Cochrane Country Funeral Home

July 24, 1950 – May 9, 2019

Our precious father and husband, Donald (Don) passed away suddenly at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary AB on May 9th, 2019, at the age of 68 years.                                                                 

Don is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlene, his 2 children, daughter, Laurie (James) Townend (Airdrie AB), son, Ryan McFadyen (Edmonton AB) and, Granddaughter, Madison Townend (Airdrie AB).  Also, survived by Sister-in-laws, Darlene (Ted) Chepil (Blackfalds AB), Muriel (Victor) Dmyterko (Yorkton SK), Theresa (Wes) Heuchert (Yorkton SK); Brother-In-laws, Ken Smuk (Yorkton SK), Garry Smuk (Yorkton SK), Terry Smuk (Yorkton SK), Darcy Smuk (Yorkton SK) and numerous nieces and nephews.  Don was predeceased by his mother and father, Jessie and John McFadyen and his Brother-in-law, Mervin Smuk.

Donald began his career with Western Grocers in Yorkton as a Warehouseman from putting out orders to relief duties.  Eventually, Don moved into the office to work on the Grocery Order Desk.   Since the Warehouse location changed over to Sunspun, Don continued working at the Order Desk, where his 36 year career ended with the company closed.

Laurie’s message 

Dad cherished being involved with his family, his 2 children (Laurie and Ryan) and his Grand daughter, Madison as much as possible.  He was a kid at heart.   He most enjoyed being outdoors, camping, being active together, skating at outdoor rinks together, coaching ball and just “putzing” around the yard with his family while singing and dancing to the radio.  He also enjoyed and made it a point to take us on old and new adventures each weekend as much as possible such as going to sports days in towns in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.  He never shied away from jumping into the pool even though he didn’t swim, getting in a bumper cart or go cart with his kids. He was a wise soul with a listening ear, quick wit, interesting stories and passion for telling a new joke.  He made everything fun!  

Ryan’s message

First of all, my Dad was my “idol”, my “hero” and I looked up to him to help me be a good man and the best man I could be.  I talked to my Dad every single day on the phone just to talk about organizing my finances, his advice about purchases I should or shouldn’t make.  He taught me to be smart with my money and we talked about my career /job cause we were both “Salesmen” my Dad was a Grocery Salesman and I’m an Oil & Gas Technical Salesman,  so we talked about how it is to be a Salesman in an office, as we compared our stories.  

Dad coached me in baseball from T-Ball all the way up to Midget AAA Baseball.  So for about 18 plus years, he passed all his baseball knowledge down to me.  As I’d get picked up for the Saskatchewan Summer Games, so did my Dad as a Coach.  I just loved talking sports on the phone daily with my Dad.  We bugged/teased each other in hockey season as my Dad was a Flames Fan and I am an Oilers Fan and we both stuck up for our teams through all the teasing we did to each other.  

My Mom and Dad never missed any of my hockey games near or far as they were always there.  Before I made it to the higher levels of hockey, my Dad was a Trainer for my team and everyone loved his humour and knowledge both at the Hockey Rink and ball diamonds.  

Dad and Mom were inseparable for 47 years and they did absolutely everything together.  If one did something or went somewhere, the other would always be there.  Their love for each other and their kids was so amazing to be a part of throughout my life.  Mom and Dad’s love for each was so strong and they were absolutely best friends.  

Dad loved the “Rodeos and Chuckwagon Curcuit” and both Dad and Mom went to every event they could.  Dad and Mom just loved horses and anything Country.  Dad loved Country Music and especially “George Strait”.   Dad wore George Strait Jeans and George Strait shirts daily.  

I was so close to my Dad and now I have a huge whole in my heart and life as he was part of my everyday life.  

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