McLAREN _ Donald Irwin Don passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in Vernon, BC on Sunday, April 15, 2007 with his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Lois, at his side. He will be deeply missed by his children, Dawn-Rae, Lance (Tina), Lane (Joan) and Di-Anne (Tom); and grandchildren, Tara, Chad, Amanda, Ryan and John. His surviving siblings, Irene, Joyce and Ken, and many more friends and family are also greatly saddened by his passing. Don was predeceased by his father Irwin, mother Lillian and brother Gordon. Born in 1930 in Olds, Alberta, Don attended school in Bowden where he met his future wife, Lois West. He set out early to seek his fortune in Alberta's oil patch. His work as a drilling contractor took him and his young family to homes throughout the province, from Calgary and Peace River to Rocky Mountain House and Edmonton, with numerous stops along the way. In 1975, Don and Lois moved to Vernon, BC where they built and enjoyed two homes, one overlooking Kalamalka Lake and the second home with a panoramic view of Okanagan Lake. Don's work took him to remote locations, separating him from home and family for many months of the year. He took on life's many challenges with strength, determination and courage. His relationships were marked by loyalty, integrity, generosity and "heart". Don was a "go-to-guy" who could fix pretty much anything. He loved to laugh, water ski and sing along to country music. For him, one of life's greatest pleasures was to hitch his boat to an RV and head out with Lois to fish for salmon on the Sunshine Coast. Towards the end of his life, he tackled perhaps the greatest challenge of all - to clean out his garage. Over his lifetime, beginning with very little, Don created businesses, beautiful homes, a healthy and fortunate family, lasting friendships, and a legacy of enduring love we all carry in our hearts. He will be sorely missed. Friends and family are invited to gather in memory of Don McLaren on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL at 5605 - 27 Street in Vernon, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.