Very sad to hear of Don’s passing. His trademark voice, smile, laugh and positive outlook on anything will always be with us. Many fond memories of that voice when he was the lead singer for “Blue Society”. I was proud to be part of his team the day he took a run at becoming the MLA for our area. After that, I always called him “Senator”. Another moment that will be with me was the burnout he did with his Chevy II in front of the Parkview in Lamont. Needed a bit of motor oil on the tires to get things spinning as that 283 didn’t quite have enough “oomph” for those big back tires. Rest In Peace our friend.
I am so very sorry that Donny has passed away. It is impossible to find the right words to express my feelings at this time. He truly was one of the nicest people I have ever met. His smile made everyone around him smile back. We enjoyed so many happy times together over the years, and whenever I want to remember Don, all I have to do is dream.🎶🎶
Please accept my deepest condolences at this very sad time. May he rest in eternal peace and may his memory be a blessing always.
Love from MaryAnn and Auntie Carrie
We are very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. But a smile comes to the face as we remember all the old good times in Bruderheim: Christmases, birthdays, July 1st celebrations and so many others. We are also thankful were able to bring dad for a visit during your time down south, we all enjoyed it so very much. Our prayers go out to you all, peace be with you.
I am so sad you have lost your beloved Donny. I know how daunting life can be. God bless you and your family.
We were surprised and so sorry to hear that Don has recently passed away. He was such a wonderful man. He always had a few minutes to chat and his smile and hearty laugh was contagious. I guess God chose him to keep Nean company for awhile. May the love you share as a family help you through this difficult time.
Laurette and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss and our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. We are here for anything you may need.
Laurette and family, so many memories... and that smile of his. May our Lord Bless you all with strength and peace, and may all the memories you cherished be a source of comfort to you all now.
I met Don many years ago. He was one of a kind, a fine salesman to be sure.
Thinking of all of you and the times we have met, remembering our "cat exchange" visit at the farm and the family reunions in Bruderheim and Sherwood Park. Don was always very welcoming and easy to share a visit.
I remember Don when I was a little girl in Bruderheim. He would come and visit Laurette when she was babysitting us. Don was always full of life and laughter. His lit up a room as soon as he walked in. He was there when we celebrated so many family events, July 1st celebrations and there to offer support during the sad times. Don, you were truly a gift, a wonderful person. Memories eternal. It was so good to see Don and Laurette a few years ago when they walked in to attend my parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
Spent a lot of hours rolling down the highways while racing with Pat Beck's race team. No stereo required. Just listening to Donny’s endless stories and laughter. Also to welcoming us into their home in Arizona for bike riding adventures. Thank you Donny for all the memories that we will cherish forever from around the campfire at the race tracks all over Canada and USA.
Don always made me smile. For all the years I worked in the trades and we crossed paths he always left everyone feeling good and smiles on our faces and heart. Don stepped up and was happy to help me with multiple items for years when I did the GETT program during the Skills Canada. My heart is sad as I wish I could have yet another long conversation with him. I will always remember Don as a inspiring, caring friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the loss of a wonderful man in their lives ⚘️
My brother Don was loved by all of us and his unique character and jovial personality was greatly appreciated. Our memories of his kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor is certainly treasured. As his brother, I cherish the memories of our many shared fun-filled experiences. My precious childhood memories include: house chores and yard/garden work to earn our weekly allowance; family summer holiday camping trips/weekend fishing trips; winter road hockey games with frozen toes; playing minor baseball together; and target shooting/duck hunting with our father. Teenage memories include hanging out in the pool hall; "Blue Society" dance lighting; waterskiing at Elk Island National Park; getting lost on the way to an Edmonton Eskimos football game; harvesting horseradish with cousins; and tagging along on one of his business trips in the interior of B.C. Later, as our own families grew, we enjoyed Skeleton Lake/Long Lake camping/boating weekends and many campfire sing-a-longs. We all looked forward to the family gatherings with joy. It won't be the same without him. We'll miss you Don. May God bless Don's soul and spirit with mercy, forgiveness, kindness, love, grace, and peace. With love,
Brian, Bernie, Anthony, Joseph, Marissa, and Nicholas
Saddened to hear of this and my heart goes out to everyone. I remember the first time I saw Don -- Ashley and I were at football practice, it was hot outside and there was Don with a cold drink in hand and our trainers forgot to bring water to the practice. From that time on my friendship with Ashley and his family grew. We enjoyed boating, skiing, camping (Skeleton and Long Lake), and listening to Don and family playing guitar by the fire singing Everly Brothers tunes. I remember when the paperwork was tossed in the fire when the boat and trailer was paid off. Thank you O’Kurley family for wonderful childhood memories and Don and Laurette for showing us (then)-young fellows how a loving marriage works, and the importance of family. Rest easy Don, you were a kind and generous soul!
I spend most of my teen years hanging out in the O’Kurley basement, going to the O’Kurley lake lot and sitting at the O’Kurley kitchen table. I was so fortunate to be a part of this beautiful family. Don was the kind of guy that made every kid feel welcomed in his home. He always had a warm smile and great sense of humour. My deepest condolences to all of you. ❤️
Early days of Lamont life and school friends!
Our deepest condolences and sympathies to Laurette & family. Donny lit up every space he entered with his sense of humour, kindness & inclusivity. He will be missed. We hope memories & remembrances of him will help all his family & friends as we grieve for him. The world has lost some of it’s shine. May he Rest In Peace.
His smile and continuous positive attitude was infectious. Will be truly missed.
Sending our condolences. Don and I spent many years working together and I have many fond memories of those years.
When I think of Don, the memory that comes to mind is of him and Uncle Jim at Alberta Beach, singing in front of the bonfire. I loved hearing them both sing "Delilah". He was a kind and thoughtful man.
It was so wonderful getting to reconnect with you these last five years. I still can’t believe you’ve left us. You filled every room with laughter and smiles. Your laugh will always be remembered and your kind affection towards our children and me as a young kid visiting for thanksgiving dinner.
Don had a great laugh and he will be missed by all. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. Rest in Peace Don.
My deepest heartfelt sympathies to you Laurette and your precious family on the loss of your husband, Don. The loss will be felt deeply for all of the lives he touched. His face shows the happiness of a blessed life he loved, lived, and deserved……in my thoughts and prayers
Laurette and family: We are so saddened to hear of Don’s passing. He always had such a positive attitude about everything and always flashed that big grin. To a lifelong friend, Rest In Peace, Don. You will be missed by so many.
My Lamont school pal and life long friend. An extraordinary man. It is so difficult to think Don is no longer here making this old world a happier, brighter better place. In Grade 9 and 10 we liked a song called "Live for Today" by the Grassroots -- Don, you really did embrace life. He told me that he loved the memorable, fun and fantastic family time during the Costa Rica holiday last year. Please accept my condolences. I cannot imagine how your family is adjusting to your heart breaking loss.
Our condolences to the O'Kurley family. We will miss him dearly. His smile, laugh his sense of humor was contagious. I remember that he would make his yearly sales trip up north to High Level and the come spend a couple of days in my camp. He was a pleasure to have in camp. Great memories...lots of laughs..good times and GREAT person. We will miss you Don.
I grew up in my kindergarten to adult years going to the O‘Kurley house. All i can remember is Don smiling, singing, making jokes, and his laugh. Laurette always laughing at his side. I always felt loved and welcome in the O’Kurley home. I remember his blue housecoat or putzin‘ around in an old green bomber jacket. I saw he was a dedicated Dad driving back n forth to the Lake, hockey and dance. Don was cool - the only person I have met who had a built in cell phone in his car way back in the day. I was pleased to see him enjoy time around the race track in his retirement years. Don was a hoot. I‘ll never forget the day he found out about a grandchild on the way; they danced and sang down the street in housecoats to the neighbors in Sherwood park. Don was the party. My heart breaks for you Laurette, losing the love of your life, and the amazing Dad and Grandpa he was. My heart goes out to you all.
I met Don a couple years back, when we had an outdoor fire on the driveway for Halloween. This was during Covid and we were doing our best to enjoy visiting outside, while being socially distant. It was nice to have a new face to chat with and he was such an easy person to talk to. He shared with us his plans to travel South again when things opened up. Don & Laurette and Austen live across the street from me and I could tell right away, Don was a kind and lively man. Over the next couple years we would pass each other doing yard work, house maintenance and share jokes across the street. Don was also the person who showed me how to fill the tires on my car (something a 40 y.o. woman should know!) I only knew Don for a short time in his big and colorful life, and I'm saddened we didn't get to know each other better. I am so sorry for your loss, as he was obviously a genuine, caring and "life loving" man. Thank you for sharing both his page, the photos and for including me in his Celebration of life. My condolences to all of you, Kim Murton (Markus & McKinley)
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