Don Waldroff

In loving memory of Donald Howard Waldroff
December 4, 1929 — January 24, 2025

 
Surrounded by family, Donald Howard Waldroff passed peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the amazing age of 95 in Calgary, Alberta. He was predeceased in August by his loving wife Myrna and we take solace in knowing that they are once more with each other, celebrating the incredible life and loving bond they shared for over 65 years.

Donald was born to Lyman and Margaret Waldroff on December 4, 1929, in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. Donald was the youngest of eight children: Adam, Peter, Roy, Violet, Fred, Frances and Nora. It was a large farm family that over time, moved to many different provinces throughout Canada.

Donald’s passion for life and hard work blossomed at a young age. You could find Donald out in the fields on the family farm, following closely behind the horse-drawn combine harvesters. Donald told stories of how he would often be singing at the top of his lungs to entertain himself, as there was not yet a portable radio to bring with him. That continued until one day his father roared a muffler-less diesel tractor into the yard, which Donald enthusiastically and quickly learned to master.

As Donald grew up, his life path took a very different direction, away from farming. Working for the Canadian National Railway, unloading gravel from train cars, then working for the city of Flin Flon, and returning once again to the CNR in the express shipping department.

September 5, 1959 was one of the most important moments in Donald’s life. It was the day he married the love of his life, Myrna Irene Waldroff (nee Longmore), the woman he would spend 65 loving years with, their souls intertwined, love unyielding, hearts full of deep affection and unwavering devotion.

After moving to Calgary in 1962 he joined a seismic supply company, servicing the emerging oil industry for over 14 years. Donald then worked for and took part ownership of a water-well drilling supply company for many years. After retiring from the supply business, Donald kept busy, working with his eldest son in a home renovation business, and then being the bookkeeper for his other son and daughter-in-law's equestrian business. His work ethic was impeccable and something he instilled in his children and their children.

Donald always had an open ear and warm heart. He invited and welcomed visitors into his home with open arms, happily sharing stories about his life experiences over a cup of coffee, and listening attentively to the lives that others shared with him. His warm smile and distinctive hearty laugh will never be forgotten.

Outside of work, you could find Donald on the golf course, at the curling rink, in the garden, or in the garage working with his hands. He perfected his golf swing and curling skills, winning numerous trophies and ribbons in both golf and on the provincial seniors curling rink. His garden produced the best vegetables, raspberries and apples, each bite filled with the love he tended them with. Donald always put the same amount of attention and passion into his hobbies that he put into every other aspect of his life.

Donald is remembered by his three adult children, Scott (Paige), Brett (Christine), and Catherine (Noel), the three children he raised with his wife Myrna to be the spectacular people they are today. Donald took great pride watching each of them grow and develop passions for their respective careers. As they aged, they passed on the values that they learned from their father and mother.

Donald’s enormous love for his family extended beyond his children to his grandchildren, Kayla (Allen), Marissa, Matthew (Katelyn) and his beloved great-grandchildren Alice and Emmet. These are the children that he shared special moments with, teaching many of them how to curl, to perfect a golf swing, till the garden, pick the berries, trim the apple trees, and how to be patient and kind to others in life. These lessons and more, they will carry with them forever.

Donald Howard Waldroff left this world knowing that he lived the greatest, fullest life he could live. He showed loving dedication to his wife Myrna, radiated compassion to his family, demonstrated diligence in his occupations, and strived to do everything to the best of his ability. He also shared these qualities with his many friends by example, encouraging others to bring them into their own lives.

A funeral service to celebrate Donald’s exceptional life will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM at McDougall United Church. The family invites all those who were touched by Donald’s strength and compassion to join them in honoring and celebrating his life. Those who are unable to attend the service in person, it will be live-streamed on the church YouTube page, please copy the link below and open in a new browser:

https://www.youtube.com/@mcdougallunitedchurchcalga4407

The video feed for the service will be up approximately 10 minutes before the service.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful caregiver, Elizabeth, who cared for Donald and Myrna in their home during the past 2 years; as well as the staff at the Southwood Hospice, who provided such loving care to both Donald and the family during Donald’s 4-month stay there.

In remembrance of Donald, we celebrate the life of an outstanding man, whose kind words and open heart will continue to live on in our memories. Donald was an inspiration to the many people who will continue to live on with his influence and teachings. May it guide them through many generations to come.

Rest in peace Donald. Your love, your strength and your kindness will forever live on in our hearts