Donald Leigh Battrum

Don was born to Edmund and Inez Battrum in Calgary. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved Don and his older brother, Duncan, to Sylvan Lake, AB. The family lived at their cottage for 3 years before returning to Calgary.

Don and Duncan spent their formative years growing up in the Capital Hill area, attending Capital Hill Elementary School. Don attended William Aberhart for grades 7 to 12. He began his working career at the 10th Street Safeway during grades 11 and 12. After graduation, Don pursued a banking career in Lacombe, AB, with the Bank of Montreal. This led to a transfer to Dawson Creek for a short period of time. He returned to Calgary for other opportunities. Don applied to become an Air Traffic Controller and was successful on both the written exam and interview. His next move was to Whitehorse, YT, where he enjoyed talking to American Pilots in transit from California to Alaska or Japan. Don returned to Calgary and assumed the position of Pay Master for the Calgary Police Service which he enjoyed. He chose to apply to Mount Royal College as their payroll supervisor. Don always sought new challenges and applied to the RCMP to become an officer. He was selected and began training at the RCMP Depot in 1977. Don was very proud to receive recognition for his excellent marksmanship while there. Upon returning to Calgary, he was posted to Calgary International Airport. Other interests led Don to positions in the Alberta Provincial Government as well as the Federal Government. After 9/11 Don moved to Transport Canada Security Branch from which he retired after a period of 4 years.

As a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Don received his 45 year membership pin in November 2022.

Don is lovingly remembered by his partner, Cheryl Davidson (Calgary); sisters-in-law, Elinor Battrum (Red Deer) and Mary Nichols (Calgary); nieces, Cheryle Battrum (Red Deer), Heather Fetter (Arizona) and Tracey Ellis; nephew, Brad Nichols (Calgary); brother-in-law, Ric Caley (Burnaby); as well as special friends, Keith Shaw and Kim Pederson (Airdrie) and Dave and Anne Morley (Calgary).

Don was always looking for areas in which to excel and was successful throughout his life. Many thanks for the exceptional care provided to Don by Dr. N. Sharma and Carla at Cardiac Funcation Clinic, Rockyview General Hospital.

A Service for Don will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd,  408 – 38 Street SW, Calgary, AB, on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Derwyn Costinak presiding. Tributes in Don’s memory can be made to the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110 Ave SE, Calgary, AB, T3C 2T7.