DONALD JOSEPH HART
Oct 21, 1958 - May 7, 2020
Donald Joseph Hart was born in Bralorne, BC on October 21, 1958. He was the fourth child born to Rosaline and Norman Hart. Don lived a happy childhood growing up in Bralorne, along with his six siblings, Bill, Mary Anne, Gail, Gord, Brian, and Doug. Bralorne was a gold mining town where his dad and grandfather were employees of the mine. Don attended elementary school in the town, where he had fun learning how to ride a bike, climb a mountain, ice skate, swim, curl, play ball, and just be a typical boy playing outside from morning to night. Don was a cub and boy scout, a member of the rod & gun club where he learned how to shoot a gun, and joined the ‘teen club’ where he received an award for scoring a ‘29’ hand in crib—even getting his name in the local communicator! He loved his weekends when the family travelled to Little Gun Lake, where his Dad taught him how to row a boat, successfully fish, and bring home the morning breakfast.
Don moved with his family to Vancouver in 1971 where he attended Killarney Secondary, and met lifetime friends, Kerry, Don, Gino, and many others that he continued to stay in touch with. Don had an amazing work ethic. He started at White Spot as a carhop, and later moved on to work at Crosstown Carriers, Finning Equipment, E M Plastic, and finally a career that he loved – a well respected realtor for Royal Lepage.
Don was very much a family man. His greatest joys were his two kids, Leah and Adam. They were the ‘apples of his eye’ and he was proud of who they were.
It was very important for Don to connect with his family as often as he could. The annual camping trip with the Hart family was something Don looked forward to, and something he was proud of. He was often a contender in the crib and bocce tournaments, organizing many theme events such as a ‘minute to win it’ competition, along with timed events going down the ‘channelle’. He lived to be in the moment with his family and constantly reminded everyone that family was priority and being together brought him great joy. Don also valued his extended family as could be seen in his efforts to attend ‘Keegan events’ such as the annual St. Patrick’s Day party, the annual family reunions, picnics and golf tournaments. He was always the life of the party while still finding a way to connect with everyone.
Don had a true love for his roots that were planted in Bralorne. He enjoyed many a weekend in his teen years showing his friends a good time at Gun Lake and later on spending time with his kids, and his brothers and sisters families. His love for this place is evident in purchasing two different lake properties and even after selling them continued to visit the lake at any chance he got. He enjoyed the family ATV trips adventuring to mountain tops, the old ski hill his dad enjoyed, the town he grew up in, and viewpoints that would take your breath away.
Don had such an optimistic outlook on life and was never dragged down with any curve balls thrown at him. He dealt with all the effects of Crohn's disease, and always bounced back after any setbacks he had. He faced these challenges with determination and was constantly looking for ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The last 5 years of his life, Don said he had never felt better. He was a regular at Oxygen Yoga, where he entertained and became friends with many of the instructors and members. He amazed the young people at how well he could outdo many of them with their planks etc.
Don’s most admirable trait was his love of family....he made sure to always let all of his nieces and nephews know how much he loved them and always told them how proud he was of them. Don will be greatly missed by his loving wife Lorna, her three children Molly, Nick, and Danielle, his daughter Leah, son Adam, their mother Maureen, his siblings Bill (Cheryl), MaryAnne (Wayne), Gail (Glen), Gord (Jenn), Brian (Sandy), and Doug (Diane), as well as his many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by a large extended family, many close friends, coworkers, and clients.
One of Dons’ favourite sayings was....this was the “BEST EVER”, as in a party, a gathering, a day, a meal. whatever the occasion was. To us, he was the BEST man ever, and his spirit will continue on with us in our hearts and our memories. If you knew Don, you loved him.
Don was laid to rest on June 26, 2020 at Robinson Memorial with his family in attendance. Due to Covid restrictions a traditional funeral and celebration could not be held. A ceremonial car procession was held where many of his friends and extended family paid tribute to a great man!
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