January 18, 1946 - November 16, 2018
Don was born in Weymouth, Nova Scotia to Hazel and step-father
Hector Ford. Because of the circumstances of his birth, he came from a rather large extended family which he was quite proud to say the he was the connecting pin point to all of them. Growing up in Nova Scotia came with a sense of not belonging and he headed West to Banff then Calgary then made his way up North arriving in the Yukon in the mid 60's. Here he felt like he fit in, this was his home.
Don met Hollie in the early 1980's and they started their life together October 1985. Together they overcame many obstacles as they learnt to put God and family first.
Two daughters and a son were born to their family, Amanda (1987), Eleanor (1989), and Hector (1990). And more recently 3 beautiful grandchildren, Larissa, Chloe and Oliver.
Don started his career pitching ball for the Drummondville Saints, then got into bull riding out West, driving logging in Nova Scotia, driving tour bus in BC then truck driving. He had several jobs ranging from doing reclamation of old abandoned sites, to maintenance on the municipal garbage dumps, to building and renovating houses. Wherever he was working, one would see his children working alongside of him. He ended his career with what he called his dream job, driving school bus. He said that was the most rewarding and fun job he had ever had.
During this past month while he was in the hospital, his faith grew in leaps and bounds and he became known as "the preacher" as he would tell anyone and everyone who walked into the hospital room about Jesus. His favourite saying was, "stay focused, keep your eyes on Jesus, have faith".
After a short stay in the hospital, he went peacefully in his sleep to be with our Lord in Heaven.
Don will be greatly missed by his wife Hollie, daughters Amanda (Corey Young), Eleanor (Jon Emke), and son Hector (Michelle Legere) and grandchildren Larissa, Chloe and Oliver and many more extended family and friends.
A funeral service was held in his honour on November 24, 2018 at Riverdale Baptist Church.
A special thank you to Dr. Koltun and Dr. Ikeji and to the many caring and supportive nurses and staff at Whitehorse General Hospital. You were all amazing!