Obituary of Donald Gerard Provencher
Donald Gerard Provencher passed into the presence of the Lord on January 7, 2024, at age of 84.
Don was born in Drummondville, Quebec. He had a carefree childhood, where he grew up among many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He liked fishing on the St. Francis River and picking blueberries for his mom’s blueberry pies. He also loved hockey and spent many winter days on the rink with friends.
Good cooks were abundant in the family, some owning restaurants and others cooking for the sheer love of it. Don was an avid cook, a talent much appreciated by friends and family, and which his daughters carry on with great enthusiasm,
Don was an honor student. At the young age of 15, he earned a full scholarship to Bishop University. However, Don deeply craved the excitement of travel and adventure. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1961, he was transferred from Basic Training in Val Cartier, Quebec, to Vancouver, B.C., where he then met and married Maureen (Simpson) of Calgary, Alberta, in 1964.
Don was stationed for two years in Vancouver, six months in the Congo, and four years in Germany. A final posting to Alberta rounded out his army career. He then settled down in Red Deer to raise his family.
After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, Don started Donaco Drywall Co. Ltd., employing over 20 men at one point. It was boom-time in Alberta and skilled tradesmen came from as far away as Quebec and Ontario to join the crew. Don never needed to advertise as his work spoke for itself. Long after he retired, people still called, hoping he would come out of retirement and “do just one more job.” But his decision was made. Retirement, the mountains, and Hawaii were calling.
In 1983, Don closed his business and attended Red Deer College (now called Red Deer polytechnic) where he earned top honors and received the Presidential Award for a special project he completed. He loved learning and the college atmosphere. Being fully bi-lingual, he also taught evening French classes.
Don was an Albertan at heart, greatly appreciating our Western values and culture. Most important of all, he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at 32 years of age. He loved to share the faith he had found and gladly served in the church for many years. Don enjoyed doing missions work in Arizona and he helped build a Bible School in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.
Don is survived by his wife, Maureen; three daughters, Colette, Nicole, and Chantal; four grandchildren, Hannah, Cameron, Brandyn, and Austin; and his six great-grandchildren, Liam, Fennec, Oliver, Asher, Eleanor, and Riley.
Don will be sadly missed. He was full of life and a totally devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
“Good night my Love. I will see you in the Morning.”
Love always and forever, Maureen and Family.
A service for Donald will be held at the Living Stones Church (2020 40 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4R 0T5) January 18, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Condolences to Don’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate Provencher in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944