John Donaldson

John ("Unc") passed away surrounded by his family after being transported by Stars Air Ambulance from the Kipling Hospital. Despite suffering traumatic injuries due to a tragic farm accident, John's strength was immense and he stayed with us until we could say goodbye.

John was predeceased by his parents Helen and Leon Donaldson.

He is survived by his sister Sharon Schmidt (Allan) of Regina; niece Alisha Elchuk (Tyler, children Reid and Brooke) of Calgary; nephews Graham Schmidt (Jeanette, children Ava and Owen) of Boston and Garrett Schmidt (Alynne, children Brynley, Maebry, Esme and Isla) of Saskatoon as well as many friends, relatives and neighbours.

John attended Broadview School before completing an agriculture program at the University of Saskatoon. He took over the family farm in 1973 when his father passed away. John farmed with his mother, Helen until she moved to Broadview in 1983. John was devoted to his mom until her passing in 2010. John devoted his life to the farm and was a true steward of the land. His work ethic was unmatched, and he took exceptional care of his livestock - the vet knew that a call to the Donaldson farm meant the situation was dire as John could handle most situations on his own. His kindness and generosity were boundless and he truly valued his neighbours in the Spring Lake district and the local community.

John was a great sportsman, an avid hunter and he loved living near the Pipestone Valley with its abundant wildlife. He always welcomed hunters on his land, offering to use his tractor or to help with dressing the animal. He also loved to hunt with Garrett and great-niece Brynley and enjoyed family gatherings on the farm which included roasting hotdogs, fort building, bale jumping, nursing the calves, climbing the sandhills, riding the quad and camping. He was a truly honourable man of honesty, integrity and strong morals. He was a historian with extensive knowledge of military history and immense respect for those who served their country.

John's funeral was held in the Broadview Community Hall, Broadview, Saskatchewan on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Cicely McDougall officiating. The interment followed in the Broadview Cemetery. Livestreaming of the service will be available with the link that is posted below.

The pallbearers were: Calvin Wennberg, Grant White, Scott Moyle, Glen Johnson, Les Clayton and John Ripley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to STARS, 2640 Airport Road, Regina, SK, S4W 1A6 (www.stars.ca) or to Kipling Food Bank, Box 944, Kipling, SK, SOG 2S0.

We are so thankful for friends and neighbours helping to care for his farm and cattle and for offering so many kind condolences.