George Donaldson

June 15, 1926 – October 30, 2016

Brem Donaldson, aged 90, passed away peacefully at his home, Sherbrooke Veteran’s Home on October 30, 2016. Brem is survived by his son Brett (Nora), daughter Lori (Matthew) and son Michael (Ha), special friend Donna, and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their extended families. In fact, Brem recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and more than 100 friends and family attended, many traveling from across Canada and beyond to be there. He was predeceased by his wife Betty who passed away in September 2015, sisters Fae and Greta and brother Hubert. He was our loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, friend and colleague. Many from all walks of life considered him to be a friend, and the feeling was mutual. Going to the shopping mall or grocery store with him was always going to take a lot of extra time as he would meet so many people he knew. He was one of the founding members of the Trinity United Church, and a long time contributor to the development of Montgomery Place. He was a Boy Scout leader, Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, hockey coach, canvassed for Cancer and the Heart Fund, and took the job of “grandfather” to a higher level. He enjoyed camping with his children and grandchildren, and late in life developed a love for motorcycle touring and woodworking. Above all of this, he did all the things that good people are supposed to do in this world. He was there for his family when they needed him. In fact, he was a friend to all those in need. On his daily walk to work at the firehall he would sometimes give his lunch to someone who needed it more than he did. He respected people regardless of their faith, gender or skin color. He kept trying to learn new things about the internet so he could keep track of his children and grandchildren as they spread out across the world. He answered the door every time someone knocked, and invited people into his home with a handshake and would listen carefully before sharing his own personal beliefs. He went outside at -25 to flood the neighborhood skating rink and shoveled off the snow so we could play on the ice. He was literally the neighborhood dad. He drove us to school, took us camping, drove across Canada and flew to England to visit his children and grandchildren. After the war, dad worked for Massey Ferguson in Saskatoon for 23 years, before going to work for the Saskatoon Fire Department for the next 20+ years. There are so very many fond memories of our father, George Bremner Donaldson, and those memories will inspire his family to keep him in their thoughts for the rest of their lives. We miss you, Dad. Many will wish to join the Celebration of Brem’s Life on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at St. David’s Trinity United Church, 3318 Merritt Street, Saskatoon. Arrangements in care of John Schachtel – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200