Todd, Donald (Don) Edward

Donald (Don) Edward Todd passed away at the Coronation Health Care Complex on December 12, 2010 at the age of 82, just seven days short of his 83rd birthday after a lengthy battle with cancer. Donald was born on December 19, 1927 at Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, the youngest of two sons born to John and Florrie Todd.
Donald took his schooling at White Craig School achieving grade 8 status. This was considered to be a prestigious completion of grade school in that era. Donald grew up and farmed with his parents and brother Kenneth on the family farm at Verlo, Saskatchewan.
Donald lived and survived the “Dirty Thirties” of Saskatchewan.  In 1949, the family decided to move west to Alberta and bought a farm in the West Wingham district south of Coronation and east of Spondin.  He continued to farm with his parents and brother on this new land. Donald married Edna Dybak on November 20, 1959 and the same year bought out the family farm when his parents retired and moved to Coronation.
His brother Kenneth stayed on the farm with them until 1960 when he bought his own farm east of Coronation. To their union, two children were born, Wayne in 1961 and Diane in 1962. They continued to run and expand their farming operation over the years and in the end the farm consisted of 27 quarters of land.
Donald, in his early years of marriage, was assisted by his wife and hired men as needed and in the later years his children assisted them. Donald always said his success on the farm was due to the great neighbours they were so fortunate to be surrounded by over the years.
In 1979, Donald and Edna decided to sell out the farm and moved to their present acreage on the south side of Coronation.  After retiring, they went on several bus trips with Uncle Nick and Aunt Lena but the most of their time was spent doing what they wanted, when they wanted, and going where they wanted.  They were always building garages, sheds and adding onto the house as well as planting gardens and new trees.
In the mid 1990’s Donald bought an old tractor at a sale to work on to occupy his time and give him something to do.
That one tractor grew over the years to total more than 30 tractors. This new hobby included trips to look at tractors, books to read and lots of repair and paint time in the garage.  Over the years Donald’s hobbies included goose hunting, curling, bowling and tractor restoration.
In his later years, a new tradition developed. At 3 p.m. every day, Donald would stop whatever he was doing, change clothes, and go for coffee with his ‘coffee buddies’ where he kept old acquaintances and made new friends. He continued this routine until his health started to fail and he was unable to get out anymore.  On November 20, 2009 Donald and Edna celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their immediate family present.
Donald is survived by his wife Edna of 51 years; his son Wayne (Darlene) Todd of Coronation, daughter Diane (Rick) Hyndman of Calgary; four grandchildren, Derek and Dallas Todd of Red Deer, Travis Gilbertson of Coronation, Delray Dempsey of Lethbridge, and Ashley Hyndman of Calgary. As well, cousin Dick (Edith)  Todd of Hazlet, Saskatchewan and grandnephews James Norris of Derbyshire, England and Laurie Halstead of New South Wales, Australia.
He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces. Donald was predeceased by his father John 1982, his mother Florrie 1975, brother Kenneth 1989, and son-in-law Brent Dempsey 2003.
The funeral service in honour of Donald Todd was held on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the Coronation Community Centre, Coronation, Alberta with Reverend Sue Hertell officiating. Linda Osetsky played for the congregational hymns, “In The Garden”, and “The Old Rugged Cross”.  Long time friend and neighbor Lyle Webster shared many stories and memories.
Donald’s daughter Diane Hyndman shared many fond memories of her Dad. Special recorded music was “Till I’m Too Old To Die Young”. Active pallbearers were Derek Todd, Dallas Todd, Travis Gilbertson, Delray Dempsey, Dennis Bossert and Lyle Webster. Honourary pallbearers were “All of Donald’s family and friends and all in attendance”. Donald was laid to rest on Saturday, December 18 at 11 a.m. in the Coronation Cemetery.  Lunch and fellowship was held in the Community Centre which was prepared and served by the Sunshine Club.
Memorial donations may be made in Donald’s honour to the Canadian Cancer, 200 – 325 Manning Road, NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 9Z9 or to Coronation Hospital Foundation, Mail Bag 500, Coronation, AB, T0C 1C0.  You may send your condolences by email to corofuneralhome@xplornet.com.  Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements. 403-578-2928. “Knowledge, Experience And Professionalism With A Personal Touch”

About the author

ECA Review

Our newspaper is only as good as its contributors and we thank each one who submits stories, photos and opinions. If you have a news item, photos or opinion to share please submit it to office@ECAreview.com.