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Don was born in Yorkton, Sask., the fourth child of Robert and Jean Culver. His childhood, marked by the death of his mother, was in Salmon Arm, Kamloops and Terrace. In his school days, Don enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and pole vaulting to 10’6”, also remaining a lifelong Dodgers fan. He worked summers to graduate from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and married Irene Watson in 1968. After years of working in the Alberta oil industry Don took a degree in education from U of A.Subsequently Don

and Irene operated a successful vending business in Calgary. Don was a quiet man, who enjoyed his family, home & garden. With Irene he retired and

moved to Chemainus in 2009, fulfilling a dream of living and walking on the seacoast. Don and Irene managed to visit every island served by B.C. Ferries. He delighted in exploring all the trails and beaches the area has to offer. “You never know what's there until you get to the end of the road” as he often said. Don passed on after a brief but valiant battle with stomach cancer.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Irene, 3 children; Scott (Ilona) of Edmonton, grandchildren, Connor, Duncan and Rowan; Alison (John) of Okotoks, grand- children Hayden and Tegan; and Michelle (Devin) of Calgary. He leaves his siblings Maxine Veach (Penticton), Dave (Eva) of Salmon Arm, Stuart (Ann) of Oliver, Nairne (Cliff) of Ladysmith, and Elaine (Jim) of Victoria. He also leaves cousins, nieces and nephews, one aunt, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law and his mother-in-law Mary Watson of Edmonton. Several months before Don’s passing, he wrote farewell letters to many of his family, Don loved all his family equally and will be greatly missed.

No funeral by request, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, anecdotes, stories and memories of Don may be directed to culverid@telusplanet.net. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

When I am gone, release me, let me go-

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I travelled on alone

So grieve a while for me if grieve you must;

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on;

So if you need me call and I will come.

Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

All of my love around you, soft and clear,

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say,

"Welcome Home"



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