Don Garen

Donald (Don) Patruth Garen, 93 years, passed away peacefully

at home in Canmore.

Born in Chatham, Ontario, he grew up with his parents John and Elizabeth (Reid) Garen. His parents emigrated from Scotland to Canada in the early 1900's. He married Dorothy (Chapman) in 1947 and lived in Chatham, Red Deer, and Windsor until retirement.

Don served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from January 1943 to February 1945 and was discharged at the rank of Sergeant.

Orders and commendations include the Pilot's Flying Badge,

C.V.S.M. and the War Medal. Don flew the De Havilland Tiger Moth

and Anson Mark II.

He worked at Chrysler Canada from the age of 17 to 55, retiring as the national parts manager in 1979. It was at that time that Don and Dorothy moved to beautiful Canmore, Alberta.

In Canmore, he was an active volunteer on the Public School Board, Canmore Public Library, Bow Valley Regional Housing,

878 Banff/Canmore Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron,

Canmore Canada Day, 1983 Canmore Centennial, Canmore Centennial Museum, 1988 Calgary Olympics, and numerous biathlon events and cross-country ski events. He also served on the executive and as President at the Legion where he was a founder of the Three Sisters Legion Pipe Band and the Three Sisters Scottish Festival Society (Canmore Highland Games), finally "retiring" from volunteering at age 88. He received several awards for volunteerism.

He was an active member in the Royal Canadian Legion where

he was awarded a life membership at Three Sisters Branch #3 (Canmore), and in the Royal Canadian Air Force Association,

703 Wing (Central Alberta).

Throughout his life Don had a love of reading mysteries, cooking, hiking, camping and snow-shoeing, his beloved Habs hockey team, stock car and F1 racing, beer, haggis and all things Scottish. Don spent the last few years at his wife Dorothy's side at Golden Eagle View Long Term Care in Canmore, where he became a much beloved daily visitor.

Don is survived by his wife Dorothy Garen (nee Chapman),

daughters Donna Garen and Sally Garen (Jo-Anne),

grandchildren Polly Ubben (Bruce), Mandy Williams (Ian),

Amy Johner (Dustin) and great-grandchildren Corbin and Chloe Ubben, Nia, Ali and Roger Williams and Georgia and Luca Johner.

He was also close with many of his nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, sister Elsie, and brothers Robert, Rennie, Leslie and Keith.

Cremation has taken place. Don was interred with full Legion honors in the Field of Honour at Canmore Cemetery on Tuesday, June 26

at 12 noon. A celebration of life was held following the interment service at the Canmore Legion.

Everyone was invited to "Wear your tartan!"

Friends wishing to remember Don are encouraged to make a donation, in his memory, to the Three Sister's Branch #3, Royal Canadian Legion in Canmore.

Don's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the many people in Canmore who knew and cared for him including all medical staff and aides who lovingly helped him remain comfortable until the end.

You will be forever missed and loved by all.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.