Obituary of Robert John Donaldson

Born September 6, 1934 in Cranbrook, B.C.

Died September 3rd, three days before his 75th birthday in Foothills Hospital, Calgary after complications from open heart surgery.

Survived by his loving wife Hazel (Moffat) of 52 years, married in Trail, B.C. November 2, 1956. His four children, daughters; Judy (Warren) King, Calgary, Alberta, Janice (Reg) Sawatzky, Campbell River, B.C., his sons; Scott (Alison) of Cranbrook, Don (Julie) of Calgary, Alberta. His pride and joy his grandchildren; Brian and Brad King of Calgary, Alberta, Sean and Kevin Sawatzky of Campbell River, B.C., Jason Sawatzky of Victoria, B.C., Kelly and Kristy Donaldson of Cranbrook, B.C., Cara and Amy Donaldson of Calgary, Alberta. Also survived by brother-in-law Bob (Dora) Moffat of Trail, B.C., Sister-in-law Effie Venables, Grandforks, B.C. and several nieces & nephews in Ontario, Alberta and B.C.

Predeceased by his mother Marian (1951), his father Millard (1954), Sister Betty and brother-in-law John McMillan of Belleville, Ontario, and grandson Steven Sawatzky (1984).

Jack was a plumber, pipefitter, gasfitter and was a member of Local Union 170 for over 50 years. He worked on several large construction jobs throughout B.C. He loved watching all hockey and had season's tickets for the Kootenay Ice since the beginning. He loved life, watching his grandchildren play their sports and gambling with Hazel. He was a kind, gentle, patient man that everyone loved. Thanks to AA he remained sober for 41 years giving his children a wonderful life. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

Celebration of life will be held at McPherson's, 2200 2nd St. South, Cranbrook - 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2009.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 101-105 9th Avenue S. Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2M1