Obituary of Donald Brander Eley

ELEY, Donald Brander

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Donald Brander Eley at Luther Special Care Home in Saskatoon on Tuesday, October 11, 2018.  Don was predeceased by his parents, his siblings and son-in-law Doug Poole.

Don, the youngest child of Joseph and Rhoda Jane, was born on January 17, 1932 in Saskatoon.  He was raised on a dairy farm near Colonsay.  He graduated from Colonsay School and obtained a diploma from the School of Agriculture at the U of S.  Don married Norma Holm in 1953, a marriage that lasted 65 years.  They raised their three daughters Barbara, Maureen and Donna on the family farm where he and Norma farmed with Don’s brother Wilbur for many years.

Don had a terrific sense of community and showed strong leadership through the many organizations to which he belonged.  His commitment to the co-operative movement was evident by his involvement as Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Delegate and both Colonsay Co-op and Colonsay Credit Union Boards.

Don followed the Flying Eley’s tradition and earned his Diamond “C” pin in gliding achieving a height of 16,000 feet.

Don showed determination and tenacity in everything he did.  His passions included fishing, music, restoring antique tractors and cars, socializing and traveling.  This list would not be complete without mentioning his ability to tell stories, a trait that was recognized by people all over the province and country.

Family time, social gatherings and visiting with friends were an important part of Don’s life.  He loved spending summers at the Lake and patiently towed many kids around with his homebuilt boat as they learned to ski.

Don generously shared his love, time, knowledge and expertise with many people.  He demonstrated kindness and compassion towards everyone and he was always willing to help when he saw someone in need.

Don is survived by his wife Norma, their daughters Barbara Poole, Maureen (Daryl) Moen, Donna (Dan) Trottier, grandchildren Dustin (Charlotte) Poole, Rick Poole, Dillon Moen, Rae-Lynn Moen (Jeff Kruppi), Ben Trottier (Lucy Playle), Cody Trottier (Amanda DeKelver), great-grandchildren Adrianna and Declan Poole and Rhys Kruppi, in laws Jim and Isabel Holm, Sam and Eva David, Arnold and Deb Holm, Keith and Linda Dutertre and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sadly Don’s health began to deteriorate when Alzheimer’s disease robbed him of his sharp and analytical mind.  He went to live in Luther Special Care Home earlier this year.  The staff at the Home appreciated Don’s still in tact sense of humour and his ability to befriend anyone he met.

A service will be held at the Colonsay Community Hall on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm.   In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Luther Care Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Society.