Mr. Donald Hugh Claughton

June 14, 1929 – November 19, 2017

Alberta has lost another true gentleman.

Donald Hugh Claughton passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at the age of 88 years after a long dignified battle with dementia.

Don was born and raised in Peace River where he had an active and happy life. His childhood home was a busy place full of laughter and friends. His mother, Bertha Bieraugle, was a great cook and her savory pies cooling on the windowsill attracted many, and all were welcome. Robert, his dad, ran a service station that the boys all worked at. Don married Lois Gae Sanderson, who lived and worked in town with his mom, on December 3, 1958. They later raised their two daughters in Edmonton and Calgary. In January of 1966, Don and his partner Wes Spencer started Crown Caterers which was in operation until the mid-80s prior to merging with Bralorne Resources. He enjoyed volunteering with the Calgary Stampede (Downtown Attractions Committee) for 40+ years as well as the Shriners.

Don had a magnetic personality, was the life of the party and told colorful stories. Despite all the challenges he faced in his last years every morning he woke up with a smile on his face and bragged that he “cheated the devil out of another day”.

Don is predeceased by his wife Gae, baby sister Betty, and brother Gordon (Boo).

He is survived by his daughters Cathy Claughton (Doug) and Mindy Claughton; wife Sharon Claughton; brother Lloyd (Rose) Claughton; brother-in-law Murray MacDonald; granddaughters Jamie Lowe (Ryan) and Madison Sparks (Luke); grandson Adam Klay; great-grandchildren Brooklyn and Weston Lowe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

His family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Fred Cartwright and his wife Margaret who loved and supported Don and the family in so many ways.

Don’s family also thanks the staff at Evanston Grand Village and Dr. Sharma for their exceptional care of Don in his final year.

The family will be hosting an informal reception to celebrate Don’s life at the Wild Wild West Event Centre in Springbank, 67 Commercial Court Calgary, on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with a western theme in tribute of his huge passion for the Calgary Stampede and Chuckwagon racing.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary, www.alzheimercalgary.ca.