LUFT, Donald “Don” Leroy


January 21, 1934 –  February 12, 2019                                                  

Don Luft lived most of his 85 years in the Bottrel area, just north of Cochrane and passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Tuesday February 12, 2019.

He is survived by his sister Eleanor (Ray) Martin, his 3 children – Dixi (Ward) MacKenzie, Jeff (Melisa) Luft and Keith (Sherri) Luft, as well as 6 grandchildren – Bryce, Gavin, Cayleigh, Ben, Meghan and Chelsea.  He was predeceased by his wife Janice (nee Owens) and his son Dallas.

Don was born on a small farm west of Didsbury.  In the early 1930’s, the Luft family moved south, settling southwest of Cremona where they built their new family homestead which continues in the family today.  From an early age, farming was his passion.  Whether it was driving a team, and later a tractor, hours in the field made him happiest.  Don took great pride in not just harvesting a crop but in farming spring, summer and fall. 

Don met Janice at a local dance and fell in love almost immediately, marrying on her family farm west of Carstairs in the winter of 1960.  Soon thereafter, they started what would prove to be a wonderfully successful life and business together, carving out first a living and then a successful mixed farming enterprise.  Don farmed with Jan and their kids for over 50 years before spending the last few years of his life at the Big Hill Lodge and the Bethany Care Centre in Cochrane.

Hard work, a love of family, humor and a quick wit, an ever-present twinkle in his eye and a true zest for life describes Don best.   

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 2:30 pm on Sunday February 17, 2019 at the Cremona Community Hall. 

Arrangements entrusted to Cochrane Country Funeral Home, Alison Van Arnam, Funeral Director – Ph: 403-932-1039.

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  1. On 15/02/2019 at 12:02 pm Gregg Gegunde Said:

    Keith, Sherri & Family,
    I am deeply saddened to learn of your father’s passing. May fond memories of your dad bring you comfort during this hard time. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.

    Sincerely,

    Gregg

  2. On 17/02/2019 at 7:13 am Bernice Kaleka Said:

    My thought are with you all at this time of sorrow. Don loved to tease and I got caught quite a few times by his quick wit and humour. He worked so hard at the things he loved his family, his farm and his friends. Deepest condolences to all his family.
    Sincerely Bernice Kaleka.

  3. On 18/02/2019 at 10:37 am Barb Bundt Said:

    My most sincere condolences to the entire Luft family. Don’s love of life, quick wit, positive attitude and soft heart will be his legacy that I believe each of you will carry on to honour his memory.

    Thinking of all of you and hoping you find peace in the good memories.

    Sincerely,

    Barb Bundt

  4. On 18/02/2019 at 3:37 pm Kari Wilson Said:

    I am very sorry for your loss Keith, Jeff, Dixi and all extensions of Lufts, Owens and Wilsons. We have lost the true light and laughter of many a family gathering. Don will be missed. I wish I could have been with you to celebrate his life but I am thinking of you all. Love to all, Kari

  5. On 21/02/2019 at 9:37 am Denice McKinnon Said:

    So very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I hope your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time. Many fond memories of your dad. My thoughts are with you all.

  6. On 26/02/2019 at 3:23 pm Bohannon and Palmer Schuetzle Said:

    To The Luft Family

    Palmer and I send our sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time. Will always remember the days of joking with Don at Ben’s hockey games and visiting with him and Jan while seeing Jan’s art. His laughter and quick wit will truly be missed.

    Sending thoughts and prayers to you all from Arizona

    Anne, Palmer, & Ryan

  7. On 26/02/2019 at 6:56 pm Merle, Peggy & Annessa Good Said:

    Dixie & Ward, Jeff & Melisa, Keith & Sherri and families – we were sorry to hear of Don’s passing. We are thinking of you at this time and are sorry we were unable to attend the service. Our thoughts are with all of you. Merle, Peggy & Annessa Good

  8. On 04/03/2019 at 11:59 am Rose Standish Said:

    I was so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. When we lived in the Cremona area Tom enjoyed his company and talked of him often. It is always a tough time…Take Care. Rose Standish