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Obituary of Donald Peter Jorgensen
July 24, 1931 – Hussar, Alberta
June 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta
Donald Peter Jorgensen was born on July 24, 1931, in Hussar, AB. His parents, Hermann and Olivia Jorgensen, were Danish immigrants farming in the community of Makepeace. Don was the seventh of nine children in the family. His siblings have predeceased him, with the exception of his sister Elsie, who is now 101 years old.
Don began his schooling in a one-room schoolhouse in Makepeace. He has an early memory of learning to read with the help of a kind teacher and a well-worn copy of The Three Bears. Times were hard in Southern Alberta in the early 1930s, but the family worked tirelessly to manage during the Depression years. Sadly, when Don was 14, his father passed away. He and his siblings banded together during this time to keep the farm running.
After his school years, he remained on the farm with his mother, Olivia. Don farmed until 1964, when he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Jensen. They married on June 30, 1965, and moved to Calgary. While attending school to complete his GED he began an apprenticeship as an electrician, Don worked as a courier for a welding supply company. He started his career as a journeyman electrician and continued in this line of work for most of his life. He was tremendously hard-working and took pride in all he did.
Don and Betty became parents in 1967 when they adopted their daughter, Beverly. A second daughter, Lillian, arrived in 1969. Don was a devoted father and husband, putting family needs above his own in every situation. Never too busy for his girls, he delighted in every moment spent together. Bev and Lill have precious memories of time with their dad. The house was always full of music, books, and laughter. Summers were spent in the family recreational vehicle, and many trips and adventures were undertaken. Hiking, camping, and outdoor pursuits in the beautiful Alberta Rockies were family favourites.
Don retired in the late 1980s, and he and Betty embarked on a new era of travel and camping. During these years, they enjoyed trips to Europe, the Dakotas, and Iowa to visit Don’s sisters, as well as a few trips to Arizona. In 1992, they became grandparents when Beverly’s daughter Lauren was born. Their grandson Taylor would follow in 1996. With these grandchildren residing in Vancouver, the RV trips were now exclusively focused on the West Coast. Don and Betty would pack up each June and head west. They spent each and every summer with their grandchildren and forged strong and meaningful bonds with them. Lauren and Taylor will tell you that their fondest childhood memories center largely around time with Grandma and Grandpa at their trailer. During this period, winters for Don and Betty were divided between their home in Calgary and Rocky Mountain House, where they enjoyed winter camping in their RV. Not for the faint of heart, they enjoyed these snowy getaways and spent many happy hours together.
Don and Betty spent time camping well into their eighties. This was a true love for them. Sadly, the time came when travelling was no longer possible due to age and mobility issues. They lived out the next several years in their family home in Willow Park with the assistance of their daughter Lill. During this chapter of their lives, they also became great-grandparents when their granddaughter Lauren welcomed Poppy and Rye into the family. In 2022, the decision was made to move into an independent senior’s community. This was very difficult for Don, but he faced these changes with a cheerful spirit and showed resilience.
Don was a man of tremendous faith. The family attended First Evangelical Free Church, where Don was an active member. Don loved the Lord, and we know he is now home with his Saviour in heaven. We are certain he has heard the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant,” (Matthew 25:21).
From beginning to end, Don’s life exemplified the Fruits of the Spirit spoken of in the Bible. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All who knew or encountered him instantly recognized these characteristics. A quiet and humble man who valued faith and family above all else. A life truly well lived.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at First Evangelical Free Church (732 55 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held at First Evangelical Free Church (732 55 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall at the church.
Family and friends unable to attend in person are invited to join Don’s service streamed live on the church YouTube channel (see link below).
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Donald’s family here.
In living memory of Donald Jorgensen, 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.
