Don McKaig passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, July 27, 2009, at the age of 59 years, after a year long battle with cancer. Don was born on June 3, 1950 in Elrose, Saskatchewan, the third of 6 children to Don and Helma McKaig. Don was raised on the family farm near Kyle, Saskatchewan. While growing up he was an active member in 4H and took much pride in his work with his 4H bulls. From Freddy the fox to all creatures, his love of animals was obvious to all. He was a very talented athlete, excelling in high school sports. Don attended his schooling at the Kyle Composite School where he graduated in 1968. He joined the RCMP in 1970 and was an officer until 1972. He met his wife Rita in Oyen, AB. They married January 20, 1973 and settled in Canal Flats, BC., where Don worked in the sawmill. Then in 1979 they moved to Cranbrook, BC. During these years Don loved golfing, all the good times with family and friends and spending lots of time at Wasa Lake. Usually a beer in hand and a smile on his face. In 1984 Don, Rita and the girls moved to the Coaldale area where they owned and operated Foothills Building Maintenance for the past 25 years. Don always took pride in his work and said if you were going to do something, do it right or not at all. Don was very passionate about his gardening. When living on the acreage one garden just wasn’t enough. From the giant pumpkins to the beautiful flowers, there was always enough to share. When Don and his family moved to Coaldale in 1992 he continued his gardening and spent most mornings outside, always something to do. His favorite holiday was a trip back home to Kyle to spend time with his Mom and Dad and more good times with family and friends. Don will be most remembered for his love of his family. He was a very special Dad, and Grandpa. Spending his spare time with his grandchildren, always planning a sleep over. There wasn’t a sport or video game that grandpa couldn’t do and he loved every moment of it. He was always up for a good game of hockey on the living room floor with the grandkids. Don was a strong man, inside and out. Kind, fun-loving and always had something to say to make you laugh. He was always the first one there to lend a hand. He will always live on in our hearts and left us with many beautiful memories to cherish.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 36 years Rita; his two daughters Lisa (Jason) Dancoisne, Kirsten, Colten; Mindy (Pete) Middelkoop, Shantelle, Barend; His loving mother Helma; brothers Phil (Gale), Terry (Gale), Kevin (Barb), Tim (Cathy); sister Carol (Bevan) Bailey and 16 nieces and nephews.

Don was predeceased by his loving father Donald McKaig Sr. and dear friends Lyle and Helen Anderson.

A Memorial Reception will be held from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, 324 Mayor Magrath Dr., S., Lethbridge, AB. Please use the entrance at the North end of the building.