Obituary of Donald Duane Westlund

March 22, 1925 – Beechy, Saskatchewan

January 22, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Duane Donald Westlund (Don), beloved husband of the late Marjorie (nee Ward), passed away peacefully after an exemplary life that lasted almost a century. A man of rare integrity, old-school values, and heart, he leaves behind many who will fondly remember his hallmark humility and thoughtfulness with gratitude for the time we shared.

Don grew up in Beechy, SK with his parents, Albin and Drexel, and his younger sisters. The untimely death of his mother split the family when he was twelve and Don was raised by his grandparents in Stave Falls, BC. This rural experience helped form his deep appreciation and lifelong attachment to nature. He joined the Navy at an early age serving in the Signal Corps which laid the foundation for an indelible sense of duty and commitment.

Don is an ‘Every Man’s story’ of post-war expansion and discovery. After being discharged from the Navy, he returned to the Prairies working all over Alberta; eventually as a supervisor of ‘doodlebuggers’ on a British American Oil seismic crew. After he met Marjorie Ward in Red Deer, they married to form a sixty-three-year romantic bond anchoring a legacy that flourished with six children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. On the broad stage of life, Don perfected a stellar turn as husband and father!

Over the years Don proved to be adept at tasks he undertook with precision and creativity. He devoted much of his time and energy to making life good for his growing family and wider community while excelling at his chosen hobbies which were eclectic and numerous. He possessed a curious mind and a passion for learning. The Westlunds spent sixteen years in Regina where Don worked as an Oil Scout in Southeast Saskatchewan before transferring to Calgary where he worked as a Landman with Gulf Oil until his retirement in 1986.

In retirement, Don and Marj were free to experience a life that had always beckoned. They homesteaded near Valleyview where they broke land, raised bison, established a home, and entertained their extensive family for over twenty years before finally settling back for restful days in Calgary.

Don and Marg are survived by their children, Drexel (Richard Walker), Janice (David Turner), Carol (Matthew Menkowski), Linda (Bill Dier), David (Luella Loewen), and Peter (Cathy Allen); as well as their grandchildren, Ann (Darius), Emma (Mathieu), Leigh (Connor), Kate (Dillon), Paul (Melinda), Joelle (Matthew), and Meaghan (Todd); and Don’s remaining sisters, Joan Ullman and Donna Verbeek, in appreciation of Don’s affable humor and welcoming presence.

The family would like to express their immense appreciation for the generous, loving support given to Don by his granddaughter, Meaghan Westlund, and the warmth of caregivers, Judy Bushell and Carmen Davison.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at the Edgemont Community Association, (33 Edgevalley Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 20,2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

In living memory of Don Westlund, 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.