildren: Everly, Ellis, Austin, Maia, Gavin, Myles, and Elaina. 

Don shared a special relationship with all his grandchildren, with a few proudly carrying on his namesake. As Grandpa or Papa, he was a man of his word. We never had to wonder whether he would do what he said he was going to do or be where he said he was going to be. He was always there — and not just on time, but early. 

Don lived with integrity in everything he did. His commitment to his word, his appreciation for good manners, and his strong attention to detail made him a respected member of the Canadian National Railway. A proud employee, he worked his way through the ranks to become an engineer. His colleagues, like his family, friends, and neighbours, described him as a man of honesty, strong work ethic, and unwavering values. You always knew where you stood with Don — “whether you liked it or not.” 

Don and Shirley moved to Kamloops, B.C., in 1984, and they took great pride in their home and yard. Their generous hospitality was evident to the many friends and family members they welcomed through their doors. Their granddaughter, Liz, often referred to it as her “favorite home of all the homes,” and we all understood why — especially when there was a visit to the “German meat store.” 

Don retired from the CN Railway after 37 years of service. Retirement gave him more time to improve his golf game during the summer and enjoy curling and Blazers games with Shirley during the winter. He stayed in regular contact with friends and colleagues over the years. 

Sadly, we lost Don on February 6, 2024. Despite the health-related challenges he faced, the fire in him never faded until the very end, and for that, we are grateful. Don’s loss is felt most deeply by his beloved Shirley, but there is comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain. 

We love and miss you, Don — Dad, Father, Grandpa, and Papa — and may you continue to rest in peace. 

Don is predeceased by his parents, Maude and Percy; his brothers, Ted and Ken (Peg); and his sister, Lorna (Dan); as well as his in-laws, Joe and Selma, and siblings-in-law, Glen, Lyle, and Blanche. 

We take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his dogs, Tinker, Katie, and Rocky.

• Date : 2024-02-06
• Location : Kamloops