Obituary of Donald Melvin Felstrom

DONALD MELVIN FELSTROM Don passed away Monday, July 22, 2013. Don was born on June 11th 1931. He was raised in Watrous where he helped out with the family dairy and in Saskatoon where he helped with the family grocery store. In Saskatoon, he attended Nutana Collegiate, and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of British Columbia, and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Manitoba. Don worked as a social worker in various locations throughout Saskatchewan and later in the health field as Administrator of Wascana Hospital and later Director of Extended Care with the Department of Health in Regina (SHSP). Don served in the Canadian Militia for 33 years and played in a number of pipe bands. Don was predeceased by his parents Melvin and Lillian Felstrom, and in 1982 by his oldest daughter Catherine Anne. He is survived by his wife Joanne of 55 years, his daughters Karen Felstrom (Alan Oickle) andNancy Felstrom(Myron Stenka), grandchildren Olivia and Sophia Felstrom-Oickle, and Ezra and Cyrus Felstrom-Stenka and sister Faye Turnbull of Calgary. Don’s great love was his family and especially his grandchildren. He also loved music. In addition to playing the bagpipes for over 65 years, he would often find the nearest piano to bang out his versions of Dark Town Strutters’ Ball or Alice Blue Gown and he never failed to strum Happy Birthday on his ukulele. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humour (which was occasionally appropriate) and the twinkle in his eye. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Don’s family would like to thank the staff of General Hospital 5A and Surgical Intensive Care Unit where he was cared for so very well for the last few days of his life. The nurses in particular were not only knowledgeable and proficient, but also their warmth and compassion made a difficult time bearable for us all. In Lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations in Don’s memory to the City of Regina Pipe Band for the Conservatory Pipe Band (Children’s Band), 2822 Rae Street, Regina, S4S 1R3. A Service to honour Don’s Life will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with Jeff Christensen officiating. A private family interment will be held. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com