Donald Macfarlane

Longtime aviator and farmer, Colin Donald Macfarlane of the Viceroy District, SK passed away peacefully at the Ross Payant Nursing Home on February 7th, 2016 at the age of 91. Don was born December 13, 1924 on the family farm, Spring Mount Winside District, SK. Don lived his entire life on the farm walking just down the hill to attend Spring Mount School. He spent his youth, as many did in those days, working on the farm, taking care of the animals and visiting with neighbors. Don raised Shetland ponies when he was a boy and proudly paraded them around the dining room table for guests to admire. He also raised dogs and a life-long love affair with dogs continued for Don. King, a golden lab was a close companion when he was a bachelor, and his last dog Abby, a Siberian Husky gave him hours of pleasure. On October 14th, 1943 Don enlisted in the RCAF. The war was winding down and everyone wanted to do their part. An eye defect prevented Don from becoming a pilot so he drove truck. He was posted in many locations before finally making it to Halifax where he would ship overseas but the war ended and he was sent home.

Upon returning to the farm, Don purchased a quarter section from his step-uncle Roy Howson and began his farming career that would last the rest of his life. During the early days Don raised polled Herford cattle and wheat. Don was an innovator and always looked to try something new on the farm. He grew different crops and even new and emerging crops like chickpeas. He embraced continuous farming and in the 1950s obtained his pilot’s license and sprayed his crops for pests. Eventually, he would grow this into a sideline business, MacAir, custom spraying for other farmers. Flying wasn’t just for work however; Don also enjoyed flying for flying’s sake. He met other pilots at West Air in Moose Jaw who would become lifelong friends. One of Don’s favorite pastimes was hunting. He enjoyed hunting big game and waterfowl and was skilled at calling coyotes in for the kill. He travelled north, often by plane, to hunt moose or to fish with friends in locations accessible only by air.

A flying buddy, Bill Zinn, felt he should meet his sister-in-law and a little while later on March 15th, 1969, Don married the love of his life, Shirley Woods. Together they raised two daughters – Maria and Trish – and enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Don was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather to five children – Jennifer, Sydney, Kyle, Olivia and Ty.

Don was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Viceroy and Assiniboia Branches, and the Masonic Lodge and he was very proud to receive The Lt. Governor’s Service Pin from Lt. Governor Vaugh Solomon Schofield last September.

Don is predeceased by his father Colin Macfarlane and mother Clara (Cruikshank) Macfarlane, his step father Russ Howson, his sister Leone Wallin and brother-in-law Bill Wallin, father-in-law Ernest Woods and mother-in-law Velma (Snider) Woods, sisters-in-law Ellen (Woods) Schmidt, Mable (Woods) Hern, Barb (Woods) Midwood and brothers-in-law Norman Prete and Jim Midwood. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, daughters Maria (Tim) Coldwell and Trish (Bob) Livingstone and grandchildren Jennifer, Sydney, Kyle, Olivia and Ty; brother and sisters-in-law Bill and Daisy (Woods) Zinn, Lyle and Trudy (Woods) Prete, George and Lorraine Woods, Lester Schmidt, Ken Hern, Clara (Woods) Froc, and Dorothy Woods as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate Don’s life was held February 12th at 2pm at St. Paul’s United Church in Assiniboia. Reverend Marilyn Leuty officiated. Eulogies were given by his daughters, Maria and Trish and niece, Pamela Wallin. Granddaughter Olivia read a poem. Urn bearers were grandsons, Kyle and Ty. A private family interment at Sunset Cemetery will be held at a later date. Donations in remembrance of Don may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund or the charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com