Caldwell, Donald Arthur Edward
Don Caldwell passed away in Ponoka on July 7, 2008 at the age of 90 years. Born in Rainy River, Ontario on October 5, 1917, he moved with his family to Manitoba, while still a child. At the age of 17, during the depression, he came to Alberta to obtain work, which he found on the farms, threshing crews, and logging camps. In 1940 he and Vera Ensminger of Wetaskiwin were married. By this time the war had broken out and Don enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers, 10th Field Squadron. He served five years, most of it overseas. After the war, Don and Vera bought a farm in the Fertile Forest District of Ponoka where they farmed and raised their family. They retired in the mid seventies and moved into their new home in Ponoka. Don was a voracious reader and a history buff. He liked a spirited argument about anything. He loved sports of all kinds, and the outdoor life. A lifelong hobby was fishing, and he and his fishing buddies spent many hours enjoying this hobby including salmon fishing on the coast. Vera passed away in 1981 and Don continued to remain very active with bowling, and crib games and travel. In 1987 he married Agnes McFarlane and they enjoyed many years together. After Agnes passed away, Don was able to continue living in this same house until being hospitalized in January of this year. Up until this time he did most of the upkeep and drove his car. He had a big voice and a very hearty laugh, and forever had a poetry quote, a funny saying or a story. His lively spirit will remain with us always. In addition to Vera and Agnes, Don was also predeceased by his son Ron Caldwell and two brothers Roy and Ross Caldwell of Manitoba. Don will be forever remembered by his son Calvin Caldwell of Edmonton; his daughter Heather (Blaine) Lewis of Ponoka; daughter-in-law Lena Caldwell of Fort Macleod; grandchildren: Alan (Karen) Caldwell and Steven Caldwell of Calgary, Erin Lewis (Lorne Morrical) of Clive, Craig Lewis of Red Deer, and Katie Caldwell of Invermere, B.C.; great-grandchildren Ashley and Sarah Caldwell; brother Hugh Caldwell of Victoria, B.C.; sister Jean Bagley of Winnipeg; as well as other relatives and friends. A Family Graveside Service preceded a Celebration of Don’s life at the Ponoka Funeral Home on Saturday, July 12th at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Lyn Lamers officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Ponoka Jubilee Library in recognition of Don’s love of reading or the Ponoka Wheelchair Van Society.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~