Obituary of Donald (Don) Lloyd Slifka

May 9, 1953 – Edmonton, Alberta

April 9, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) Slifka, aged 68 years, on Saturday April 9, 2022 at Rockyview General Hospital.

Don was born in Edmonton, but his family soon moved to Calgary where he attended St. Augustine’s and then graduated from Bishop Grandin Senior High School.

Don lived the majority of his life in Calgary, spending a few years in Lethbridge and Edmonton. Don was a hard worker with a good mind for business and management. He spent many years working in management at CIBC, followed by many years in automobile sales in which he received numerous accolades before moving into a management role.

Growing up Don loved cars and loved playing all types of sports, but his love for playing baseball stood strong throughout his entire life. Some of his best memories were playing slo-pitch with the Olde Stox. Don loved watching sports, playing golf, and camping. He was also quite the poker player and an avid Blue Jays fan.

Above all else Don was a devoted son, brother, and father. Anyone who knew Don knew how fierce his love was for his daughter, Cailea. He was so proud of her and everything she has accomplished. He was her fiercest protector and would have done absolutely anything for her. The bond between them was unlike any other, she was his pride and joy, and she was by his side taking care of him through every step of his illness.

Don was a special person, who was remembered by almost everyone he met. He had a mischievous sense of humor and was unwavering in his attempt to make everyone around him laugh. Don was incredibly strong and endured through prolonged illness and pain, but he remained strong, composed, and held onto his sense of humor to the very end.

Don put up an amazing fight but can now exist without pain and be reunited with his mother, whom he missed every day since her passing in 2003. 

Don is survived by his daughter, Cailea (Matt); brother, Dwight (Susan); loved ones, Petra, Nikki (Ben/Mackenzie); his best friend of more than 30 years, Keith Harkes; and so many more. Don is predeceased by his mother, Irene; father, James; and brother, Jim.

At Don’s request, there will be no formal funeral or memorial service. Instead, he asked that friends and loved ones catch a Blue Jays game and think of him as you cheer them on.

In living memory of Don Slifka, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.