Obituary of Donald James DOYLE

DOYLE, Donald James
February 11, 1930 -Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA
December 26, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Donald James (Jim) Doyle, beloved widower of Joyce Doyle (Quinn) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020 at the age of 90 years.

Jim was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA on February 11, 1930.

His mother moved him to Sherbrooke Quebec in 1933. They moved around eastern Canada for most of his childhood, finally settling in Field Ontario. Being in the military for all his adult life, he moved frequently.

Jim joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1947. His first posting as an LAC Airman was at Watson Lake Junction milepost 635 of the Alaska Highway. In the late fifties, Jim was part of the Crash Crew involved with the arrival and departure of the Avro Arrow during test flights from Downsview to over the bay of Fundy. He has always been avidly interested in anything Avro. 

He transferred to Europe and many stations in Canada, finishing up in Wainwright Alberta, retiring from the Forces in 1977.  Jim was a Fire Fighter in Crash Rescue.

Jim married Joyce on March 8, 1952. They had two beautiful children, Bob, and Sharon. 

He was a volunteer driver for the Cancer Society in Toronto, all while at the same time as holding down 2 jobs, his Military career and he worked part time for Richardson’s moving company in Toronto from 1967 - 1972. 

Jim accomplished much through his life although he was always much to humble to acknowledge this. He was a fantastic storyteller and had some definite favourites. 

Jim had a passion for Model trains. He loved to go see train exhibits and model railroad set ups. He was a member of the Toronto Railroad society that set up every year at the CNE.

Jim loved to travel and spent most of his time in Yuma AZ area in the wintertime. Most of his close friends came from all over North America where they would gather around the fire while boon docking in the desert. Dad once convinced a newcomer to the camp fire that Mount Rushmore was actually in Manitoba! Much to the amusement of everyone else around them, as they knew Jim’s sense of humour. Come spring they would all go to their various homes, with Jim coming home to Alberta for the summer.

Jim’s favourite thing to say to us was, “Take care of yourself!” and “Don’t grieve for me, I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve done everything I’ve ever wanted to” 
He will be most remembered for his sense of humour and caring attitude. His nieces have mentioned many times how helpful he was in their time of need. He loved to visit his relatives as often as he was in their part of the country.

Jim is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Robert Doyle (Jo-Ann Doyle) of Wainwright, Alberta; his daughter and daughter-in-law, Sharon Falconer (Monika Krammer) of Calgary, Alberta; and his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Kirby Doyle (Jeff Landry) of Wainwright, Alberta. Jim is also survived by sister-in-law Joy Jones; and nieces and nephews, including: Debbie Will, Hope Cochran, Carrie Cochran, and Faith Cochran, Lorna Raffeo, Cheryl Richards and Peggy Powell, Harvey McDougall and Jeff McDougall, Kevin Jones, Cindy St Amand, and Chris Jones, Lois Freese, Carol Oliver, and Sandy Molenar; and a large extended family and numerous friends.

Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 years, Joyce Doyle (Quinn); his second wife of five years, Ruth Bloechl; His mother, Eva Jones; and his four siblings, Dorthy Wanlin, Lorne Jones, Myrna Fuller and Bruce Jones.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the Calgary Centre of Spiritual Living (4411 Manitoba Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Please contact Sharon to confirm attendance. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Jim’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Jim, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.