Don Elder

Don was a loving family man who lived 93 healthy, adventurous, and happy years before passing peacefully on November 29, 2023. His pride and joy were his family; wife Polly, and children Ron (Moira), Roxanne (John), Keven (Carin) and Graham (Barb), as well as grandchildren Brock (Sarah), Collin (Alyssa), Mark (Kaitlin), Zach (Sarah), Sarah (Jay), Stephanie (Rob), Lynnie (Nels), Britney (Scott), Riley (Shane) and Deanna (Brandon). He loved and will be missed by his great-grandchildren Eli, Ruby, Clementine, Lola, Alice, and Penny.

Don was born in Kipling, Saskatchewan in 1930. At the age of seven Don, his parents, and his sister Jean moved to Nakusp, BC. He loved sports and excelled in hockey, skiing, track and field and water skiing. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He met Polly in 1951, and after they were married, they settled in Nelson, BC where Don was the owner of Don Elder Photography Studio. After seven years in his own business Don was inspired to change careers and went back to school to become a shop teacher. They moved to Duncan in 1960 where Don began his 35-year career as a shop teacher at Mount Prevost Junior Secondary and Cowichan Senior Secondary. Don was a difference maker for young people and throughout his life he encountered countless people who said he changed their lives permanently and for the better. He was a skilled craftsman, woodworker, and house builder, and designed a unique shop program teaching students to design and build large and small items from plastic and acrylic. After retirement he and Polly travelled extensively, including RVing for 12 years, touring on the motorcycle, and flying to several countries around the world. Don is already so missed by his many friends and by all generations of his family who loved and admired him so much.

An all-welcome drop-in CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at the Cowichan Golf and Country Club on Sunday February 4, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, with a few words of tribute at 2:00 pm. A private committal service will be held for Don at home prior to the Celebration of Life.

Don loved camping and he loved supporting youth, so DONATIONS (in lieu of flowers) can be made to Easter Seals at https://www.eastersealsbcy.ca in memory of Don Elder, or to Camp Goodtimes at https://campgoodtimes.org/by/donate/ directing funds to camp programs in memory of Don Elder.