Donat (Don) Leonard Paquette
September 9, 1931 - July 12, 2020
Tribute
Donat Leonard Paquette, known as Don, of Abbotsford, B.C., born in Las Pas, Manitoba on September 9th, 1931 to Leonard and Lena Paquette, passed away peacefully at Abbotsford Menno Home East 1 on July 12th, 2020 at the age of 88.
Don was one of 7 children. He leaves behind Grace, his cherished wife of 65 years, children Darryl (Linda) and Wendy, as well as grandsons Bryce (Melissa), Jerrdon and Mitchell, great-grandchildren Robert, Genevieve and Cohan.
Don met Grace, the love of his life, in Creston, B.C. and married on November 19th, 1955. Previous to their marriage, Don joined the RCMP in 1952 and was posted in various communities throughout B.C., where he had a very successful career for 27 years. Don was a dedicated member who took his job seriously, but was known for his ready smile, his big laugh and joking ways. After Don retired from the RCMP in 1979, and a short working break, he worked for 10 years as an Inspector for the B.C. Motor Carriers Division of the B.C. Government before retiring a second time in 1990.
Don was an ardent supporter of baseball and started up many local baseball associations in some of the areas he was posted to during his RCMP career, including Princeton and Abbotsford. Don also was an Executive Board Member of “B.C. Minor Baseball” for 36 years. He also coached many different minor levels of baseball teams in these same towns.
During Don’s time in Abbotsford, he was also heavily involved in the Abbotsford Badminton Club for many years. In his retirement, Don enjoyed woodworking, rounds of golf, coffee with his cronies, picking blueberries at Paul’s farm, making perogies with Bill and Emily Ruzicky, and watching his grandsons play baseball.
We will miss Don’s big smile, his penchant for teasing and his love of a good joke as we say good-bye, rest in peace, to a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Thank you to the kind staff at Menno Home East 1 for caring for Don with such kindness and dedication.
There is no funeral at Don’s request and his ashes will be laid at a family gathering at a later date.
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: RONALD W HOBBS
Relation: Was my supervisor
Don was my boss at Surrey Detachment, he was a true gentleman and great supervisor. Ron Hobbs
From: Bob Garlough
Relation: Friends
So sorry to hear of Dons passing. I will a,ways remember our days in Princeton, my boss on highway patrol and many days of softball. We had many good times and never forget his smile and little chuckle. Laurane and I send our condolences. Happy trails my friend.
From: Lefty Nelson
Relation: I was a member of the RCMP and worked with Don
I had the pleasure of working with Don in Trail. I will always remember that Huge smile. He was a very sincere man and a dedicated Police officer. I am proud to say he was a model RCMP officer. RIP Don. Lefty Nelson
From: Linda Follack
Relation: Family
Don, you were a great father-in-law, always willing to lend a hand when there was a job to be done, especially when it came time to carve up the roast or turkey at one of our many family dinners. 😊♥️You will be greatly missed!
From: Sylvia and George Peary
Relation: Friend
Grace and Family–We were sad to hear of Don’s passing. I so remember his days as RCMP in the Shuswap, particularly his friendship with the Blatchfords. It was great to reconnect with both of you here in Abbotsford at Yale School and to follow Don’s participation in this community. Our thoughts are with you and know Don is now at peace.
From: Harvey Frank
Relation: Worked with Don in RCMP
I was very saddened to hear that Don had passed. I worked for Don at Princeton in
1968-73. He was such a great guy. We totally enjoyed the baseball league and playing for Don in Princeton. Great times. Also enjoyed my time with him on Highway Patrol. God bless.
From: Linda Humphrey
Relation: His was married to my dad’s niece Grace
Hi Cousin Grace
I am writing this on behalf of mom…Rosalie Wright. She only learned of Don’s death when we read it in Norma’s obituary. She knows a year has passed but said she would like to send you a sympathy card. Could you please send your address to me…..her second daughter…..Linda, to animalllover999@hotmail.com
Mom was married to Calvin Wright….your dad’s brother.
Service Schedule
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Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to the Menno Home East 1, in memory of Don Paquette, at their website: www.mennoplace.ca
Thank You Notice
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Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
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