Donald Joseph Towers, 93, of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away on May 18, 2023, surrounded by his family.

He was born to Joseph Henry and Charlotte Elizabeth Towers (nee LaRocque) on January 26, 1930, in Regina, Saskatchewan. When he was a small child, the family relocated to Moose Jaw, Sask. Don grew up in the depression and found solace in reading, history, and music. In 1944, the family moved to Calgary, Alberta. There he joined the Salvation Army band and Calgary Tanks Regiment Band – playing his part to motivate the troops during the ending of WWII.

As a young man, Don started an apprenticeship with CP Rail as a carpenter. He then joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1950. He was deployed to the lower mainland and interior BC. He was designated to be deployed to the Korean War with Provost Company for a military police posting, but luckily the war ended within weeks before he deployed.

During his posting in Prince George, BC, he met Grietje, the love of his life. In 1955, They married, relocated to Rocky Mountain House, AB, and started their family. Don began his career there with the Municipal Police Department of Rocky Mountain House.

Another career move brought the family to Red Deer, AB in 1967. Don worked for the Red Deer Advocate as a reporter and photographer. Don had a love for writing and the law. He was pulled back into law enforcement and took a position with the County of Red Deer. During his tenure, he built the Red Deer County Fire Department from the grassroots to have better fire protection for the county’s constituents.

Don was a community builder. He was a founding member of the Red Deer RCMP Veterans Association and the Red Deer Band Society. In his later years, he was a proud member of the Golden Music Makers. The band traveled throughout Central Alberta to bring music to senior citizens. He was an avid supporter of the Salvation Army – he praised the organization for the opportunity he received to learn music and their charitable philosophy to mankind.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife, Grietje, in 2017, Don is also survived by His children Theresa Towers-Rickard (Steve Rickard), Joanne Towers, Joe Towers (Suzanne, nee Bottomly), and Martha Towers (Greg Wattis) grandchildren Joshua Rickard (Stephanie Weibe), Eryn Rickard (Jeremy Schultz), Lauren Towers, Joseph Towers and great-grandson Devin Schultz. Don was predeceased by parents Joseph and Charlotte Towers, brother Gordon Towers and sister Phyllis Alstad.

Celebration of life will be on July 14, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the Red Deer Curling Centre in the upper lounge area. 4725 43 st, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 6Z3

We want to thank the nurses, caregivers, and fellow residents at Bethany College Side and CBI Home Care for the care and friendship they gave to Don in his final years

• Date : 2023-05-18
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home