Obituary of Donald Allan MacLellan

February 13, 1951 – February 19, 2019

Donald Allan (Junior) MacLellan passed away peacefully on February 19, 2019 with his family by his side at the Grande Prairie Hospice. 

Don was born on February 13, 1951 in Ottawa Brook, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to the late Catherine Rhodena MacLellan (MacNeil), and Peter Allan MacLellan.

Don grew up in a loving and fun family with seven brothers and sisters along with many cousins in the close-knit community of Ottawa Brook. He began working at the age of 14 and this instilled the foundation of his core values:  the importance of family, his love of nature, and his satisfaction in a good day’s work. 

Don and Arlene were married in October 1977 and moved to Alberta for work opportunities in the spring of 1979. They soon settled in Grande Prairie.

In 1986 Don started Response Maintenance Services (RMS) along with his business partner, Rob McMillan. In addition to RMS, Don later owned and operated MacLellan Crane and Rigging. Through his work around the Peace Country, Don developed many long-lasting friendships that continued into his retirement. 

The importance of family was easily seen in the pride Don showed for Arlene, Peter, and Ann. Don was a devoted husband and father who always had time for his family. Whether it was standing in the corner of a hockey rink, showing up at a school gym, or sitting through a dance recital, Don was always there for his children. As his family grew, Don’s big heart made room for Peter and Ann's spouses - Erin (McNally) MacLellan, and Colby Longmate, who were like a daughter and son to him. 

Don's grandchildren Molly, Kara, and Ari provided him with many hours of enjoyment and a greater purpose in life. Although being a humble man, it was easy for Grandpa Don to show the huge joy and love he had for his grandchildren.

Don received a double lung transplant in 2009, which enabled him to continue to appreciate all of life's simple pleasures. Despite his health setbacks he had incredible resilience and his positive outlook and his appreciation for life never waned. 

His great love of nature, music, hockey, his 55 caddy, good food, and black coffee also contributed to his legacy of a full life. 

Don held a special place in his heart for all his siblings: Charlotte (David) MacAulay, Judy (Danny) MacLellan, Rosaire (Robert) MacKinnon, Neila (Carlyle) MacLellan, Stanley (Neila) MacLellan, David (Phyllis) MacLellan and Harriet (Greg) Lidgett and brothers in law Charles (Sadie) MacDonald, Hugh MacDonald and sister in law Sally (Ritchie) Ellis, as well as many nieces and nephews who all loved Don so much including his two God children Crista Jane MacKinnon, and Joe Lidgett.

Don, with his dry wit, kindness, even keel attitude, and sense of adventure will be missed by those who knew him best. His was a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to KidSport www.kidsportcanada.ca/donate/ to encompass Don's love of kids and sports or to a charity of one’s choice. 

A Memorial Service will be held for family and friends at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Bear Creek Funeral Home (11802 99 Avenue). Refreshments will follow the service. 

                            Gus an coinnich sinn a-rithist 

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