Donald Atkinson

It is with great sorrow and sadness that our family announces the very sudden but peaceful passing of Donald Atkinson at Lacombe, AB., on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 in his 86th year.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Dawn; son, Brian of Lacombe, AB; daughter, Heather (Frank) Misek of Lethbridge, AB.; and his grandchildren, Grace Misek of Saskatoon, SK. and Chase Misek of Okotoks, AB.; sister, Joan (Harvey) Appelt; Dawn’s family brothers-in-law, Lynne Coulter and Eugene (Susan) Coulter; and several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Joyce Shulha; brother-in-law, Albert Shulha; his in-laws; and sisters-in-law, Margaret Coulter and Donna Coulter.

Don was born in Edmonton, AB., on July 11, 1938 to parents Ted and Susie (Wright) Atkinson and raised on a farm on the St. Albert Trail, just south of the city of St. Albert.

On the sudden death of his father in 1953, Don left school at the age of 15 years and went farming full time with the help of his mother, Susie, and loving support of his older sisters Joyce and Joan.

After the sale of the farm in 1956, Don and his mother relocated to a farm four miles north of Lacombe on the Calgary-Edmonton Trail. In 1962, the new four lane highway cut across the southern portion of the farm.

A herd of Red Poll cattle, 20 sow pig farrow to finish operation, mixed grain and a few laying hens, made for a busy farming enterprise.

In 1962 a move was made to phase out the Red Polls and venture into Registered Aberdeen Angus cattle. Some were exhibited at the Red Deer Fair, Farmfair, Agribition and the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

For 10 years Don rode the Alberta Government Train (that means in the boxcar with the cattle) to the Royal, exhibiting some Red Polls and a few Angus.

It was on one of these trips that he met Dawn, the Ontario farm girl and student Nurse. They were married in October 1964 and subsequently had two children, Brian and Heather. He always took a keen interest in the kids activities, and served as a 4-H leader for years.

Don served as President of both the Canadian Angus Association (1987) and the Alberta Angus Association (1976). Both Donald and Dawn were inducted into the Alberta Angus Hall of Fame, Herd Builder Category (2013).

Don also was past President and a long standing member of the Lacombe Curling Club.

He worked 15 years part time for Agriculture Financial Services Corporation as a Crop Adjuster travelling the Province, weighing and measuring hay and accessing crop damage to insured crops – a position he thoroughly enjoyed.

How fortunate he was to enjoy and participate in the camaraderie of two of the very best: the Farming and Curling communities!

It wasn’t all work! He enjoyed several cruises and road trips across Canada and the U.S.

A life well lived! A man of very few wants!

His favourite saying was “It will be alright.”

Rest Easy Big Guy! We promise to take good care of the remote!

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.  If desired, donations can be made to Lacombe Health Trust, Box 5663, Lacombe, AB, T4L 1X3 or the charity of your choice.