DONOVAN OSCAR THORKELSON (published on December 22, 2007)
| DONOVAN OSCAR THORKELSON September 10, 1921 - December 15, 2007 On Saturday, December 15, 2007 Dad died at the Grace Hospital at the age of 86 years. Dad is survived by his sister Winnifred in Calgary; son Jim and daughter-in-law, Myra, in Charlottetown; as well as grandchildren Tory (Hye-Ah), Donovan, and Talei. He was predeceased by his wife Jean; sisters Emily, Betty and Mae; and brothers Tom, Reg, Bill and Earl. Growing up in a large family on a farm near High Bluff during the depression - his favorite stories were of walking to school in fierce snowstorms to light the woodstove, driving a team of horses for 12 hours during harvest, and the tricks he and his siblings played on one another. The Thorkelsons were a very close, fun-loving family. Dad served in the RCAF as a wireless airgunner in the Second World War. He was a carpenter and contractor, and an avid hunter. The highlight of his hunting was his safari in Tanzania in 1966 when Mum and him came to Jim and Myra's wedding. He bagged a cape buffalo, elephant, leopard, and every major trophy except a lion. Dad was only happy when he was busy, building and upgrading houses for Mum and himself in Winnipeg, Kamloops, and Kelowna. Even when Dad visited in PEI, he had to have a project, and our house is full of reminders of him in the rooms that he renovated. He loved to play cards. His luck, and skill at poker and cribbage were phenomenal. I'll bet he's up there right now, playing in-between with his brothers and old cronies, laughing, exchanging insults, full of the joy and energy he had lost in these last years After Jean died Dad moved back to Winnipeg to be close to his siblings. He was extremely fortunate to have the support of his niece, Sharon. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Save the Children's Fund www.savethechildren.org can be made, which was a favorite charity of Dad's. Best of luck, Dad!! |
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