Obituary – Donald Gerald Almond

February 24, 1937 – June 12th, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Donald Gerald Almond on June 12th, 2025, at Kelowna General Hospital.

Don was born on February 24th, 1937, in Dawson Creek, B.C., the second child of five to Bill and Evelyn Almond. Don’s family were pioneers in B.C.’s Peace River area, and following the sudden death of his father in 1965, he took over the responsibility of the family farm in the community of Pineview, north of Fort St. John. In 1966, Don married Sharon, a lovely young teacher who had moved to North Pine from Vancouver to teach school. They settled into farm life and started a family.

Realizing that farming doesn’t pay well, Don went back to school and became a ticketed welder. He spent many winters on the rigs and pipelining. Farming was his passion, but Don always joked that he “welded to support the farm.” He mentored many young oilfield workers, and in later years became an expert ditcher operator and mechanic.

On the farm, the door was always open, and the coffee was always on. Don was the go-to person for friends and neighbours, offering advice, lending tools and expertise, repairing broken equipment and jumping in to help any neighbour in need.

Don’s generous nature extended beyond the community and over the years he was an active member of many organizations, including the North Peace Fall Fair, 4-H Club, Pineview Community Club, North Pine Farmer’s Institute, United Grain Growers and the BC Federation of Agriculture.

Almond Farms also hosted agricultural exchange students. Don became a father figure to many of his trainees and built lasting friendships with young farmers from Sweden, Denmark, England, New Zealand and Australia.

In his leisure time, Don enjoyed curling, playing cards, tinkering in his shop and visiting. Don loved visiting people he’d worked with, old neighbours, and anyone with a connection to the Peace country. Family holidays always included detours to see someone Don knew.

In 2018, Don and Sharon said goodbye to the Peace and moved to Kelowna, B.C. to be closer to family. He will be dearly missed by his wife Sharon; daughters Elizabeth (John) and Kathy (Minh); and son-in-law Sean; brother Ken (Nyomi), sisters Patricia (Frank) and Sharon (Len); and grandchildren David, Katie, Margaret, Emma, Julie, Amy and Mary. He was predeceased by his brother Gordon and daughter Eleanor.

Never one to make a fuss, Don was insistent that he didn’t want a service after he was gone, and his request will be honoured. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, alzheimer.ca, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences, photos and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.