Donald Leslie Moore

Donald Leslie Moore of Red Deer, Alberta passed away on December 2, 2024, at the age of 96 at his home in Extendicare Michener after a short illness.

Born in Calgary on August 16, 1928, Don is lovingly remembered by Gloria, the love of his life for 73 years, their five children, Rick (Suzanne) of Red Deer, Glenn (Wendy) of Victoria, Linda (Lloyd) of Stettler, Judy (Sue) of Airdrie and Liz (Blair) of Calgary. Don leaves behind nine grandchildren, Allison, Graeme (Cara), Tiffany, Amanda (Jerry), Paul (Louanne), Melissa (Tyler), Frazer (Jaiden), Samantha (Nik), and Adam (Brittney). The twelve great grandchildren include Scott, Piper, Elikem, Delana, Paige, Blain, Lukas, Emmett, Owen, Levi, Cheznee, and Jameson. Don is also remembered by his sister-in-law, Janice (Laverne) Anderson and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth originally from Howarth, England; as well as brother, Frank (Alison); and two sisters, Mary (Ed) and Kay (Eddie); parents-in law, Floyd (Edna), Jean (Scotty), sister-in-law, Dianne (Merlin) and brother-in-law, Jim (Rose).

Gloria also resides at Extendicare Michener and though living with dementia, remains charming and enjoys a good laugh. Indeed, without Gloria keeping the ‘home fires burning’ Don would not have had many of the opportunities he did in his professional world. As often as possible they would travel to together to conferences where Don might be presenting, enjoying the sights and making many new friends.

Don liked to play as hard as he worked. After his retirement in 1987, he and Gloria bought their first of three Road Trek camping vans and enjoyed many adventures as they camped and golfed together with family and friends. One of Don’s favorite pastimes while camping was to tend the barbeque as he nursed a martini or two during “happy hours”.

He also loved to swim and fish. He was very good at both and in fact was known to have done both at the same time on two occasions. Once when he fell through the ice and once when he slipped in the mud and took a dive while fishing with his son-in-law. Luckily, only his pride was hurt!

Don enjoyed nine years coaching adolescent Red Deer swimmers in the Catalina Swim Club and later enjoyed swimming laps at the pool for exercise.

Although it must have been a challenge to raise five children on a budget, Gloria and Don always found a way to afford equipment for skiing, skating, boating, water skiing, horseback riding, hockey, and figure skating.

Golf continued to be his passion, and he played into his 96th year. It was a sad day for him when it became time to put his clubs down permanently; unable to play at Riverbend, the course he was instrumental in developing.

Dad loved to be active in body and mind. He was always willing to learn a new game and loved a good game of crib. His morning routine always included a “rousing” card game or two.

He was always supportive of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s sports and activities. Whenever he was able, he was there to encourage and cheer them on.

Don was infamous for his love of all sports and was so proud to be a torch bearer at the Canada Winter Games in 2019, at the age of 90. He especially liked to host and organize his own brand of mini-Olympics with family and friends whenever the opportunity presented itself. He would set up several different stations, create teams, and even provided prizes for the winners. A good time was had by most everyone! He would start by having all participants recite the Olympic oath as follows, “We promise to take part in these games respecting and abiding by the rules, and in the spirit of fair play, fun, inclusion, with honesty and integrity, and equality.” Those words are a good description of how he lived his life.

Don started his career in Calgary at the Sportsman Ski Shop. He honed his selling skills and continued to develop his passion for all sports, particularly skiing becoming one of the first registered ski instructors in Western Canada.

With an offer to work at Builders Hardware, Don moved the family of four to Red Deer in 1954. He was a skilled salesperson and enjoyed coaching and refereeing hockey and football. Along with Brick Ward, Don coached the first Lindsay Thurber Raiders football teams. While at Builders he developed an interest in fishing and hunting. Over the years he made many trips with his mentor Curly Tyler of Brandon University and Bruno Comis, early coach of the Lions Speedskating Club.

With the retirement of Jarvis Miller, in 1956 Don won the competition for City of Red Deer Recreation Director, a position he held for most of his career until he became Director of Community Services in 1985 for the last two years with the city.

During his tenure, Don was guided by his belief that there should be equal accessibility and opportunity for sport and recreation for all, regardless of skill level or income. He believed strongly in Fair Play, the Golden Rule of sport. What follows is a compilation of his achievements and recognitions.

1. Awards and Recognitions

- Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022)

- Governor General’s Centennial Medal (1967)

- Governor General’s 125th Anniversary Medal (1992)

- Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, Award of Distinction (1985)

- Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Honour Award (1983)

- Alberta Achievement Award for Excellence in the Field of Recreation (1983)

- Alberta Centennial Salute for Contribution to Sport and Recreation

- The GH Dawe Award (2008)

- Induction as a Builder into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

- Alberta Parks and Recreation Association Wild Rose Award (1987)

- 50th Anniversary Legends Award (2001)

- Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators Professional Award (1986)

2. Founding and Leadership Roles

-Founding President and Lifetime Member of the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel

- President of the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association

- Chairman of the Kevin Sirois Fitness Testing and Training Center

- Chairman of the GH Dawe Community Center Planning and Development

- Chairman of Waskasoo Park Management Committee

- Vice Chairman of the Alberta Sport Council (1988–1991)

3. National Involvement

- Co-Chairman of the 1964 National Swimming and Diving Championships

- Resource Leader for Canadian Parks and Recreation Association Cross-Canada Seminars (1979–1980)

- Speaker at the Commonwealth Games Conference

- Member of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Facility Committee

- Committee Member for the Football Canada Player Development Guide

4. Provincial Contributions

- Director and Chairman Roles in the Alberta Sport Council

- Advisor and Host for Alberta Summer Games (1975, 1977)

- Planning Committee Member for the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame

- Committee Member for Alberta Sports Coordination Study (1979–1980)

- Chairman of Alberta Government Hockey Study Committee (1969)

- Advisory Roles in Recreation Programs at Red Deer College, University of Alberta, and SAIT

- Member of the Alberta International Year of the Child Committee

 5. Community Involvement

- Chairman of the Michener Center Citizens Advisory Committee

- Director and Secretary of the Golden Circle Senior Citizens Center Management Board

- Member of the Red Deer Museum Planning Committee

- Executive Member of the Social Planning Council

- Member of Red Deer Fine Arts Committee and Red Deer College Fine Arts Committee

6. Sports and Coaching Background

- Volunteer Hockey Coach (20 years)

- High School Football Coach (10 years)

- Fastball Coach (7 years)

- Competitive Swimming Coach (9 years)

- Instructor for Hockey, Football, Alpine Skiing, and Swimming

- Official for Hockey (12 years), Football (8 years), Swimming (9 years)

 7. Sports Administration

- Board Member of Alberta Amateur Hockey Association

- Volunteer and Executive Member of the Calgary Community Recreation Association

- Representative of Alberta Sports Governing Bodies for Swimming, Hockey, Football, Fastball, and Baseball

From the beginning to his end, Don was a humble human being who treated people with respect. If the walls in the family home could speak, you’d repeatedly hear the phrase, “Do Unto Others”. He offered all of himself to Gloria, his family, his career and his friends. He's left behind some very proud folks who admire his contributions to the world and are grateful for having known him. There will be a gaping hole in his absence. Be at peace Don, for yours was a life well lived.

Livestream of the celebration will be available on the Facebook page  'Life Celebrations With Gaetz'.  If you prefer, check out Gaetz Memorial United Church channel on YouTube shortly after the event's completion.