Donald James Pestell

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald James Pestell.

Don is lovingly remembered by his wife, Hanna (Kirkham); his children, Craig and Jennifer (Whelan); and his grandchildren, Thomas, Nadia (Romeo), Jessica Hoo, and Madeleine Whelan; great grandchildren Zoey Hoo and Joshua James Hoo.

He was predeceased by his father, James; his mother, Rita (McCullan); and his sister, Anne Bremner.

Don was born and raised on a small farm in Ethel, Ontario, without hydro or running water. From those humble beginnings, he built an extraordinary life defined by hard work, curiosity, and entrepreneurial vision.

Through determination and an adventurous spirit, Don built a successful business that opened doors around the world. Whether negotiating deals in the Soviet Union during the 1970s or investing in copper mines in South America, Don was a true trailblazer whose ambition and fearlessness carried him to all corners of the earth.

Despite his many accomplishments, Don maintained a genuine humility that allowed him to connect easily with people from all walks of life and build lasting friendships wherever he went.

Don was also a dedicated philanthropist. He generously supported the Canmore General Hospital and was instrumental in the creation of the Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care, which will soon be built in the Bow Valley.

Special thanks to Dr Hawkins, Dr Bernbaum, nurses Brooke, Amy & Meagan.

Don’s journey — from a small farm in rural Ontario to a life of global adventure, success, and generosity — will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.

Please join our family on Saturday, June 6, at 833 3rd Street in Canmore, from 2:00–5:00 p.m., to celebrate Don’s life. If you have a favourite photo of Don, we invite you to bring it.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Bow Valley Palliative.