Obituary of Donald Clare Irwin

Soldier, academic, caring husband, devoted father, grandfather, and friend to many, Donald (Don) Clare Irwin has left us. Active, healthy and engaged with life until very recently, Don passed away on Monday, April 10, 2017 at the age of 93. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Myrtle and his wife Alice (September 28, 2013). Donald, the youngest of eight children is survived by one sister; three children; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Born on a farm near Sintaluta, Saskatchewan on June 26, 1923, Don enlisted in the military (WW II) at the age of 19 in 1942. After his service in the 16th/22nd, The North Saskatchewan Regiment in England and Northwest Europe he remained with the Royal Canadian Dragoons where he served at various Canadian posting in Camp Borden, London, Windsor and Kingston, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; and Regina, Saskatchewan. As a Korean War Veteran he also served with the International Control Commission (ICC) in Vietnam in the mid-sixties. Don was a graduate of the Officers Training School, Sandhurst, England; Canadian Army Staff College Kingston, Ontario; Instructors School, Bovington, England and the School of Military Intelligence, England. Retiring from the regular military in 1969, Don remained active with the military reserves as Commanding Officer 16 (Regina) Service Battalion while pursuing a second career as a Research Administrator at the University of Regina that lasted until May 27, 1988 when he was awarded a “Distinguished Service Award” by the chairman of Board of Governors. Don could always be found with a book in hand, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles, taking care of everyone’s income tax, or indulging on fresh homemade cookies made by Mom. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense joy as family is what mattered most. It is always too soon when a loved one departs this world. You won’t be forgotten and we will always remember your sharp mind, caring heart, generous spirit and honest appreciation for life. Memorial Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK, on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service with interment at Riverside Memorial Park. Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation of Saskatchewan, 279-3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2H8 or the Canadian Red Cross, P.O Box 4740 Stn. Main, Regina, SK, S4P 3Y4.