LANE, Donald (Don)
November 8, 1930 – Calgary, AB
April 19, 2016 – Medicine Hat, AB
Donald “Don” Lane, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away quietly on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, while in the care of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, at the age of 85.
Don was born on November 8, 1930, in Calgary, to Samuel and Violet Lane, and grew up with his younger brother, Jack. The family moved around quite frequently, including Lethbridge, Alberta and St. Thomas, Ontario, and lived in over 20 different houses in Calgary alone. He went to school, played hockey and football (even getting a tryout with the Calgary Stampeders!) all while growing up in Cowtown. Don lead an adventurous life: he raced cars, had a boat on Chestermere Lake, enjoyed snow skiing, and even drove an old beat-up Volkswagen down to Tijuana, Mexico. Don joined AGT at the age of 17 years and started his career as a telephone linesman. At the age of 30, on September 9, 1961, Don married the love of his life, Jean Whiteside. They were married for 54 years and expanded their family from two to eventually five, with Doug, Darrel, and David. Continuing his career for 39 years with AGT and advancing to Manager of Customer Service Installations, took Don & Jean all over Alberta, living in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, High River, and Medicine Hat, where he retired at the age 57 years. Upon retirement, Don & Jean moved back to Calgary and Don started his second career at Calgary’s Stampede Park for another 12 years. Dad loved his converted school buses that took him and his family camping. Don & Jean eventually upgraded to their beloved motor home that took them all over Canada and the US, even wintering in Yuma, Arizona on several occasions. He especially loved his grandsons and built many memories over the campfire telling stories, eating smokies, and burning marshmallows.
Don is survived by his son, Doug (Marni) Lane and grandson, Derrick Lane; his son, Darrel (Benita) Lane and grandsons, Cole, Marlon and Samuel Lane; his son, David Lane; his brother, Jack Lane; also numerous nieces and nephews; and so many dear friends. Don Lane was predeceased by his son, Darren Lane (1962); his mother, Violet Lane-Egg (1994); Samuel Lane (1995); his wife, Jean Lane (2015).
A Celebration of Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North) on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Medicine Hat Palliative Care, c/o Medicine Hat Regional Hospital: 666 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6 Telephone: (403) 529-8000. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Don Lane, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, Telephone: 403-276-2296.