DONALD MACLACHLAN
December 28th, 1930 – May 31st, 2024
Donald George MacLachlan aged 93 years of Eyebrow, SK, passed away on Friday, May 31st, 2024. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Pearl; brothers: Harold, Claire (Doreen), and Gordon (Edna); sisters, Noreen (Wyburn) and Marjorie (Ernie); sister-in-law, Evelyn; daughter-in-law, Yvette; and grandson, John Michael. Don is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Shirley; sons, Scott (Lorelea) and Michael (Donna); grandchildren: Padrick, Keana, and Thomas; sisters-in-law, Jeannette and Marilyn (Herb); bonus daughter, Yvonne; as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Don was born in Brownlee, SK on December 28th, 1930. His mom passed away when he was five years old, leaving behind three small children. Don’s oldest sister, Marjorie, came back from school to raise the three young boys.
Don attended school in Esbank and Eyebrow, SK and later Bible School at Outlook, SK for 2 years. He barbered in Eyebrow as well as farming. Don started farming by renting from his dad and expanding when he bought his own land, and shared equipment with his brother, Gordon. The success of his farm was due to the hard work and cooperation of his brothers and their wives as they worked together as a family with the common goal of getting ahead.
On March 16th, 1968, Don married the love of his life, Shirley Mazur at the Eyebrow United Church. He built his own family home in 1968 across the road from his dad’s homestead. His yard started without a tree and Don worked endless hours planting and caring for tons of trees, which now surround his beautiful farmyard where he remained until his passing.
Their first son, Scott, was born in 1969 and their second son, Mike in 1971. They took many family trips to Besnard Lake and went on numerous fishing trips. Later in life Don and Shirley took winter trips to Yuma, Arizona.
Don was counselor at the RM of Eyebrow and was involved in 4H as a leader of woodworking. He also enjoyed curling.
As their grandchildren grew up Don and Shirley were very involved in their lives, acting as willing extra drivers to hockey games and practices since there were three kids and only two parents.
Don was dedicated to the Eyebrow Free Methodist Church for many years and served as a board member. He was a quiet Christian with a strong faith, and everyone knew his trust was placed in God.
Don raised chickens and helped Scott with butchering pigs. He was also a big gardener who did all the planting and weeding, getting up early each day to make sure every weed was taken care of. He grew an abundance of corn and potatoes and was always willing to share with anyone who could use them. His grandchildren were not fooled with “city corn” when they were used to Grandpa’s homegrown sweet-flavored variety.
Many farm projects were done under the careful, watchful eye of Dad - including houses, bins, shops, etc. He never complained and willingly picked rocks, sprayed the yard, watered the trees, and did all the menial tasks without expecting any recognition. He will always be remembered for his love of farming and his dedication to the farm, and the success of his two boys to the very end. Even the Sunday before his passing he pulled in front of Scott seeding and checked the depth and moisture and gave him the thumbs up.
Shirley says Donnie was the best husband ever and his family and friends meant the world to him. With his family by his side, he went peacefully and courageously to be with his Lord and Saviour, and he will be forever loved and cherished.
The Funeral Service for Don will take place on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eyebrow Hall, Eyebrow, SK with Pastor Sharon Schultz officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com