Obituary of Donald Clifford Fender

Donald Clifford "Don" Fender

Jan. 16, 1940 - Dec. 12, 2023

IN LOVING MEMORY OF A LIFE WELL LIVED

On Dec. 12,2023, the love of my life, my husband of 37 years, my best friend passed on to his final resting place with family by his side at the Ridge Meadows Hospital. A loving father to David (Diann), Lynda (Brad), Tamara (Otto), Proud Grandpa to Kai and Sam, Breanne (Shane), Raelene (Derek), Rachel (Ryan), Edico (Meaghan) Proud Great Grandpa to Caden, Myla, and Emmerson, Uncle to many nieces and nephews, and who will be missed immensely by extended family and friends.   

Predeceased by his Mother Beryl, his Father Cliff, his Sisters Doris, Jean Ferguson (Al), and his nephew Brian Ferguson.

Don was the only son of Beryl and Cliff Fender born on January 16, 1940, in Bonnyville, Alta. where his Dad owned and operated the Bonnyville Creamery from 1930 - 1944.  In 1944, after the sale of the Creamery the family moved to Westlock, where Don spent most of his childhood days.  In 1957 Don graduated from Ross Shepherd High School in Edmonton, received his Student Pilot Permit and in Feb. 1959 his Diploma for Theoretical Training for Air Traffic Controller.

Don mastered many careers throughout his lifetime.  His first chapter started with an adventure to Whitehorse, Yukon, with his first wife, Gail, where Don worked as an Air Traffic Controller and where his son David was born in 1960. Returning back to Edmonton Don joined his father-in-laws Printing co. and in 1962 their daughter Lynda was born. He remained there until 1972. From 1972 - 1985 wearing different hats his journey took a path that led him to the Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicle Industry taking his family to Revelstoke, Golden, Salmon Arm, Edmonton, and Calgary where he owned his own Mobile Home Sales Co.  He was easy going, charismatic with a great sense of humor and a really good sport who always put his family's needs first and foremost.

In 1986, Don married Cheryl and with her daughter Tamara another chapter unfolded creating many cherished memories with their blended families. From 1986 - 1997, Don resumed his career in the printing industry (Sales Rep) for Hemlock Printers. During this time frame Don joined the Canadian Progress Club, North Shore Chapter, who were looking to find ground and a uniting focus for all clubs across Canada and decided to use the resources of the CPCF to support SPECIAL OLYMPICS. The $1 million pool was reached in 2005 - "a very proud moment for all Progressians". He was so very proud to be a part of this organization, President from 1991 - 1993.    

In 1998 Don and Cheryl moved to the Okanagan, Don working for Penticton Commercial Printing and Cheryl, Floral Manager for Art Knapps. Moving to West Kelowna, Don took a Sales position with Xerox and Cheryl pursued a Sales position within the Floral Wholesale Industry travelling throughout B.C. It was after Don retired (still marshalling part time at the Bear and Quail Golf Course) Cheryl would come home to a clean house, prepped meal, bath drawn and a glass of wine poured. Together they worked hard, played hard, and loved life passionately with one and other, with their families, and with their friends. In 2015 Don and Cheryl returned to Maple Ridge settling at Fraser Glen.   

Most cherished memories: The joy we had arriving just in time to witness the birth of our grandson Edico, the many, many, camping trips; Honeymoon-Flores Island, Kootenay trip with our granddaughters, Banff trip with our 3 grandsons, Alaska cruise-5th wedding anniversary, Ski trips, Lake Havasu trips, touring the Maritimes in the Fall, 3 and 4 month holidays in Mexico shared with family, Motorhome trip to the Yukon and Alaska, Halibut fishing in Homer, Alaska, Don's trip to Whitehorse with his son David to celebrate his 50th birthday and our most recent trip to visit our granddaughter Rachel and her husband Ryan in Whitehorse. 

Don was a strong, thoughtful kind man and will be forever remembered, forever loved and greatly missed by all. Don's family and friends are invited to share happy memories and celebrate his life in the way he would want to be remembered - true to himself and loving and caring to everyone.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Garden Hill Funeral Home at 12 Noon, Sunday, May 26, 2024, followed by a Reception.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Diabetes/Kidney Foundation.  

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