Obituary of Donald Kenneth Balkwill

January 24, 1935 – Calgary, Alberta

November 4, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Donald Kenneth ‘Don’ Balkwill on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the age of 89 years. Born on January 24, 1935, in Calgary, AB, to Olive Cavaghan and James Hessie Balkwill. Don was the younger of two sons in a close-knit family of four. He was predeceased by his parents and his older brother, James Balkwill, who passed on September 16, 2019.

Growing up in the community of Crescent Heights in Calgary, AB, Don attended Calgary Balmoral School before the family moved to Trochu, AB in 1944. There, he attended Trochu Valley School and made lifelong friends. Don's formative years were filled with a passion for sports, especially baseball and hockey. He earned a marksmanship ranking in the Canadian Army Cadets and worked tirelessly in the family business, Balkwill Pharmacy in Trochu, AB. His favourite part of the pharmacy was the soda fountain, whipping up milkshakes. An avid photographer, Don had an eye for the perfect shot. He also loved the water, spending many joyous hours boating and water skiing with his family at Pine Lake, AB, even though he never learned to swim himself—a fact that became a cherished family joke. He also had a passion for woodworking and building model airplanes.

Initially pursuing geology at the University of Alberta, Don soon realized his true passion lay in business. He became a veterinary pharmaceutical representative, a career he excelled in. Don worked for Ayerst Pharmaceuticals (later Wyeth) until his retirement at age 60. Even in retirement, Don's passion for business, investment, and finance never waned. He spent countless hours researching stocks and was the family's go-to source for insights on current events, politics, and investment strategies. His keen interest in Canadian and U.S. politics kept him engaged and excited about the future.

Don's life took a beautiful turn when he met the love of his life, Hilda Sloan. Their first encounter was memorable: after a hayride, Hilda lost her lipstick, leading to a search by flashlight—a charming introduction that sparked their connection. They were married on July 21, 1962, their love affair would span over 70 years. Together they built a life and family filled with love and adventure.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Hilda, and their four children, Jim (Trina) Balkwill, Carrie (Gino) Dimatteo, Heather (Scott) Veronelly, and Brad (Gina) Balkwill. A proud and loving grandfather, Don leaves behind nine grandchildren who were his endless joy, Kyle Veronelly, Joel Veronelly, Connor Balkwill, Elizabeth Balkwill, Katie Dimatteo, Liam Balkwill, Noah Balkwill, Josh Dimatteo, and Sienna Balkwill. One of Don’s favourite activities was receiving daily and weekly updates from his family, always eager to share in their achievements and adventures.

Eighty-nine years is a long time, but even that was not enough time with Don, a testament to the profound impact he had on his family. Don's enduring legacy will be his meaningful and unconditional love of his family. All of those he touched will be forever enriched. The world lost one of the greatest fathers and husbands. All of us left behind are inspired to be better people because of him.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Don’s family here.

In living memory of Don Balkwill, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.

Click Here to view the Memorial Card for Donald Balkwill