Donald Jones

On the Morning of May 25/2023 Don Jones, with his bright tropical shirt, his arms clasped behind his back and a twinkle in his eye bid farewell to his earthy existence and walked into the beckoning light of eternity.

Don was born March 14/1956 in Boissevain, Manitoba. He was the youngest child of 7 children, born to Leona and Ernest Jones.  Don finished his formal education in the Boissevain area and then migrated to different areas where he held many jobs over the years.

 Don travelled to BC as a young man, where he found work as a cook with the military he developed a love for cooking. He also was a cook at the Red Oak Inn in Brandon and then became a Healthcare Aide at the Hospital there as well. Don’s travels through the years took him to many other places including Winnipeg and Calgary.

On one of his journeys, he met and married Rene in 1975 and through this union they had a child. Don often spoke of a daughter named Charity, unfortunately this marriage dissolved and Don would eventually lose contact with his daughter and her family.

Dons life shifted, and in 1991 he found himself moving to Swan River to make his life in the valley with his long- term partner Janice Wilson. Janice, along with her mother introduced Don to all the beauty the community had to offer, they had many adventures and experiences together.

Don enjoyed the valley so much he decided to make Swan River his home for the last three decades. He enjoyed getting to know the area and meeting many new people.

Don struggled in some aspects of his life and found comfort and support through the Community Mental Health Program and was a founding member of the HERO club. This was a place where Don found companionship and acceptance, a place where he found support from others and also gave support to others.

 Don was a daily visitor to the HERO club for many years. He made many friendships, enjoyed social activities, and he was always a willing participant in fundraising efforts, he was happy to be selling tickets or helping at the BBQ’s.

Don always looked forward to and was an avid participator in HERO club camp each year, he spoke of camp and liked to share memories of it. It was definitely a highlight for him each year.

Don was always willing to dress up for special activities and participate in a prank when the opportunity presented, with a gleam in his eye and a little chuckle, he brought a joy and spirit to the club that will be very missed.

Through Don’s involvement with the HERO club he became an enthusiastic and avid participator in the work crew. It was through this program that Don became well known in the community for working many jobs around town.

 He had a real passion for yard work, always willing to cut grass and shovel snow, even on blustery cold days or scorching hot days he was always willing and ready to go.

Don took great pride in being asked to do jobs and he had a good work ethic. He met many people through this program that he considered friends through out his life time. He always mentioned how good the Scales family were to him and enabled him many employment opportunities and a friendship with Neil bloomed out of this.

Don had faith, he enjoyed listening to hymns and bible scripture, and attending the Solid Rock Church. He found a welcoming and accepting environment where he could share worship and fellowship with other members. He was forever grateful to Pastor Ray Hart for the kindness shown towards him.

 In the last couple months as Don’s health began to deteriorate, he stayed positive, hopeful and courageous. Don expressed gratitude and appreciation for all the support he received from people. Don’s friends, proctors and all his workers became his surrogate family. Don would chuckle and say “I know I can be a little bit difficult sometimes, but I’m glad you put up with me.”

Don, was not without struggles, but he created a meaningful life, he took on the challenges, with strength, fortitude and grace, always rising above, embracing life and finding purpose. Don will be missed. 

Rest in Peace

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