Hemeyer, Donald Ernest

March 26, 1948 – March 17, 2020
at the age of 71 years

If you knew Don, you knew that smile and that he was always quick to give you one.  We said good bye on March 17th as Don passed peacefully, ending a brief but valiant battle with cancer.  Don was the 3rd son & twin (Doug) born to Raymond & Leona Hemeyer, in Ponoka Alberta.  Survived by his brothers, Dennis(Maggie) , Robert “Bob”(Anita) & twin Douglas “Doug” (Carol),  His wife/best friend Gail, their two children Art (Chantal), Lorelei (Rick), grandchildren Byron, Braedon, Brienna and Desiree. Nieces Jackie, Brenda, Nephews, Micheal, Brent, Wayne, Kevin, 
Don was born into a family of farmers,  where his love of the land began.  He had a green thumb and could turn bare land into a a beautiful yard , with green grass & fruitful gardens. Don grew up on the farm but decided at an early age, that he wanted to see more. One of his first jobs was at a lumber yard, that was the start of a long career & many moves with Beaver lumber.  Medicine Hat, Milk River, Rimbey, Prince George, Russel & Dauphine Manitoba, Leduc, Forestburg, Ponoka, where he and Gail moved to her family homestead, but Don was restless again… Grande Prairie, Berwyn, Salmon Arm, Edmonton, Kelowna and finally Salmon Arm again.  During his travels he gave up Beaver and tried a number of things, sold insurance, worked for the Alberta government, owned a convenience store & restaurant, managed a jewellery store, worked at Home Depot, then semi retired working part time for his son at Arthur’s Gemset Studios. He built and reno’d houses along the way, always making a house a home. If you spent the day with Don, you would be offered a beer, share some laughs and hear some pretty fun, crazy stories of his youth, the farm & amazing friends he’s made along the way. Wherever Don & Gail lived they made life long friends . As “Grampa” he had a playful side and loved to shock his grandkids with his humor, they were the “apple of his eye” and he loved spending time with them, teaching them & always making them laugh.
Don was loved by many & will be terribly missed… we can be comforted knowing he is in a paradise riding his mower through a field of beautiful green grass, a beer in his hand,  a smile & sunshine on his face. 
The family will have a memorial at a later date. A special thank you to Dr. Heunis & the palliative care nurses at Shuswap Lake General Hospital.
 

14 Comments

  1. I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was an amazing person and my dad (Bill Tennant of Russell, Manitoba) worked for Don at Beaver Lumber in Russell. I would also babysit for Don and Gail on several occasions. I have fond memories of Don and Gail helping me get settled in Leduc when I lived there for a few years when I was in my early 20’s. My deepest sympathies to you and your family and I shall always think of Don and what a beautiful personality he had and a warm and friendly smile. He was always there to help out whenever he could. My blessings for him – may be rest in peace in God’s hands.

  2. Gail and family,We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I grew up across the road from the Heymeyers.When my brother and I first met the twins,we could not tell them apart, So we said one had a happy face(Don) and the other a sad face(Doug).Meeting them again after many years at Leonas funneral , ,there was Don with the smiling happy face.What a nice guy

  3. Gail I am so sorry to read about Don’s passing. I sat in front of him in class. He was always smiling and happy go lucky.
    I often think of class mates and wonder where they went to live after school.
    My sincere condolences to you and all the Hemeyer familes.

  4. We are very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a very nice gentleman. He always had a smile and was very friendly to us. So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.
    Robert and Leona MacIntyre
    Sorrento

  5. My deepest sympathies to all of you suffering the loss of Don. He was truly a remarkable man. One I was blessed to know. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

  6. Our hearts and prayers are with your family as you grieve. Thank you for sharing.

  7. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing, even in the short time we knew him, we could see he brought joy…condolences to you all from The Viviers

  8. Deepest heartfelt condolences go out to his family. I will cherish the fond memories I have of him and always remember his smile & twinkle in his eye.

  9. Lorelei, Gail and everyone. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with him and the rest of the family. Love Alison

  10. So sorry to hear about Don. I have many fond memories of him during my time in Salmon Arm. We all had some wonderful times filled with fun laughter and love. My thoughts are with Gail, Art, Lorelie & families.

  11. Sorry Lorelei Art and Gail for your loss. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.

  12. You really captured his life and personality . He will be missed by many but we will remember the good (and crazy) times we had with him and all of you.

  13. What a wonderful tribute to Don…..your picture is as I will always remember him…with that big smile. I’m so sorry for your pain now but your memories will carry you through….take care of each other and know that we are thinking about you all.

  14. Excellent. You did very well

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