Donald Gordon Vandezande

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Gordon Vandezande in Calgary, AB on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the age of 69 years.   

Don was born in Pincher Creek Alberta to the parents of Robert and Lillian Vandezande.  

Don was the second born, of a set of Triplets, and the fourth oldest child, from a family of nine, 5 boys and 4 girls. 

Don is survived by his mother Lillian, wife Jill of 28 years, daughter Sarah, siblings Hazel, Judie, Robert (Diana), Marvin, Dale (Sherry), Kevin, Corrine and Lori (Steve).  Don is also survived by his sister-in-law Shelly as well as numerous nieces and nephews (19), great Nieces and nephews (23), cousins, Aunts, and many long time childhood friends including Joe (Wendy).

Don was predeceased by his father Robert as well as sister-in-law Colleen, brothers-in-law Norman, Jim, Ken and nephew Ryan.

In 1977 Don started a job delivering automotive parts for Taylor Pearson & Carson, in Calgary.  TPC eventually became Acklands Grainger and Don worked his way up through the ranks of both the Automotive and Industrial sides of the business and eventually became a Sales Representative, Warehouse Supervisor and On-Site Service Rep for large major accounts near Calgary including CP Rail, Alstom, and Cargil near High River.

Don retired in 2017 with the same company Acklands after 40 years.

Don was a kind, gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humour.  He enjoyed a good joke and then would pass it on to his large distribution list for all to enjoy a hearty laugh.   He loved history, music from the 50s-70s especially Elvis.  Enjoyed woodworking, carpentry, building this project or fixing things here at home, or for Sarah, family and  friends.  Always wanting to lend a hand to help others.  

Especially good at automotive repairs for the family members and trying to teach the younger ones, sharing the knowledge.  Having all sorts of the necessary carpentry or automotive repair tools, he was always the ‘Go To’ guy for advice on repairs or to borrow a tool and often in the end would just go fix it himself to help someone out.  

He loved his Stampeder Football and always watched his team, often with his brothers and friends.  

He loved our yearly extended family camp outs twice a year where 25-30 would get together to enjoy the weekends.  He was our handy guy in building the firepit and keeping it going throughout the night for all to enjoy sitting around.  Always the guy handing out the glow sticks for the younger ones to enjoy.  

Our weekly Friday nightmovie, popcorn and a drink of Rum and Coke were a family favorite and tradition which many family and friends participated in together.

Don will be fondly remembered for his kindness, infectious smile and his warmth towards others.  Leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable stories.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 7, 2025 at 1:00pm in the Legacy Room at Southview Church, 20200 Walden Blvd SE, Calgary, AB.  A private family interment will be held later in the summer.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared  with Don’s family through www.evanjstrong.com

If so desired, donations may be made to the Alberta Lung Association at https://ablung.ca/give-back/donate/.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Gordon Vandezande, please visit our floral store.