Obituary of Donald Arthur Schau

Donald Arthur Schau

May 28, 1939 – October 25, 2019

Donald Arthur Schau passed away peacefully at home as per his wishes at the age of 80 years on Oct 25, 2019.

Don was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta. His family lived in Irvine, AB until moving north in 1947.  They spent their first year in the Kleskun district then moved north of Teepee Creek on the Webster road to farm.  Don attended Teepee Creek School until grade 9 then move to Grande Prairie for high school. While attending high school, he boarded with other county high school students at the Wapiti Dorm. Don had many fond memories of this time at the dorms, graduating in 1956.

After high school, Don farmed in the summer and worked in the bush in the winter, clearing trees. Don was a long time employee of McGavin’s Bread until they closed in 1985. He moved on to a few different jobs before settling in at Grande Spirit Foundation as their maintenance man. Don loved this job as it gave him the opportunity to gossip with the seniors as he worked.

Don met Gail, a young teacher from Lethbridge, in early 1966 and they were married in Lethbridge on Dec 27 the same year. Don was happy with this late December wedding as he could claim Gail as a dependant for the entire year on his taxes. They honeymooned in the summer of 1967 making the long journey to Expo ’67 in Montreal, stopping to see all the sites along the way. Don and Gail had three children, Garry in 1970, Lisa in 1972 and Janis in 1974.

Don was happiest when outdoors, he was an avid camper, hunter and fisherman. He loved to spend his falls hunting and was always happy to share his hunting stories, he was especially proud of his first moose that he shot in 1958, whose antlers are still on display today.  He was a Scout leader for 25 years and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of the woods and telling very scary campfire stories.  Don introduced the wilderness to his wife, Gail, who never was entirely convinced and he inspired a deep love of nature in his three children.

Don will be remembered for being a small, sarcastic, sharp witted and strong willed man. He loved a stiff drink, a good joke and a long haul driving holiday in a camper van away from crowds, preferably north.  He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and would often brag about their accolades. He passes his height, his big brown eyes and his sense of humor down to all three of his children.

Don leaves to mourn, his wife of 52 years, Gail; his son Garry (Julie) and their children Hannah, Alexander and Gillian; his daughter Lisa (Ken); his daughter Janis (Tyler) and their children Lydia, Sophia and Flora.

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on – Robert Frost

There will be no funeral service for Don. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Scouts Canada scouts.thankyou4caring.org

Care entrusted to Bear Creek funeral Home 780 830 7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com