Don E Widdifield passed away on February 6, 2012 at the Arcola Hospital, Arcola, at the age of 84 years. Don was predeceased by his parents, George and Retta Widdifield; brothers and sisters, Grant, Anne, Marie, Clare and Doreen; nephews, Stanley Brooker and Rob Horner and in-laws, Art Brooker, Fred Horner and Carl McCosh. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years, Gwen Widdifield of Fillmore; son, John (Laura) of Creelman, and their family, Donald (Stephanie) with their children, Ethan, D'Anna and Mitchell; Charlotte, David and Daniel; son, Richard (Sandra) of Radisson; daughter, Retta (Mitchell) McLeod of Calgary, AB and their family, Shelby, Kyra and Jared; sisters-in-law, Victoria and Lucille Widdifield as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Don was born in Creelman on July 23, 1927 and raised on the family farm southeast of Creelman alongside two older brothers, Grant and Clare, as well as three older sisters, Anne, Marie and Doreen. He attended school in both Creelman and Froude from 1933 until 1945. From 1945 to 1946 Don attended Normal School in Moose Jaw and later spent three years from 1950 to 1953 with the Royal Canadian Navy in Shearwater, Nova Scotia. On July 12, 1958 Don married Gwendolyn Rose Hall at Creelman, with Reverend J.A. Bouey presiding. Over the years Don was employed at various different jobs. He taught school at Lestock and Hallonquist. Later he worked for the Creelman Co-op delivering fuel. Don later was employed by Imperial Oil as a battery operator in Alida. Eventually he became self-employed and farmed for over fifty years at Creelman. Don had a great love of reading, history, music and politics, as well as a keen interest in a wide variety of sports. In addition he was an avid aeronautics and aviation history enthusiast. Over the years Don also dedicated many hours to the meticulous restoration of antique tractors. Don was always busy at a wide variety of projects that included carpentry and home repair. One of his greatest loves was the numerous times that he and Gwen wintered in BC, both on the island and in the Okanagan. Don was also very active in the communities where he lived. He volunteered as a scout leader, 4-H Crop Science leader, Creelman Hall Board and assisted with many Creelman Dinner Theatre productions. His Faith was important to him and he was a long time member of the United Church Board both in Creelman and Fillmore. Don had a special interest for the work done by World Vision and he and Gwen sponsored a child, Nina, in Romania for many years. Don had many interests and hobbies but what meant the most to him was the time he spent with his family, especially the earlier trips made to Ontario and British Columbia. He was also fond of the wonderful times he and Gwen spent taking each of their grandchildren on exclusive holiday adventures. Don was a kind and loving family man, as all who knew him can affirm. Don had a wonderful and quick sense of humor, but was distinguished by his intelligence, honesty and integrity and a lifelong passion for learning. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service was held Monday, February 13 at 11:00 AM from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with Reverend Catherine Harper officiating. A funeral lunch followed in the Creelman Hall, Creelman. Interment at a later date. Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or World Vision. Condolences may be left at www.fletcherfunerlchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn 306-842-5432.
