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May 27, 1955 - July 25, 2024

In loving memory ~

It is with profound sadness that Don's family announce his sudden and unexpected passing on July 25, 2024 at the young age of 69 years. Don was born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, on May 27, 1955, and raised in Wetaskiwin and at Pigeon Lake. He was a story teller, avid sailor, boat and car aficionado, general handyman, amateur mechanic, tremendous athlete, consummate banker and above all a true and generous friend to everyone who knew him. He was a proud Rotarian. Most importantly, he was the best son, husband, brother, father, father-in-law and grandfather to all members of his family whom he loved above all else.

After high school, Don earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Alberta. He started his banking career in Edmonton, and was later recruited to become the first manager of the new branch of the Canadian Western Bank in Red Deer in 1994. Until his retirement in January 2018, he became a friend of every client he dealt with. No one's problem was too small for him to deal with personally. He was a great mentor, a fair boss and most importantly, a friend to his staff. On retirement, Don managed his late father's business, W H Odell Drugs Ltd. He traveled extensively with his wife and family. He acquired ocean sailing accreditation which he used to charter boats all over the world. He continued to golf with his Bucks buddies every spring, go on adventures with his CIA buddies every fall, and during the past four years he played on the Silver Selects hockey team to revitalize his 'blazing speed'. Don was a renaissance man in the truest sense of the word. Don will be deeply missed by his family, especially Noreen, his wife and soulmate for 43 years; his beautiful daughters, Andrea and Erin, his sons-in-law Steve Swainson and Matt Morris, and his grandchildren Anne, Spencer, Billy, Logan, Norah and Wesley; his sister and brother-in-law, Liz and Julian Matthews and nephews Rob, Ian and Doug, all of New Zealand; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Judy, Karen and Dale, and their spouses Ron Wiebe, Dieter Sander and Doreen Saunderson. He will be cherished in the memories of many cousins and countless friends that he has made an impact on. Don was predeceased by his parents Bill and Biddy Odell of Wetaskiwin, his brother David and grandson Steven James Swainson Junior.

To celebrate the life of this amazing man the family invite you to join us on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Harvest Centre, Westerner Park, 4817A 19 St. Red Deer. Refreshments and storytelling will follow the service. As Don was usually the last to leave any party, please plan to stay long and share your memories of him with us. For those unable to join us in person the service will be live streamed.

If you wish to make a donation in Don's honour we ask you to consider the Mulhurst Bay Fire and Rescue Department, (Box 12, Mulhurst Bay, Alberta, T0C 2C0) with deepest appreciation.

Honoured to Serve the Odell family

 Baker Funeral Chapel, Wetaskiwin

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Thursday, August 15, 2024
3:00 PM
Harvest Centre, Westerner Park, 4817A 19 St. Red Dee