February 19, 1932 - June 7, 2019
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our husband and father, Donald John O'Connor on June 7th, 2019.
Donald was born on February 19, 1932 in Coronation, Alberta to Donald & Zelda (Gutowski) O'Connor. Donald grew up in the Bulwark area with his 10 siblings Claire, Hazel, Doris, Patrick, Aileen, Muriel, Darlene, Myrna, Terrance, and Melanie.
Dad attended his schooling at Mount Lookout until Grade 8 when he entered into the work world. He performed a variety of jobs such as construction in Drumheller, the Halkirk Coal Mine and Catskidding all over Alberta. He met his loving wife of 62 years, our Mom Louise, while he was driving school bus and farming with his father.
Mom and Dad married in 1957 and started their own farm and family of 8 children. They continued their passion of mixed farming at the same homestead for over 60 years. Even though we had to pick rocks and clear trees, change diapers and pull calves, Dad taught us the value of hard work!
Besides farming, Dad's passions were rodeos, fishing and farm sales. Also, Dad never lost his love of "moving dirt"!
Dad was predeceased by Diane (their first daughter); his parents; sisters Claire, Aileen and Doris; brother Pat; grandchild Kale; and numerous in- laws and family friends.
Donald will be lovingly and forever remembered by his wife, Louise; their children: Melanie ~grandchildren Kara (Scott), Kayla (Cody) and Raeann (Charles); Donna ~grandchildren Angie Rae and Travis; Daniel (Tammy) ~grandchildren April (James) and Dannell (Cam); Wayne (Joanne); Karen (Terry) ~grandchildren Tracy (Jeff), Brandon (Haley), Terris and Dallas (Holly); Kevin ~grandchildren Chelsey and Kyler (Maria); Donnie ~grandchild Bria; great grandchildren ~ Angela, Declan, Grady, Asjha, Sayde, Austin, Logan, Zoe, Kaylee, Emma and Koby; and many family and friends.
The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Castor on June 18, 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium.