Obituary of Donald Vernon STEELE

June 30, 1930 – Lethbridge, Alberta

May 18, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Donald (Don) Vernon Steele beloved husband of Marilyn Ann Steele (nee Miller), of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at the age of 90.

Don attended the University of Alberta, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1954 and his Law Degree in 1955. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1956.  Don successfully completed his articles and was an associate with the law firm Rice, Patterson & Company, before becoming a founding partner of the law firm Stringam, Steele & Denecky in Lethbridge.

In 1970 Don, Marilyn and their children moved to Calgary, where he later founded and joined other law firms, was a sole practitioner and served as corporate legal counsel with Canadian Pacific Railway.  Don loved the law. As a Barrister and Solicitor, Don was a pillar of the legal profession, highly respected by his clients, colleagues, the Bar and the Bench, and exemplified the highest standards of integrity, ethics and diligence, triggering his nickname in the legal profession as "Stainless Steele"!

Don was active in many community organizations including Scouts Canada, where he received his King Scout Award, Green Acres, and the Kiwanis Club. Don was also actively involved for many years in the Canadian Cancer Society, for a period of time serving as the Calgary Unit Director. In 1988 Don and Marilyn served as volunteers for the Calgary Winter Olympics, and later for the Special Olympics, being one of the greatest highlights of his life.

Having been an avid clarinet player, Don was a member of the Westwind's Organization Bronze Band. He performed with the Band in the Jack Singer Concert Hall and Jubilee Auditorium on many occasions.

Don was a devoted and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and blessed the lives of many. He had a great love for and testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His restored gospel, and loved serving the Church and its members.  In 1951 Don served a two-year mission in the British Isles, where he developed a great love and admiration for the people of Wales.  In their later years, Don and Marilyn served together as missionaries for 18 months in the Canada, Halifax, Mission, serving for many months in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.

Don served in many capacities and leadership positions in the Church, devoting countless hours in seeking to comfort, uplift and bless the lives of those around him. One of Don's greatest joys was serving with Marilyn for many years in the Cardston and Calgary, Alberta Temples.

Don's greatest love and devotion was always towards his beloved wife, and eternal companion, Marilyn. His best friend with whom he cherished with all his heart, and who was his greatest strength, comfort and support.

His generous love and patience extended to his children, their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him so much happiness and joy.  Don was known for seeing potential and goodness in others with his genuine love, compassion and unconditional kindness. His was a life filled abundantly with the blessings of a beloved wife and family, Church and community service, distinguished legal career, and trusted and devoted friends and colleagues.

Don is survived and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, best friend, and eternal companion, Marilyn, whom he married in the Cardston, Alberta, Temple on September 24, 1958. Don and Marilyn are the parents of six children, Robert Charles (Ingrid), Kendall Douglas (Susanne), Colin Vernon (Kathy Lynn), Richard Franklin (Barbara) and Kathryn Ann (Foster). Don is also survived by his twenty-three grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren, whom he loved and adored.

Don was predeceased by his parents, C. Frank and Izy Steele; older brother Robert, and sister Marjorie; and his beloved son, David Gordon, whom passed in 1971, at the tender age of 7.  After 50 years of separation, Don and David now have been joyfully reunited.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, May 22, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. COVID-19 restrictions and masking requirements are in effect.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/CalgaryWestStake. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Don’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Donald Steele, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.