Donald Ralph Siferd, November 28, 1931 - June 15, 2021

SIFERD - Donald Ralph Siferd was born on November 28th, 1931, on the family farm homestead near Black Diamond, Alberta. He passed away peacefully at the Oyen Continuing Care Centre on June 15th, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Don and the love of his life, Ruth (nee McAskill), would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 23rd. Don was a fun-loving, charitable and community-spirited man who was a Charter Member of the Oyen Lions Club. He was proud of the work done by the organization and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those around him. Until very recently, Don enjoyed golf in the summer and skating in the winter. Don, an excellent dance partner, loved twirling Ruth (and many other ladies) around the dance floor to polkas, old-time waltzes and two-steps, especially when the music was provided by “the J’s” or the “Happy Plus.” Socials nearly every weekend (and sometimes twice a weekend) were often followed by coffee at home with close friends Don and Margaret Bamber where, inevitably, a joke marathon until dawn would break out between the two Dons.

He retired in 1996 after working for many years at Special Areas. While Don and Ruth have happy recollections of their working lives, numerous vacations and camping trips over their many years together, they truly cherish their memories of this special town.
They have always said their move to Oyen, despite the fact that it was happening on December 24th, 1967, in a blizzard, with three little kids, was the best decision of their lives. And yes, there was a Christmas tree and filled stockings early the next morning!

Don was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Florence, his brothers Harold and Clark, sister-in-law Vera, sisters Vera McNichol and Doris Brown, brother-in-law Dale Brown, sister-in-law Jean Siferd and numerous sisters- and brothers-in-law on Ruth’s side of the family.

Don is survived by his wife Ruth, children Pat (Bernie Krewski), Tim (Kathleen Martin) and Peggy (Al Martin), nine grandchildren, and very soon, eleven great-grandchildren, his brother Jack (Barbara Nadin), sisters-in-law Mary Siferd, Eleanor Brown, June Johnson, Dolores Duchesnay and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on July 10th, 2021, at the Oyen Cemetery at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to: Oyen and District Health Care Foundation Box 150, Oyen, Ab T0J 2J0 or to Charity of Donor’s Choice.

Funeral Arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Ab.

A recording of the service will be posted following the service on ofsmacleans.com