Obituary of Donald Warren Mckinstry

June 20, 1934 - Maple Creek, Saskatchewan

December 31, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) McKinstry, of Calgary, on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at the age of 89.5 years. Don is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter Cori McNicol (Cam) and son Darin (Carla); grandchildren, Kira (Zach), Mac, Jackson and Ryely.

Don was born in Maple Creek, SK on June 20, 1934 to John (Jack) and Lydia McKinstry. He was their only child. Growing up, Don’s father was a travelling auditor for CP Rail. They lived in many places across Canada, including Maple Creek, Redcliff, Montreal and Calgary. Don attended Western Canada High School and received football scholarships at Wenatchee and San Jose State. He remained close to his teammates throughout his life. Don worked in Sales at Rothchild’s, CFCN and MacDonald Supply, followed by a lengthy career in real estate investment. Don married the love of his life, Betty, and they recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Don was fun-loving and always had a joke at the ready. However, his true passion was for golf. He loved spending time with his golfing buddies (The Polish Army). He had the opportunity to play golf all over the world and was a member of the Earl Grey Golf Club and the Glencoe Club. He proudly displayed his hole-in-one trophies on his mantel by the fireplace.

Don’s family wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Calgary EMS, AHS Home Care (Nancy), the staff on Ward 47 at the Rockyview Hospital and Ellen Novak at the Chronic Kidney Disease Clinic.

If friends so desire, the family would appreciate a donation to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society, 5000 – 11 Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5 Telephone: (403) 253-2059, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/97912?v2=true.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Donald’s family here.

In living memory of Donald McKinstry, 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.