(The Currency of Contribution-Episode 2/Alessia Proietti)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Immeasurable Legacy

City council, Westerner Park and RDP issue statements on passing of philanthropist and community builder, Jack Donald

Jan 19, 2024 | 2:19 PM

Officials with the City of Red Deer have announced the passing of long-time business leader, philanthropist, and community builder, Jack Donald.

It can be described as another huge loss for the community of Red Deer and central Alberta, following the recent passings of fellow community builders, Michael Dawe, and Frank Wong.

“On behalf of city council and City staff, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Donald on their loss. Jack was a remarkable leader, contributing over 50 years to the growth and development of Red Deer and Central Alberta as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder. His vision and business acumen significantly impacted the local economy, creating jobs and attracting investment. Jack’s tireless charitable efforts have left a lasting impact on various community causes.

In 1964, Jack and Joan Donald moved to Red Deer, where Jack not only grew his business but also became actively involved in community service. From leading the Optimist Club and Rotary Club to serving as a Red Deer Alderman in the 1970s, Jack demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the community. His dedication to education led him to serve on the Board of Governors for Red Deer College, where the Donald School of Business stands as a testament to their generosity.

Jack’s contributions extended to Westerner Park, where he played a pivotal role in relocating the exhibition grounds and building key facilities. His philanthropy also reached beyond, co-chairing a successful 2005 fundraising campaign for STARS and earning induction into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame in 2011. Named Red Deer’s Citizen of the Year in 2002, Jack Donald leaves behind a legacy of community spirit, business brilliance, leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering volunteerism that will resonate throughout Central Alberta for generations.

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Our deepest condolences go out to the Donald family and friends. Please know that we share in your grief, recognizing that Jack’s impact will endure as a beacon of inspiration for our community.”

Mayor Ken Johnston

Officials with Westerner Park say they are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jack Donald, whom they describe as a true community champion who played a pivotal role in transforming Westerner Park in Red Deer.

“Jack’s unwavering commitment to the community was evident in his leadership on the Westerner Exhibition board since 1979. His vision and dedication led to the relocation of the exhibition grounds and the construction of the iconic Parkland Pavilion and the 7000-seat Centrium Arena, home to the Red Deer Rebels.

Joan and Jack’s goodwill extended further with their instrumental contribution to the construction of Westerner Park’s Donald Administration Building. Today, we remember Jack not only for his visionary impact on our community but also for the countless lives he touched through his philanthropy. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Jack’s legacy will forever be etched in the heart of Westerner Park and the entire Red Deer community.

In memory of Jack, our organization’s flag will fly at half-mast, honouring a man who devoted his life to enhancing our community. Our thoughts are with his family during this challenging time.”

At Red Deer Polytechnic, the institution issued a statement Friday offering its deepest condolences to the family of Jack Donald.

“Jack was a true champion and friend of Red Deer Polytechnic.

His commitment to our community was deeply felt at RDP through his many contributions and his focus on ensuring an  exceptional higher education experience for students in central Alberta.

Jack served as member of the Red Deer College Board of Governors from 1979-1982, and as a member of the Volunteer Campaign Cabinet for the College’s Building Communities Through Learning Campaign from 2006-2010. A true entrepreneurial spirit, Jack spent countless hours engaging with our students and faculty, sharing his wisdom as both a mentor and guest speaker.

Jack and wife, Joan, remained ardent supporters of Red Deer Polytechnic since its inception, and could often be seen attending events and providing their support to initiatives here at RDP.  The Donalds are always among the first to step forward with their generosity and active participation because they believe in the power of education, and because they believe in our students and the immense impact that students have on the world around them.

Indeed, Jack and Joan together have created a legacy of community building. A legacy that includes the establishment of the Donald School of Business, Science and Computing, and the Donald Heath & Wellness Centre at Red Deer Polytechnic.

Jack’s legacy continues to touch the lives of thousands of students each and every day and will have an indelible impact on our community, the province of Alberta and beyond for years to come.

In Jack’s honour, the Red Deer Polytechnic flags on campus have been lowered to half-staff.”

Jack, along with his wife Joan, whom he married in 1955, 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.

In 2007, Jack and Joan 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,” said Joan, at the time. “Our communities are strengthened tremendously with the high-quality individuals who are bettering themselves in their time on campus, and beyond.”

Both Jack and his wife Joan 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.

In 2021, when Joan was named to the Alberta Order of Excellence (AOE), she spoke of Jack, saying, “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.”

Watch the video below to learn more about the contributions of Jack and Joan Donald to both Red Deer and central Alberta:

Related: Jack C. Donald, Inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2015

Related: Westerner Foundation Capital Campaign 2021 raises over $7.6 million

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