Donavon Arthur Empey of Swift Current, Saskatchewan passed away October 14, 2024 (Thanksgiving Day) at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, Saskatchewan at the age of 87.
Don was born on October 8, 1937 at Vanguard, Saskatchewan to Arthur and Eileen (Woods) Empey. He was raised on his parents farm N.W. of Aneroid and first attended the country school of Notre Dame’ and later to school in Aneroid. Before going to school, he had to learn to ride a stubborn little shetland pony called “Beauty”. I don’t think Don’s mother thought of her as a beauty. She had to chase her down the road with a broom before she would finally take him to school. Later, Don and his sister rode double and bareback. Many a time they would get dumped off but they would always get to school.
Don belonged to the Aneroid 4-H, where he was instructed by Alf Raymond. Don always had great respect for Alf as an adult. After Don finished school, he worked at several jobs one being on an elevator repair crew with a couple of the Sloman boys. It was during this time that he met a shy young gal from Neville. They each must have liked what they saw because it lasted almost 66 years.
Don and Judy were married in Neville on December 6, 1957. They spent 5 years at St. Aldwyn where Don bought grain, then they moved to Aneroid where they began farming. In order to provide for his family, Don also worked at the Coop driving the fuel truck. He was so proud as in the 60’s, 2 years in a row, he won the award for most increase in sales.
Don loved spring. He loved the smells of fresh turned soil, he said that meant “hope”. He always had lots of animals, cattle, pigs, chicken and turkeys. It was important to Don that the cows got fed Christmas morning before the kids opened their gifts. Probably the feeling wasn’t mutal.
In 2005, Don and Judy retired and moved to Swift Current, where new friends were made and cards at the library were an important part of his life. Don loved to garden, you could always find him on his hands and knees picking weeds.
It was after Don and Judy moved to Swift Current that Don took up wood working. He loved building furniture. He was so proud to help his grandson build a gun cabinet. Don is survived by his wife Judy (Payne); children: Trent (Judy), Sandra (Robert), Ross (Myrna), Tracy (Chris), Wade (Louise) and Lance (Roxanne); 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; 2 sisters: Sharon (Emile) and Wanda (Rick); 1 brother Rod (Bonnie). Don was predeceased by his parents Art and Eileen Empey, grandparents Casey and Alice Empey and grandparents Tom and Rose Woods; also his sister Patricia and her husband Vic and a sister in law Audrey.
A private family graveside burial will be held at the Neville Cemetery on October 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with a lunch held at the Neville School following the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit the website www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall