Born on October 16, 1943, in Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Don was the son of the late Henry Osborn (“Mac”) McCleary and Reta McCleary (née Coburn). He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandy McCleary; sons: Dan, (Catherine; son Finn, daughter Orla); and son Keith, (Janell; son Quynton; daughter Ally; (Mahlon and children: Braxtyn and Octavia) and Don’s sister: Norma Hopper of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, plus many extended family and friends.

After attending the University of Saskatchewan with a major in music, Don started his working career as a music/band teacher in Calgary. His highlight school was Montgomery Junior High where the staff and students made his teaching years there a very positive, successful experience. Lifelong friendships resulted from so many of his staff members there.

In 1974, Don, Sandy, 2-year-old Dan and 5-week-old Keith bought a farm north west of Olds, Alberta for Don to begin a new career as a pig farmer.  Don absolutely loved being a pig farmer.

In 1976 Don was asked to help with the Olds Community Band.  What was supposed to be a 2-week assistance, ended up to be a many year commitment to leading the Olds Community Band.

In 1984 Don was asked by the principal at Olds High School to build a band program there.  Along with looking after pigs, Don took on this new challenge and within 2 years had 250 kids in the band program.  Don was asked to become the first band teacher in the new Olds middle school, Deer Meadow.  Don felt so privileged to teach at Deer Meadow with such a wonderful and supportive staff and student body.

In 1993 Don convinced Sandy that they should buy some residential rental property to extend their income into their retirement.  They owned 10 doors by the time they retired.

In 1998, Don and Sandy both retired from teaching music in the Olds school system.

They then were invited by Art Rosehill to become Real Estate Agents for Rosehill Real Estate. Sandy worked for 5 years there and Don kept his licence for 10 years.

In 2007 Don and Sandy bought a house in Mesa, Arizona where Don became very involved in the community Slow Pitch softball system – as a player, coach, and commissioner for 8 years.

Don and Sandy spent 18 winters in Mesa, Az where they made many friends from all over North America – mostly through the ball community.

The family is sincerely grateful to the staffs of the Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Az, the Red Deer Regional Hospital, the Olds Hospital and especially Taylor View Towers Care Home.

A celebration of life will be held for Don in Red Deer, Alberta on September 27, 2025, 2:00, at the Pidherney Curling Rink Banquet room.  (A second Celebration of Life will be held in Mesa, Arizona at Fountain of the Sun Activity Center, Feb 7, 2026) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to your choice of the Olds & District Kiwanis Music Festival, STARS Air Ambulance, or the Salvation Army.

Arrangements are being conducted through Red Deer Funeral Home, reddeerfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2025-06-18
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home