Don Kerslake
May 3, 1932 – August 2, 2023
It is with deepest sympathy for the Kerslake family that we inform you of the passing of Don Kerslake on August 2 at the age of 91 years. Don and Lois had once been actively involved members of McDougall United but not in the last 10-15 years. At Don’s request a private family gathering will be held in lieu of a funeral service. Interment will follow in Souris, Manitoba at a future date.
OBITUARY
Donald died peacefully at the Agape Hospice in Calgary, Alberta on August 2, 2023 at age 91 years, with family by his side. Don was born May 3, 1932, the youngest of five children born to Lorne and Sarah Jean Kerslake who farmed near Elgin, Manitoba. They moved to Souris, Manitoba where he grew up playing hockey and helped his teams win three provincial championships as their goaltender. His most devoted fan was Lois Patterson, his childhood sweetheart, whom he would eventually marry in 1955. They began married life in Flin Flon, Manitoba where lifelong friendships were established before moving to Calgary, Alberta in 1969.
Don espoused the term “hard worker”. After retiring from his career as a heavy duty mechanic, he secured seasonal employment at Priddis Greens Golf Course as part of their Turf Care Crew, working until he was aged 83. Don and Lois travelled extensively attending World Curling Championships and wintered in Sidney, BC for the last 25 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife Lois; his children: Graham (Fern) and Heather (Greg) Weir; his grandchildren: Matthew (Michelle), Katharine (Travis) Thorgeirson, Andrew, Adam (Joanne) Weir, and Travis (Kayla). Don was blessed with great grandchildren: George, Millie, Annika, Eleanor, Frederick, and Lillian, with two more on the way. He is survived by his sister-in-law Margaret Greaves, brother-in-law Robert Patterson, and numerous nephews and nieces whom he loved.
Don was predeceased by his sister Marge (Burnham Toft) and brothers Jack (Helen), Cliff (Fran), and Robert; sisters-in-law Willa (Tarleton Shearer) and Joan Patterson, and brother-in-law Tom Greaves. He was especially blessed with the life-long friendship of the Onofriechuk family.
At Don’s request a private family gathering will be held in lieu of a funeral service. Interment will follow in Souris, Manitoba at a future date.