Joan Donald named to Alberta Order of Excellence

Premier Jason Kenney also commented, saying recipients show remarkable talent for innovative creativity in their fields.

“Whether in business, research, education or community building, their leadership has made all of our lives better, safer and richer,” he says. “I congratulate this year’s inductees on their many accomplishments, proving brilliant ideas shine brighter when courage and collaboration stand together.”

As for Donald, Wetaskiwin-born in 1935, her accomplishments fall under the scope of governance and leadership in business, health, education, social justice, sport and culture.

With husband Jack, whom she married in 1955, Joan co-founded Parkland Oil Products Ltd., which expanded from one service station in Red Deer to 38 across central Alberta. In 1971, the Donalds sold that business.

In 1976, the pair bought Parkland Industries Ltd., the corporation behind Fas-Gas. Joan retired in 2001.

“All through my life I have believed in helping out people in need and giving back to the community. I love to quote Maya Angelou: ‘You shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back,” Donald told AOE officials.

“We have been a great team over the years. He’s (Jack) the business mind and I’m the people person. We complement each other.”

In the early 1970s, Donald began organizing horse shows for Westerner Park, which she then did for two decades. She also served on Westerner’s executive for eight years, including two as president.

Donald also volunteered with the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta, the Waskasoo Handicapped Riding Association, and was instrumental in launching the Festival of Trees in 1994.

In 2007, Joan (and Jack) gave a gift to establish the Westerner Park administrative building, and then generously supported expansion of Red Deer College (now Polytechnic) the same year. The Donald name is the namesake for RDP’s school of business.

Another sizable gift to the college was for the Donald Health & Wellness Centre, which is dedicated to teaching and learning in the fields of health and wellness. They also contributed to the new Library Information Common.

“We have continued to invest in Red Deer Polytechnic, because we believe in empowering local learners to give them the opportunities they need to be successful in their careers and lives,” says Joan. “Our communities are strengthened tremendously with the high-quality individuals who are bettering themselves in their time on campus, and beyond.”

Her list of volunteer efforts is lengthy, including work with STARS Air Ambulance, United Way and the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre, and Donald has received numerous other recognitions, including:

-Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002
-Red Deer Citizen of the Year in 2004
-Red Deer and District Community Foundation Women of Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008
-Member of the Order of Canada in 2011
-Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012
-Festival of Trees Friends Award for her lifetime of significant contributions in 2015
-Senate Canada 150 Medal in 2017

She and Jack have have also received the:

-G.H. Dawe Memorial Award for philanthropic contributions to Red Deer Polytechnic for dedicated service to education in 2000
-Philanthropic Family–Generosity of Spirit Award from the Calgary Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2005

Joan continues to volunteer, and has five married grandchildren with nine great grandchildren.

The other seven 2021 recipients of the Alberta Order of Excellence are:

Cyril Kay of Edmonton is among the world’s eminent biochemists, unlocking the building blocks of life. His vision to create and lead internationally respected multidisciplinary teams has revolutionized biomedical research.
Murray McCann of Calgary is an entrepreneur and community leader who reinvests his success into organizations that combat hunger, homelessness, fear and violence. He created programs that honour fallen soldiers and support homeless veterans.
Barb Olson of Calgary is an internationally recognized researcher, entrepreneur and toxicology expert. Her research with husband Merle in veterinary medicine has led to a better understanding of bacterial infections and treatment in humans and animals.
Merle Olson of Calgary is an internationally renowned veterinarian and researcher. His entrepreneurism with wife Barb has led to innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies specializing in veterinary products to address animal welfare issues.
Greg Powell of Calgary is a pioneering emergency physician, innovator and educator. He has saved countless lives by co-founding and leading the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) and revolutionizing emergency medicine.
Cor Van Raay of Lethbridge has strengthened both agriculture and agribusiness in Western Canada through his innovation and entrepreneurship. His generosity and community building have enriched the lives of Albertans.
Lena Heavy Shields-Russell (Ikkináínihki) of the Blood Reserve is an Elder, author, teacher and trailblazing translator. She created Alberta’s Blackfoot curriculum, safeguarding the language and culture to pass on to future generations.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Joan Donald named to Alberta Order of Excellence

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