April 26, 2024
In Loving Memory (1945-2024) ~
Mr. Donald Edward 'Don' Rathgeber of Red Deer, Alberta passed away after a quick, but aggressive battle with ALS on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the age of 78 years.
Don grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he attended the University of Manitoba and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. He then attended Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, where he received his PhD in Chemical Engineering, in 1974.
In Kingston, he met the love of his life, Leslie, who he married in 1972. Don retired in 2003, enjoying a happy retirement in Red Deer, Alberta. Don's main interests included passionately playing "mediocre" golf as a member of the Red Deer Golf and Country Club and riding his motorcycle on road trips with his buddies.
His other hobbies of woodworking and model building produced some incredible creations - the Titanic, a Pulman Train Coach car, stagecoach, and many others - all of which he was proud of.
In 2005, Don began volunteering with the Red Deer Kiwanis, serving several executive roles, including President and Treasurer. Don also worked with Safety City, Twilight Homes, and the Festival of Performing Arts - all Kiwanis Associated Boards. Don had great pride in his family and was an amazing role model to all those who surrounded him, both in his professional and personal life.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty-one years, Leslie Rathgeber (nee Lewis), his son, Alan and his wife, Michelle, his grandchildren, Logan and Jordyn, and his son, David and his fiancée, Sonia, and his grandchildren, Trent, Corwin, and Penelope.
If desired, Memorial Donations in Don's honor may be made directly to the ALS Society of Alberta at www.alsab.ca.
A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.