Donald Malcolm McPherson
January 20, 1944 - December 27, 2022
Tribute
On the early morning hours of December 27, 2022 the love of my life and best friend Don McPherson passed away.
Don was born in Winnipeg on January 20, 1944, met Gail and their lives became one. Married on June 19, 1965; son Corey (Marlie) and Charlene (Rob) were born. Grandpa to Riley (Heidi), Jadeyn (Talus), Damon and Caden; Poppy to great grandsons Sawyer and Rowen.
Don loved to camp in the summer, especially when we had a grandchild or two with us. He loved to fish the Vedder River with his buddies and taking the grandkids on a boat ride was more fun for him than the kids I’m sure. Winters were spent skiing as well as trips to the D.R. Special celebrations for birthdays, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas were celebrated at our home and he looked forward to those time always. Visits from our families in Winnipeg were special.
Don was a great father and a loving, caring husband; an easy and caring grandpa; a friend to many; a kind soul with a loving heart. We will all miss him but he will remain in our hearts forever.
A celebration of Don’s life will follow in the near future.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Charlene McPherson Breti
Relation: Don is my dad.
I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. No doubt he made an impression in your lives at some point if you’re here to read my dad’s obituary. I have this to offer:
Hello, Father. Now that you have passed the gatekeeper, I have to know in my heart that you are held by your healthy and whole predeceased parents, brother Freddie and sister Gail. Your nieces and nephews still here on Earth love and miss you very much.
You sir, were kinda sorta in a way maybe after a fashion and in not so many words, a blessing in this sometimes cruel and unforgiving space. You did not deserve to battle dementia, but you did so well for as long as you could. So funny, so smart, and oh so wise when you let yourself. Bit of a musician, old time hunter, avid reader and seeker of knowledge.
I look on my calendar to remember all the times I got to be with you near the end once you went for such great and proper care from the professional teams at Trillium Abbotsford, Hawthorne Port Coquitlam and ultimately Menno Home in Abbotsford..
Throughout life I am grateful for our time. Skiing, fishing, camping when we were little and then coming to visit us camping with my own family in the Airstream you would haul for me anywhere, anytime. Laying my head for what seemed like hours on your shoulder every morning as you sat reading the paper over your morning pot of coffee. Walking me to school and then driving me to school or work or wherever these feet of mine couldn’t carry me. Teaching me to drive and dance. Good lord that man liked to boogie! Teaching me cards and the trick to chess and how it’s all just like life. Think three to five steps ahead and for the love of crap do not miss any points!! I remember it all and so much more.
My boys always miss you. Rob, Damon, Caden and I love you. I love you more than most things, and I’ll be fine just like always, you know it. I wish it was different and thank you in advance for hearing me. See you again sometime and I can’t wait to hear ” ‘snew?”
Bye, Dad.
From: Corey McPherson
Relation: Father
Rest In Peace Pops
From: Blair Whyte
Relation: My best friend's Dad
Corey recently reminded me how much Don loved listening to the band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR). And, this song came to my mind. Written by John Forgerty and released in 1970, as an ode to a world-weary traveller on a long journey. The character is moving forward and looking ahead to the light of, perhaps, the Lord, or maybe to the re-assuring light of love.
I like to think that Don’s guiding light has always been the illumination that Gail shone upon him for over half a century. And that she was his North Star…even in the dark he could always guide his boat back to shore by her. And I know that Don’s children and grandchildren also made his life shine…I could see it in his eyes at family gatherings… often.
As his new secular journey begins to a new home and we shed a tear and wave goodbye – lets be thankful that love shone bright for Don, and by Don, while he was here with us. And let’s continue to find comfort in the idea that he will always see bright candles through the windows of his world. Let’s find comfort when special memories of him suddenly enter our thoughts, and when we hear a song that sparks fond recollections or when we look up and see a brightly shining star.
And, when it’s time for our final journey let’s retain a warmth knowing that Don will leave a candle on his window sill so that we may find him easily and join him for a rusty nail, a game of crib and a laugh.
~ With love,
Blair Whyte
Long as I Can See the Light – CCR
Put a candle in the window
‘Cause I feel I’ve got to move
Though I’m going, going
I’ll be coming home soon
Long as I can see the light
Pack my bag and let’s get moving
‘Cause I’m bound to drift a while
Though I’m gone, gone
You don’t have to worry, no
Long as I can see the light
Guess I’ve got that old traveling bone
‘Cause this feeling won’t leave me alone
But I won’t, won’t
Be losing my way, no, no
Long as I can see the light
Put a candle in the window
‘Cause I feel I’ve got to move
Though I’m going, going
I’ll be coming home soon
Long as I can see the light
Songwriter: John Cameron Fogerty
From: Tawnia Lavallee
Gail, so sorry for the loss of your Love, Don. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Corey, Charlene and your entire family. May God bless you all with strength and comfort now, and always. Love, Tawnia (Wadge).
From: Tricia Cameron
Relation: Niece
Uncle Don, there is no doubt that you will be missed. You left behind so many memories for everyone to hold close to their hearts. May you now rest in peace💙
Big hugs to you Aunty Gail, Corey, Char and families.
From: Bill Meyrink
Relation: A long time friend!
Don, we had so many good times both here and in the Dominican Republic.
I remember how well you sang Amazing Grace.
I miss our outings to put posts in, the fishing trips, the meals together.
You were a good friend!!
From: Travis & Leigh-Anne
So sorry to hear about Don. I can only imagine he and my dad are having a good time having a drink together
From: Michael McPherson
Relation: Nephew
RIP Uncle Donny
I wanted to thank you for being someone that even though it was from a distance, I looked up to. You never knew that. 🙂 I appreciate and admire your journey through life and how (like us McPherson’s tend to do you faced all challenges head on and bravely) including, especially the last couple years.
Thank you for sitting next to me after I spoke at dad’s funeral, you made a very challenging time for me, so much easier.
Thank you for sharing some memories of dad and you when you were kids when you, aunty Gail and I went for lunch a year and a half ago.
And, I think Charlene shared how you took people out on your boat, and enjoyed sharing that experience with others. I can proudly say I was someone you took out on your boat when I was a teenager. Even allowed me to drive it. Thank you for giving me that experience and wonderful memory.
From my girls, Sabrina and I, huge hugs to you Aunty Gail, Cory, Charlene and all the wonderful people you impacted in some positive way over the years.
Much love, your nephew Michael
From: Carla and Hans
Relation: Friend
Gail, Char and Corey, we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Don for his warm smile, his kind friendship, and his wonderful sense of humor. We will miss him and wish we were there to share memories with you. Big hugs xoxoxo
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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