Obituary of Donald Fossey

Donald passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, just two days before his 83rd birthday at the Colonel Belcher Nursing Home, where he has called “home” for the past three years. Donald was the son of Sarah and Arthur Fossey and he resided in Yorkton, SK until moving to Calgary in 1960. He was the youngest of five children, two brothers, Ronald and Frank and two sisters, Margaret and Alice, all dying young. Donald had outlived all of his family by many decades. He was a member of the Canadian Army and a World War II war vet who fought for our freedom on the front lines of Britain, the Central Mediterranean and Northwest Europe. Donald initially joined the army at age sixteen until it was discovered that he was too young to be enlisted and then re-enlisted in October 1943. Donald fought on the Italian front and was involved with the liberation of Holland, until he was discharged back to civilian life on February 22, 1946. He was decorated with the 1939-1945 Star, the Italy Star, France and Germany Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service medal and War medal 1939-45. He suffered all his life with post traumatic stress disorder, attributed to his service overseas but he managed to work for the Canadian Pacific Railway for seventeen years, he had his own small retail business and worked at various other occupations until his retirement. Don married Elizabeth Fossey (Nash) on November 27, 1947 and they had one daughter, Dawnee-Lee Fossey (Melathopolous). Elizabeth passed away on September 14, 2005. Don will be remembered for his quick sense of humour, his infectious laugh, his love of gardening, dogs, the outdoors-especially sun tanning, hockey, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and being a “classy” dresser. He will also be remembered for his “stubbornness” and determination. When Don put his mind to do something or not to do something, he stuck to it. An example of this is quitting smoking “cold turkey”, after doing so for sixty years or so, and when he started to walk daily and lift weights. This was a significant lifestyle change for him, which he lived up to on a daily basis until the past two years. Don will be greatly missed by his daughter Dawnee Fossey, her husband Tony Melathopolous and Don’s only grandchild, Tarren Melathopolous. He is also survived by family in Saskatchewan, one being a niece Shirley Matus, who still took the time to keep in contact with her uncle and another niece by marriage, Marnie Sanderson of Calgary. We will miss you Dad, grampa—-to our hero, rest in peace. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. The family would like to thank Dr. Maria Celis, Ruth Cox, the Registered Nurses, LPNs, nursing attendants and all of the staff who work for the Colonel Belcher. They spent time with Don and took wonderful care of him. Their concern and loving attention made Don feel special; filled his life the last three years and is very much appreciated and will never be forgotten. Don felt fortunate to live at the Colonel Belcher, as did his family. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Donald Fossey, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296