Donald John Cann slipped away peacefully on June 7, 2026, at the age of 97, surrounded by the love of his daughters and extended family.

Dad was born on November 14, 1928, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the third son of Rev. A.W. and Lillian Cann. Dad’s dad’s ministry took the family to Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, Viking, and finally Camrose, where Dad met and fell in love with a pretty, young soprano in the church choir. Dad and Mum were married in 1952 and went on to have four daughters.
The family moved to Red Deer in 1956, where Dad opened a small sporting goods store. Red Deerians of a certain age remember getting their first fishing rod or model airplane at Don’s Sports Centre.

Later, after a stint working for Canada Safeway, Dad returned to university and became a teacher. He taught for the County of Lacombe at Eckville, Lacombe, and Blackfalds.
Dad was a gentleman, a scholar, a thinker, an inventor, and a man of faith. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, and his passing leaves a large hole in our hearts.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, brothers Albert (Sonny) and Colin, and his devoted wife of 61 years, Bonnie.

He is survived by his daughters, Joyce, Laurel (Don Johnson), Maureen (George Klingenberg) and Betty (Chris Tonnes); grandchildren Becky (Eric), James (Cassandre), Michael (Cortney), Sara-Dawn (Brad), Crystal (Kyle), Scott (Brittney) and David (Zoe), and great-grandchildren Caleb, Isla, Kiana, Arianna, Antonio, Andres, Marshall, Stuart, Linkin, Hayden, Rylee, and Zoey.

A special thank you goes out to the staff and residents of Deer Park Village for their kindness and care.

Celebration of Life will be Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Gaetz United Memorial Church, 4758 50 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1X2, with a tea to follow.

• Date : 2026-06-07
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home