Donald Murray MILNE

We are sad to announce the passing of Donald Murray Milne on September 11, 2024 at the Rocky Mountain Care Village in Fernie, BC. 

Don is survived by his children and their families: son James Milne (Joanne) with Don’s granddaughters Shea (Spencer) Albus and Erin Milne, and his daughter Bev (Rory) Marshall and grandson Harley (Kassidy) with great grandchildren Finley and Roman, and his grandson Jay (Melissa) with great grandson Revyn. He also leaves behind his brother Ian (Sharon) Milne and many cherished nieces, nephews and life-long friends. 

Don grew up on a farm near Roland, MB, farming with his father and brothers. He married his beautiful city girl Emerald (Gregg) in 1956, with children James and Bev completing their family soon afterwards.

Grain farmer, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and pilot, restorer of airplanes, vehicles, and his pride and joy, his ‘57 Jeep forward control!

Don sat on the Board of Directors of the local co-op, eventually becoming a delegate for the Federated Co-op. In 1967 he packed up the family and moved to the city of Saskatoon where he put on a suit and tie, working for Federated Co-op in member relations, traveling the province of Saskatchewan.

In 1969 he began working as an instructor at the Western Co-operative College in Saskatoon. He traveled extensively with this position to every small town in Saskatchewan that had a co-op, from Anchorage, Alaska to Tuktoyaktuk.

In 1978, dad and mom bought a broiler chicken operation near Dalmeny, twice being awarded the Saskatchewan Broiler Chicken Operator of the year. This venture let them live comfortably on the farm until their retirement in 1994. During this time, Don also continued to put on management seminars for the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and other AG industries. He was also the founding member, President and Manager of the Prairie Feed Co-op.

Upon their retirement the couple headed west to live in Oyama, BC for two years, but Saskatchewan called them back to Dalmeny where they loved to be close to James and his family. Dad’s garage was his workshop, and he began restoring his Jeep! Mom passed away in 2015, and dad moved out to Sparwood to spend his “golden years” with Bev and her family and his grand and great grandchildren. 

Dad was a co-op man until the end and believed strongly in the principles of cooperation. Gentle in thought, firm in his beliefs, he was honest and sincere in everything he did, and with a smile always! 

He loved nature, birds, & most animals and enjoyed flying, fishing, mechanics, woodwork and fixing almost anything that needed his touch. Dad was rich in friendships and cherished his entire family. We will miss him! 

The Milne and Marshall families wish to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff and residents at Rocky Mountain Village who supported his last 21/2 years with love and dignity. The empathy and professionalism in his care this last week was such a huge comfort for us all! 

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