Obituary of Donald Somers

Donald George Somers
December 9, 1942 - February 21, 2023

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Don on February 21, 2023.

Don is survived by his loving partner of 18 years, Georgie Partridge, his son Jon (Eileen), his daughter Marnee, his grandchildren Walter and  George, bonus children Jill (Clint) their  children Logan and Kate, James (Kathy) and Jamie’s children Matthew and Claire; along with many nieces and nephews and extended family friends. He was predeceased by his wife Maureen, daughter Meredith, parents Mary & George, sister Patricia, brother Jim and brother-in-law Bill Gibson. 

Don was born in Prince Albert, SK and grew up developing a love of sports, particularly baseball.  Upon graduation Don was asked to try out for the Minnesota Twins farm team.  He chose the educational path instead and headed to Saskatoon.  It was there where he met Maureen and the adventure together began. Don pursued a Masters in Science and then they moved to Regina where he was a biology teacher at Sheldon Williams Collegiate. Don was instrumental in creating the first outdoor school experience for his students

Their next adventure took them to Toronto where Don completed his Ph.D. and went on to be an associate professor at University of Guelph. 

As family was always the backbone of their life, Don and Maureen made a decision to move back to Saskatoon to be closer to family. Don’s impact in the community was extensive. Over the years, his activities included President of the Saskatoon Rotary Club, Chair of Ministry and Personnel Committee at McClure United Church, Chair of CAMECO Meewasin Valley Authority Riverfront Campaign, McClure Place Foundation Board member and Chair of Heritage View Condominium Board. 

Don was no stranger to loss throughout the years and was given a second chance at love with his partner and best friend Georgie Partridge.  Don and Georgie grew up together in PA, but ended up going their separate ways to pursue their dreams. Decades later, they were reunited and spent the next 18 years travelling the world, cheering on the Saskatoon Blades and visiting the local Tim Hortons and Starbucks on their daily outings. 

Don was most proud of his children and grandchildren.  There was not a sports game or concert that was not attended as he watched through the lens of his I-phone to capture each moment.  His lasting legacy of sharing jokes, advice about life, big hugs and the ability to make you feel loved will carry on in all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held at McClure United Church, Saskatoon at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023.   In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Restorative Action Program (RAP) at www.rapsaskatoon.org or a charity of choice. Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Saskatoon Funeral Home.