Donald (Don) Harry Versluys passed away July 3, 2014 at the Vulcan Hospital at the age of 80 years. Don was born April 26, 1934 in Vulcan, Alberta to parents Cornie and Rhea Versluys.
Don lived in Falun, Alberta until 1941 when Cornie enlisted in the Army and the family moved to Champion to stay with Rhea’s family. Don attended school in Champion and Vulcan. Don was active with school sports and then joined the Champion Platoon of the Calgary Highlanders Reserve Army. In 1952 Don went to Olds College for two years taking Agriculture. When he finished college, Don returned to the family farm and continued farming with his dad. Don later became the leader of the 4-H Grain Club and the Champion Scout group. In 1959 Donnie met Margaret (Peggy) Fraser at a dance at the Alston Hall. They married on July 19, 1960 in Edmonton. They had four daughters; Karen, Colleen, Gail and Debbie.
The Versluys family continued to live on the family farm. Don and Cornie raised Purebred Polled Shorthorn cattle for many years. Don was very active in community organizations. He joined the Champion Lions Club, the Champion Masonic Lodge and Champion Legion. He was also part of the Champion Hall Board as well as the United Church Board. Don sponsored 15 trainees through the IAEA agricultural program. Many years were spent participating and helping out with his daughters activities such as the 4-H Light Horse Club and even Girl Guide camps. He also enjoyed spending time fishing for Rainbow Trout with his daughters at the dugout down the dirt road.
Don remained on the farm until 2011 when he could no longer stay there and had to move in to the Vulcan Extendicare. In October 2011 he moved into the Vulcan Long Term Care Unit at the Vulcan Hospital where he lived until his passing.
Don will be deeply missed by his daughters Karen (Kevin) Rose, Cody and Kaitlin; Colleen (Kevin) Parkin, Amanda (Nathan) Longmuir, Clayton and Luke, Nicole (Logan) Little Mustache, Jessica (Andrew Lamb), Alyssa (Jack Collin) and Tamara; Gail (Robert) Olansky, Justin and Kyle and Debbie (Todd) David, Kale and Gerrad, brother Dale Versluys, sister Frances (Gary) Banks, sister-in-law Joan (Jerry) Speers, and brothers-in-law Bob (Ann) Fraser and Janus Norton, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years Peggy, his parents, sister Laqueeda Norton, brothers-in-law Harold (Mickey) Fraser and Jack (Betty) Fraser.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at the Champion Community Hall at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Karl Shin officiating. Interment at Champion Cemetery.
Tributes in Don’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Long Term Care Unit (Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0) or the Champion Community Hall Committee (Box 17, Champion, AB T0L 0R0).
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. Email condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Dear Colleen, Kevin, Karen & Kevin, & Families
I realize this is very late but I was doing some research for a family tree and came across your Dad’s obituary. He was a very nice man and I remember the times I spent at the farm in Champion.
I was sad to hear of his passing and may the memories you share give you comfort during this time.
Love
Blanche & Ray
Karen, Colleen, Gail, Debbie & families,
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. We are remembering you and your Dad in our minds & hearts.
With caring thoughts
Colleen and all of the Versluys family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Take comfort from the support of all your friends and family. Take care.
Brenda (Pasolli) McCredie and family
I remember Don from the Olds Ag. School days…Joe (carol) Fekete
Dear Colleen & Sisters and their families,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandpa.
I’m sure you will always hold him in your hearts and memories.
My sympathies,
Maureen Williams & Don Elfner
Jessica, Joseph & Children, Kyle, Alecia, & Kristen
I was surprised and saddened to learn of Don’s recent passing! It seemed to me he had come to really enjoy his life in the home and he was often out and about at community functions with his group. Don’s mother Rhea and my mother Welda Donaghy Maronda were cousins so although Don was considerably older than me we always had that “family connection” and often had a good chat when we met. Our thoughts are with all of Don’s family at this sad time.
Marvin Maronda of Lomond
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. I really enjoyed my visits with Don.
it has been many years since I knew the versluys family but I remember Don because he was once a baby sitter of mine. I still remember how much hooney he could get on his peanut butter sandwich
Charles coe