Obituary of Don Michael Perenack

With great sorrow, the family of Dr. Don Michael Perenack announces his passing at the Bethany Care Centre on Sunday, October 24, 2004 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 66 years. Don was born on September 13, 1938 in Thorold, ON and raised in Welland, ON. Don met Pauline and married her in St. Catharine’s, ON in 1960, whereupon they moved to Omaha, NB where Don completed his dental studies, eventually returning to Canada. In Vancouver, he began his career of dentistry for the mentally and physically handicapped. Over the years, his expertise and devotion to his much-loved “special patients” gained him enormous respect among the dental communities in both Canada and the United States. Often called upon in his field of expertise, both students and professionals alike shared in his wealth of knowledge through lectures and scientific publications in dental journals, periodicals and texts. The ultimate aim of his career was striving to create a better understanding of the needs of his special people. He was a member of the American Dental Association, as well as the local, provincial and national divisions of the Canadian Dental Association, and the World Health Organization. He also contributed his energies to public service and community organizations. For all who knew him, he was afforded great respect for his love of people and his devotion to his family. Besides his loving wife Pauline of forty-four years, Don is survived by his children, Don and Jennifer of Calgary, Dr. Jon of New Orleans, LA, and Pauline Dawn of Fullerton, CA; his precious granddaughter Isis of Calgary, as well as a sister-in-law, Corine; nephews, John and Aaron of Welland, ON. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins in Ontario. Don was predeceased by his father Michael, former mayor of Welland, ON in 1996, his mother Helen (Marcov) in 1998, and his only brother Michael in 1988. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Wednesday, October 27, 2004, at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Silvano Vargas officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. A very special thank you to the caring staff of SCU and MDE at the Bethany Care Centre. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Bethany Care Centre, SCU and MDE units, 916 – 18A Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1C6 Telephone: (403) 284-6080. In living memory of Dr. Don Perenack a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 241-0044.