Eugene Oscar Donais

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Dad and Papa, Eugene Oscar Donais, in Drumheller, Alberta, at the age of 90.

Eugene was born and raised on the family farm in Tilbury, Ontario, then moved west via the railroad in 1951. A journey that would shape the course of his life. It was in Drumheller, in 1954, that Eugene met the love of his life, Nonie (Phyllis) Vancoughnett, originally from Saskatoon. They married on April 14, 1956, and began building a life together defined by love and resilience.

Throughout their years together, Eugene and Nonie lived in several places, settling first atop Elgin Hill, then moving to Calgary. Their journey took them back to Tilbury, then to Newcastle, and ultimately to Midland in 1965. In 1977, they embraced country living in Verdant Valley, where Eugene founded Verdant Valley Oilfield Services. After retiring in 1999, they returned to Midland, where they enjoyed a quieter pace of life.

Eugene’s professional path began with the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), where he worked until 1959. He then transitioned to the oil rigs, a role he held until 1968. Eugene spent several years with A.J. Samuels and later contributed his skills to various oil field maintenance contractors until his move to Verdant Valley in 1977.

Eugene was passionate about gardening, always cultivating a large and meticulously cared-for garden wherever he lived. Family and friends fondly remember locking their cars during visits to avoid leaving with an unexpected supply of his famous zucchini. His dedication to gardening was matched by his love for vehicles, including Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Chrysler and Ford brands, and, since the late seventies, a preference for General Motors models.

Camping and fishing were among Eugene and Nonie’s favorite activities. They especially cherished trips to Crawling Valley, where they spent countless joyful days together. Eugene and Nonie were one of the earliest attendees of the Big Valley Jamboree in Craven during the late 1980s, a tradition they enthusiastically maintained for many years.

After returning to Midland, Eugene looked forward to Drumheller Dragons hockey games and fishing outings with his dear friend, Harry Weymark.

Eugene was predeceased by his beloved wife, Phyllis (Nonie) Donais (2022); his son, Eugene Richard Donais (2020); daughter-in-law, Beverly Brown (2012); and granddaughter, Kala (1992). He was also preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Cecila; brothers, Leo, Hector, and Norman; and sisters, Edna, Theresa, and Betty.

Eugene is lovingly remembered by his children: Kim (Sheila), Leslie, Dale, Stan (Sharon), Anna-Marie (Craig), Miles, Sandra (Dan), and Keith (Kimberly). His grandchildren include Rhianna (Mike), Bryan, Jamie (Alastair), Nelson (Diana), Eugene, Natalie (Phil), Trista, Trinity (Justin), Chris (Melissa), Nick (Shelsi), Amanda (Shem), Alannah-Myles (Andrew), Ashlee (Alex), Bryce (Courtney), and Allie (Collin). Eugene’s great-grandchildren are Charlie and Samuel; Zander and Isolde; Davin and Brooklyn; Matteo and Reese; Jada and Mikal; Ashtin; Holt; and Jaida.

He is also survived by his sister, Aggie St. Peter of Watford, Ontario; sister-in-law, June Mahar of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

In accordance with Eugene’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.

The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/ or STARS, www.stars.ca honoring Eugene’s legacy of caring and generosity.