September 28, 1922 – December 30, 2005
Always kind in word and deed, Donald Calvin Barker, beloved husband of 59 years of Mrs. Doris K. Barker of Benvenue Farm, Calgary, passed away quickly on December 30, 2005, at the age of 83 years. Don is lovingly remembered by his two sons: Wayne Lawrence and grandsons, Scott (Sharole) and Mark; Donald “Roy” Barker (Jan) and granddaughters, Heidi and Sara; three daughters: Dr. Kathryn Chang Barker (Victor) and her children, Cary (Lise) and Marlise (Jason); Valerie Deunk (John) and her children, Erin (Eric), Joanna and Adam; Pamela Barker (Robin); great-grandchildren, Alexander, Zoe and Jeremy; brothers, Gordon of High River and Allan (Nita) of Calgary; a large extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Will and Anna Mabel Barker; sister Dorothy Clayton; and grandson Donald “Mark” Barker. Don was born on the Barker family homestead, east of Calgary on September 28, 1922 and farmed there until his final months, when arthritis and Parkinson’s kept him indoors. He graduated from Olds College with a Practical Agriculture Certificate in 1944 and returned to care for the farm, his beloved wife Dodie and all his family the rest of his life. He took pride in a good crop, his Hereford cattle and his North Country Cheviot sheep, which he showed and sold across North America at one time. In his younger days, he was quite a singer and Don was active in the community, whether calling a square dance in the old Chestermere Hall or working on projects like the first local phone service, the local history book and the mural in the new rec centre. He enjoyed his time as clubleader for the Chestermere 4-H Beef Club, Junior Farmers of Alberta, and as Calgary Stampede committee member. Don and Dodie’s door was always open and he always had time to share coffee and good conversation. Everyone came to him for help and sage wisdom, as our vet, ag instructor and all-around life teacher. He will be remembered for his generosity, great sense of humor and patient, practical way of providing advice. But he loved nothing more than to listen to the coyotes howl or take a Sunday drive into the foothills and mountains that he loved to see each day. Though the coyotes howl more mournfully now, Don’s waiting for us – just over the next hill. A Celebration of Donald’s life was held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 11, 2006. If so desired, memorial tributes in Don’s name may be made directly to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta (102, 3636 Burbank Road S.E., Calgary, AB, T2H 1Z6).
