Donald James Hart

Donald James Hart passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12th, 2011 at the age of 76.

Don was born on May 17th, 1934 in Gilbert Plains, MB and grew up on the family farm.  He worked in Dauphin and Flin Flon, MB before moving to Saskatoon in 1954 to attend Bethel Bible College.  He graduated in 1954 with a Layman Certificate.  It was there he met his wife of 52 years, Joyce Mitchell, and they were married August 30th, 1958.

Don worked for Primco Western Ltd., Potash Company of America and McClelland Veterinary Supplies before becoming employed at Intercontinental Packers as a salesman and later the office manager of the Livestock Division.  He particularly enjoyed the travelling aspect of his work and frequent new cars became a passion.  He retired from Intercon in 1993.

Don was very involved in his church community.  Elim Tabernacle was his home church for many years and he was active in Christian Service Brigade, Sunday School bus ministry and choir.  They later attended Lawson Heights Pentecostal Assembly where he was involved with hospital spiritual care in Saskatoon.

Don loved to sing and was a great bass singer.  He especially loved quartet music, singing in a quartet or just listening to it.  He sang in the Elim Tabernacle Choir for 31 years and was in the Senior Tones senior choir prior to moving to Moose Jaw.

Don was a farm boy at heart and loved to help out at his brother-in-laws farms during harvest.  He took an avid interest in his son’s agricultural work and loved riding in combines and driving grain trucks.  He was particularly interested in the machinery from his boyhood years and collected toy farm equipment.

Don loved to camp and fish.  They parked their trailer at Living Waters Camp, the Pentecostal Assemblies Church camp near Prince Albert, and spent most of their summers there.  He served on the board for a time as treasurer, ushered for the family camp and helped with maintenance during the rest of the summer.  Spending time there was a great source of joy and relaxation for him.

Due to his declining health, Don and Joyce moved to Moose Jaw in 2009 to be closer to family.

Don was predeceased by his parents, James and Lillian Hart, nephew Ross Paddock and his beloved pet companion, Whiskers.  He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Joyce; son Brent (Cheryl)- Moose Jaw; daughter Bev – Regina; granddaughters Andrea and Carey Hart – Moose Jaw; brother Duaine (Irene)- Winnipeg; sisters-in-law Darleen (Wes) Paddock – Brandon and Eleanor Fast – Brandon; nephews and nieces Warren (Marian) Hart – Winnipeg; Linda (Mark) Mandziuk – Winnipeg; Glenn (Marina) Paddock – Brandon; Brenda (Rick) Paddock Thiessen – Brandon; Carolyn (John) Fast – Welland, ON; and Keith (Teresa) Fast – Roblin, MB.

The Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s name may be made to Living Waters Camp, c/o 3488 Fairlight Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7M 3Z4.