RCMP Inspector Rtd. Donald Christian Nielsen, passed peacefully at Michener Extendicare, Red Deer, AB on July 27, 2026 at the age of 95 years.

Don was born at Stettler, AB to James and Margaret Nelson and was raised in the Dickson Markerville area with his 5 siblings – Dean, Doug, David, Lorna Tink (Calgary) and Leoma Cave (Sylvan Lake).

He grew up on the farm in a loving family home where he learned the values of kindness, charity and sharing.

Don knew at an early age that he wanted to join the RCMP, a dream which he fulfilled during 35 years in the Force.  He served faithfully in many parts of Canada, policing in Regina, SK, Rockcliffe, ON, Prince George, BC, Burns Lake, BC, Fort Smith, NT, Norman Wells, NT (twice), Prince Albert, SK (twice), Waskesiu, SK, North Battleford, SK, Ottawa (twice), Yorkton, SK, finishing his service as OIC in Red Deer City from 1981–1985. He was proud of the fact that he had never raised a gun!

After retirement, Don remained active for more than 30 years with the RCMP Veterans’ Assoc. in Red Deer and served on several community boards.  He was often seen chatting with City Manager Mike Day on the “state of the city”, policing policies and problems.

Don and Eunice were very involved in the life of the city.  In retirement they travelled broadly on many cruises to Europe, the Caribbean, the north and the west coasts of Canada and the US.

Both widowed, Jeane and Don met at Good Shepherd Church where they bonded, found love (it wasn’t hard) and were married there on Nov. 27, 2010.

A very humble man, Don was deeply involved in his Christian walk.  It was foremost in his life serving in the Lutheran Churches wherever he was posted. A devout member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church here in Red Deer, he served on the council as a lector, sidesman and even in the kitchen helping to cook “the bird” for the annual turkey supper.

He was a beloved husband, friend, and soulmate of Jeane Webb for 15 ½ years and husband to his first wife Eunice for 54 years.

Don is survived by his children Brian (Roseileen), Brenda (Brian), Bruce (Myrna) all of Yorkton, SK, eight grandchildren, Scott, Jesse, Rebecca, Hanna, Jennifer, Dustin, Haley and Kristy and their spouses; 14 great grandchildren; stepdaughters Colleen and Susan Rathwell as well as numerous extended family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 40 – Holmes Street, Red Deer AB on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

It would be greatly appreciated that in lieu of flowers and cards, donations be made to the Red Deer Food Bank.  Items can be placed in bins that will be available at the church.

Don will be remembered with love, respect, and gratitude for his lifetime of Service.

Condolences to Don’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Don Nielson” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned and operated cremation and

funeral provider serving Red Deer and Central Alberta.

587-876-4944

• Date : 2026-08-03
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service Red Deer AB "Locally Owned and Operated"