Obituary of Donald Jackson

Donald John Geoffrey Jackson August 25, 1915 September 26, 2006 Don Jackson passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at the age of 91 at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon. Don is survived by his wife, Irene, of 61 years; his son, William (Susan) of Peterborough, ON; his daughter, Margaret (Dr. Boyd) Stewart of Weyburn, SK; his five grandchildren: Dr. Karen (Julian) Northey of Mississauga, ON; Laura (Michael) Lamb of Brandon, MB; Dr. Krissie Stewart (Dr. Andrew Urmson) of Saskatoon, SK; Robin (Jeff) Spence of Saskatoon, SK; Geoff Stewart of Melbourne, Australia; his five greatgrandchildren: Alexandria and Valarie Northey, Victor Lamb, Jackson and Abby Spence; his sister, Mary Hastie of Plunkett, SK; his sisters-in-law, Joan Jackson of Plunkett, SK and Dora O'Sullivan of London, UK; his brother-in-law, Bernard (Betty) of Whitefield, Madison, WI; twelve nieces and nephews and their families. Don is predeceased by his parents, William and Helen; his brother, Dick; his brothers-in-law, Len Hastie, Jack, Fred, Leslie and Cyril Whitefield; his sister-in-law, Aielie Whitefield; and his nephew, Robert Hastie. Don was born in Field, BC, and a year later he and his parents moved to a farm near Plunkett where Don's nephews continue to farm. Following schooling at Glynfield and Plunkett, Don attended the University of Saskatchewan. In 1936 he went to Scotland to article in accounting, and in 1937 he joined the RAF. He served as a pilot in Singapore from 1938 until 1942 when Singapore fell to the Japanese. He escaped to India where he met Irene Whitefield, a British army nursing sister. In 1943 Don returned to England and on a bombing raid over Germany, he was shot down and became a Prisoner of War. When the war ended in 1945, he married Irene before returning to the farm in Canada. In 1946 he rejoined the RCAF and continued his career as a pilot. Don was stationed in numerous places across Canada and following a four year posting with NATO in Europe, he retired to Saskatoon in 1964 as a Wing Commander. Don worked at the U of S Extension Dept. and with the Corps of Commissionaires before retiring in 1980. Don enjoyed nature and being outdoors. Gardening, golfing, curling and going for walks were favourite activities. Don gave generously of his time to help and serve others. He was a member of the Nutana Legion Branch 362 and was a dedicated veteran. He was an active Free Mason and was also a member of Regal Chapter 132, Order of the Eastern Star. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 2:00 p.m. at the Saskatoon Funeral Home 338-4th Ave, Saskatoon. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Louise Ave. Congregational Church, 1602 Louise Ave., Saskatoon, S7H 2R4 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME, 244-5577.