Don was born 14 February 1921 in Bancroft, Nebraska, U.S.A. to Orrin and Barbara (Beryl) Day. He immigrated to Canada on 23 December 1923 with his parents and was naturalized 2 June 1936. He grew up on the family farm at Winfield, Alberta and then purchased his own homestead next to his father’s farm.
He married Edna Ewing 4 July 1941 and had two daughters.
He was drafted to WW2 and left Canada for Europe on 16 May 1944. He spent two years overseas and when he returned they had four more daughters.
Farming was hard in the 40’s and 50’s but it fed all of us with a garden and meat.
Don spent several years driving school bus to make ends meet. He also delivered the Edmonton Journal to the rural areas between Entwhistle and Alder Flats. He also built houses for a while and helped build Lakedell School.
He farmed until 1984 when Edna passed away. He then sold the farm and moved to Edmonton where he met Tattiana Papouban and they married 20 July 1985.
After moving to Edmonton he spent time playing lawn bowling and won a few trophies.
Don resided at the Allen Gray Senior’s Lodge for several years where he made many friends. He will be missed by many.
Don passed away to his heavenly home on 12 April 2024 at the age of 103 leaving to mourn his passing his daughters Jenny Palmer (David), Donna Mudge, Alma Glennie (Fred), Beatrice Freeman (Bob), Meredith Day, Ruth Day/Schmidt (Stephen); stepdaughters Marina, Katia, Lana, Genia. Also nine grandchildren, six step grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, his second wife, a son-in-law (Joe Mudge) a granddaughter Susan Kovach, a grandson Steven Freeman, his brother Harold Day and sister Marjorie Williams.
The family wishes to extend thanks to the staff of Allen Gray for our father’s care.
Funeral Service to be held at Kingdom Way Church, 10436 63 Avenue, Edmonton, on Thursday, April 18th at 11:00 am with an hour of visitation prior to the service.
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