Donald Richard Jepson

With deep sadness, the family of Donald Richard Jepson announces his peaceful passing on November 1, 2025.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, Don was the eldest of three children to Tom and Maude Jepson. His father's career, working for Weston Grocers, meant Don's early years were spent moving between Winnipeg, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw. He was a devoted brother to his younger sisters Shirley (Al Knight) and Sandra (JB Harmon).

In 1950, Don left home to attend the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1954 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Don was the first in his family to attain a university degree. In recent years he proudly established a scholarship fund to help eager young students at the University of Saskatchewan follow in his footsteps. His career began in Saskatchewan’s oil and gas industry, and in 1957, he moved to Calgary where fate brought him together with Joanne Ewen on a blind date. They instantly hit it off and were married in August 1958 and soon relocated to Regina, where their first child, Jim, was born. Returning to Calgary, they welcomed two more children, Rob and Donna. In 1969, Don and Joanne settled into their dream home in Lakeview Village, where they raised their family and built a life rich in friendship and community.

Don’s professional journey included senior roles at Medallion, Norcen and Algas, before he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding several junior oil and gas companies. Don was well respected in the business world and spent time as a Director of several companies and mentored many young executives around Calgary, sharing his knowledge and passion for the business.

The oil patch years brought lifelong friendships, many of which extended to cherished vacations in Whitefish, Montana. Labor Day beach gatherings, golf outings, skiing, and Christmas hot tubbing became treasured traditions. As their children grew, Don and Joanne embraced travel, with memorable adventures including a trip to Israel and winters snow birding in Palm Springs with close friends.

After 53 years of marriage, Joanne passed away from leukemia in January 2011. Don was blessed to find love again with Georgie Chapman, a fellow churchgoer and widow. They married in May 2012 at Lake Louise and shared a joyful life filled with travel, blended family, and enduring friendships. In 2022, they moved together to The Manor Village at Garrison Woods.

Don is lovingly remembered by his children Jim (Ingrid), Rob (Julie), and Donna (Chris Lindeburg), all of Calgary; grandchildren Emily (Tyrell), Andrew, Monica, Carolyn, Colby, and Tyler; and great-grandchildren Theo and Hazel. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Knight of Morden, Manitoba; his second wife Georgie and her children Laura and Leslie and their families; and his cherished sister-in-law Shirley Ewen, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sutherland, Dr. Lui, Dr. Caine, and the compassionate staff of Unit 112 at Foothills Hospital for their exceptional care and kindness.

Don’s legacy of love, resilience, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Parish of Holy Nativity (12707 Bonaventure Drive SE) on Friday, November 28, 2025 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow at the Earl Grey Golf Club (6540 20 St SW), In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity.

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