To Pat, Ralph, Carmen and their families
Wendy and I send our sincere condolences on the passing of Uncle Don. We also pass on Andy and Ada’s thoughts to you all. We were reminiscing about Uncle Don in the past few days and remembering the great times we all spent together in Nobleford, Waterton, Banff and of course, Calgary. Dad loves to tell the stories of Don coming down to hunt ducks with the German war prisoner holding the shotgun while they chased the geese through the fields. Don was always able to let his guard down once he got out of the city, and Nobleford and Waterton were his playgrounds (in the good old days!!) Andy and Ada have very wonderful memories of Don and Francis and it is these cherished recollections that they hold dear. For my part, I like to tell of Uncle Don walking Grandpa Smith and I through the gates at the Stampede with a remark over his shoulder at the ticket taker – “they’re with me”. I was 10 years old, and have never felt more important in my life. Later that day when I got lost and showed up at the police compound on the grounds (as I was instructed to do), I reported that my Uncle Don told me to come here! He showed up later to claim me!! We are diminished by his passing. Due to weather and Andy and Ada’s health, we are unable to attend the service for Don but keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Jack
