STEIL, Don
April 29, 1933 - July 22, 2017
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, Donald Anton Steil, in his 85th year. Devoted husband of the late Elsey Steil (nee Isberg), he will be fondly remembered by his four children, Doug (Brenda Wanner), Norman, James, and Anne Stephens (Murray) as well as grandchildren Meagan and Jessy and great- grandson, Oliver. Don worked at the Red Deer Advocate after arriving in Red Deer in 1962, operating the printing presses, and later in the composition room. He took a leadership role as Union President, and belonged to the Knights of Columbus and Royal Canadian Legion where he had many good friends.
Don enjoyed the printing business, but his life-long passion was music - singing with Barbershop Quartets, playing tenor saxophone and clarinet. Straight out of High School, he toured with a Jazz/Swing band, marrying the lead singer. He was very active in the music community of Red Deer - a continuous member of the RDC Community Band, the Jazz Explosion, and many other collaborative efforts where his memory will live on.
Don and Elsey's getaway was a property near Rocky Mountain House, where they gathered with friends most summer weekends. Don's sharp wit and quirky sense of humour will be genuinely missed by friends and family alike.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Wheeler, Linda and the staff at Cedar's Villa in Calgary for their exceptional care and compassion during Don's final years. We would also like to thank the kind and caring women from Daughter's On Demand, especially Cathy and Val, for their companionship.
A celebration of Don's life will take place on Saturday, July 29th in the Alberta Room at the Royal Canadian Legion (2810 Bremner Ave., Red Deer) from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. The music Dad loved will be present; provided by friends and former bandmates. Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Don is asked to consider the Alzheimer Society.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting leydens.com.
LEYDEN'S FUNERAL HOME