Obituary of Donald Patton

March 31, 1944 – Montreal, Quebec

June 12, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Donald Patton beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend on June 12, 2023. Don passed away peacefully at Dulcina hospice at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Don was born in Montreal, Quebec March 31, 1944. Don grew up in Montreal, on the West Island, in a loving family with his parents, Ruth and Vincent, and his three younger sisters, Lynn, Susan, and Kerry.

Upon graduating from D’Arcy McGee High School, he attended Concordia University, St. Joseph’s Teachers College and later obtained his Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University. Don married his lifelong love, Christine, in Montreal on October 11, 1969. Together, they started their careers in teaching and were soon blessed with three wonderful children.

Don, and family moved to Calgary in 1982, where he continued his love of teaching with the Calgary Catholic School Board. Don was an inspiring teacher and exemplary administrator. Don was a man of principles, conviction, and integrity, who defended your beliefs just as strongly as his own.

His four grandchildren were the light of his life, and “Poppa Don” as he was affectionately known, loved spending as much time as possible with them, celebrating every opportunity, accomplishment, win, and loss. His sense of humor, positive attitude and fortitude during life’s challenges will be missed. We are forever grateful for having the gift of time to spend with Poppa Don over the past several months.

Don is lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years Christine; his daughter Kim (Jamie Wallace), and their children, Stephanie, Ashley, and Andrew; his son Stephen (Debbie), and their son, Austin; and his

daughter Laura (Adam Stewart).

“Donnie” is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Lynn (John, deceased) and Kerry (Norm LaFleur), and brother-in-law, Jim Fitz-Morris (sister Susan, deceased). Don will be missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and the many students we’ve encountered over the years who’ve shared just how big of an impact Don had on their lives.

We were blessed that so many people have been able to experience the love and wisdom that Don was so generous to share with us all. We will love you forever husband, Dad, Poppa Don, and friend.

A sincere thank you to the many Doctors and Healthcare Professionals who cared for Don over the past years and recent months. Special thanks to Jean at Crowfoot Medicine Shoppe, Dr. Francois Harton, Dr. John Walsh, Dr. Marc Kerba, Dr. Cathlin Mutch, Dr. Mark Evans, and the compassionate staff at Dulcina Hospice.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church (541 Silvergrove Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Donnie's service streamed live on the day of the service at https://st-peters.ca/private-event/. 

In living memory of Donald Patton, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

Click Here to View Donald Patton's Memorial Card