Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Donald Hale
Don is survived by his loving wife, Carol and children, David (Tanja), Kenton (Melanie), Russ (Janet), and adopted son Bob. Don is also survived by his many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom will miss him.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Carol and children, David (Tanja), Kenton (Melanie), Russ (Janet), and adopted son Bob. Don is also survived by his many grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, all of whom will miss him.
He will be remembered for his wit, caring, knowledge, wisdom and music (saxophone).
Don grew up on the family farm west of Warner and began his formal education at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC, and continued with a Bachelor of Education from the U of A and his Masters from the U of C. His career began in Edmonton at the Alberta School for the Deaf and Richie Junior High. In Calgary, Don taught at Sherwood Elementary, after which he participated in a school exchange program in York, England.
While in England, Don took his wife and two young sons (#1 and #4) on a motorcycle with sidecar tour of France, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden.
In Calgary, he started the band program at Vincent Massey and was principal of Bob Edward’s elementary where he introduced an open multi-grade program. Don then became principal of Olds Junior/Senior High School.
Don and Carol designed and implemented a program operated from their farm near Water Valley for young men that did not fit conventional school. Participants began with extended wilderness experiences in the Rockies, West Coast Vancouver Island, northern Alberta, and the Yukon. Farm activities included shipping cream, raising hogs, cows/calves, forage, and hay. Don helped his boys set up logging and sawmill operations. Don was also an accomplished contractor.
Don and Carol taught ESL to teachers and engineers in China and traveled the country extensively. Don and Carol played with many dance bands through the years in many communities.
A Celebration of Life will be held at ELKS HALL, 210-4th Avenue, Warner, AB on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M.
Guestbook (10)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Donald.
Don was tall in stature, huge in personality and extremely talented on that Sax! Hugs and condolences on his passing. He left so many good memories behind for all of us, and as for Carol and kids, I pray your hearts are comforted with those treasured memories. One of my favourite would be how my dad and him liked to wrestle. The two of them (plus Carol and others) made some really great music! I just loved those summers gone by.
Don will be missed. He had a great sense of humor and was always making everyone smile. Sending love and condolences to Carol and family.
Our sincere condolences to the Hale family on Don’s passing. Terry & Leslie Marciniak
Have many fond memories of Don, he was a big part of my childhood, have so many good memories. Such a big heart he really will be missed by all.
Dear Carol and family Angie and Donna went saw we sorry about don passed he really nice man mom and I really enjoy Carol and Don family our prayers thoughts with Hale family love ❤️ Ang Donna hugs
Remembering Don with such fondness. Such a truly remarkable man. Unbelievable lifetime accomplishment. Your family Carole and the world were so blessed to have enjoyed Don for all those years. Rest in peace.
Sorry to hear of Don's passing
Carol and family, Don was always a favourite guy to our family. I think of our times at Water Valley often. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed.
I have a memory of Roy and Don playing a saxophone duet at a Wrentham Christmas concert. They were both young and handsome! They had a wonderful friendship in those days. Sending sincere sympathy to Carol and all the family.