Donald Whimster

Don is survived by his mother, Patricia Whimster; son Nick Bartosek-Whimster; sister Trish Whimster (Emily); sister Shannon Collier; nephew Brady Collier; nieces, Kyra Collier (Jessy), Kaylene Neufeld, Kelcey Aleman (Ryan) and their children Waylon and Kylee; his aunt Cheryl O’Donnell and Aunt Sue O’Donnell; cousins: Mike O’Donnell (Cheralan), Tara VanZeggelaar (Darren), Brad O’Donnell, Cody O’Donnell (Bailey), Jeff O’Donnell (Patricia), Dustin O’Donnell (Taya), Lacey Jote (Sol); and his fun loving and always helpful cousin, Coreen Warnock.

He was predeceased by his father, John Whimster; sister Jennifer Whimster-Neufeld; brother-in-law, Clint Collier; grandparents, Thelma and Fred O’Donnell; Grammy Jean Whimster; as well as his uncles: Dennis, Terry and Jim O’Donnell.

Don grew up in Lethbridge and attended Catholic school from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He received his sacraments at St. Basil’s Catholic Church on the northside of Lethbridge. Sunday suppers at Grandma’s house, in Picture Butte, were a cherished memory for him while growing up. Don graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1986. From there, he went on to manage a service station and later drove truck for his uncle Jimmy. Don loved to joke and laugh and was known for his silly nature and quick sarcastic wit. On many occasions, he would fill a room with laughter!

In his younger years, Don played hockey, baseball, and football. Family, friends and meaningful connections were an important part of what he valued as a person. He was always accepting of those around him regardless of their circumstances.

Family was his most cherished gift in life, and he always felt our unconditional love for him! As Rudyard Kipling put beautifully in his poem “If”, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same…You are a better man than most.”

Downturns are not permanent defeats, and successes are not ultimate triumphs. How we face our setbacks, with resilience, and accept our successes, with grace, are important measures of our worth as individuals.

May Don rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

An interment service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY (Scenic Drive S.) on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at 11:30 A.M. (those attending meet at Eternal Flame, front entrance, no later than 11:20 A.M.). A time of fellowship & refreshments will follow at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 St. S., Lethbridge, from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M.