It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved husband, father, grand and great-grandfather, Don Wayne Curry Sr.

Don passed away peacefully on October 27, 2023 at the Whitehorse Hospital.

Don was born in Claresholm, Alberta to Ruby (Whitehead) and Lawrence Curry on May 28, 1931. He is predeceased by siblings: Mabel, Bob, Ruby, Laurene, Doreen and Opal.

He is survived by his loving wife whom he shared his life with for 70 years, Cecile (Rich), 5 children: Don (Jane), Marianne (Len), Robert (Irene), Theresa (Bernie), Charmaine (Mike), 10 grandchildren: Darcy, Dale, Kim, Kyle, Donald, Morgan, Dustin, Jeff, Kaitlyn and Jenna and 11 great-grandchildren: Tyler, Brianna, Zachary, Franny, Bryar, Maddison, Nate, Kayleigh, Henry, Bridget, William and Logan.

In 1949 when only 18, he joined his dad in the Yukon. He quickly proved he was capable in handling the many harsh northern challenges that crossed his path. He first drove a dump truck during the construction of the Wareham Dam in Mayo before joining his dad at UKHM in Elsa. He drove the wrecker in the Keno Hill ore convoy to Whitehorse and back. It was in Elsa that he met his bride to be, Cecile. They married, moved to a small cabin in Keno and had their first two children. Don worked for Cole Brothers driving the fuel truck between Keno and Whitehorse. He then moved his family to Mayo where he worked for Huttons for the next seven years. It was here they had three more children. With his growing family Don took the opportunity to return to Elsa in 1965 and UKHM where he was employed as a mechanic and eventually became Maintenance Superintendent. He remained with the company until they “turned off the lights” in 1996.

Although living in the north posed many challenges Don was always the man who rose to that challenge. He was particularly proud of his ability to navigate the Klondike Highway under any conditions whether it was 50 below in the middle of the night on an emergency run to the hospital in Mayo or pulling heavy equipment through the ruts and mud in the spring. In true northern style he could fix anything using whatever scrap was on hand.

Don also enjoyed the social aspects of northern living. He was an active member of the Lion’s Club, the Curling Club and Mine Rescue. He enjoyed the competitive events held throughout the territory, one of the highlights being the mining competition held in Cape Breton. His great sense of humour and dash of mischievousness helped to keep the long winters fun. He also enjoyed boating and fishing on Mayo Lake with family and friends, snowmobiling and enjoying many family weekends at the cabin on Hansen Lake.

He continued to keep busy into his retirement building a beautiful home on Marsh Lake, big enough to accommodate visits from new generations of Currys. He continued to enjoy fixing just about anything he could get his hands on. He enthusiastically took on new hobbies such as building a replica Model T car, and making small pieces of furniture for the grandkids. His last hobby took him through his eighties when he rebuilt 4 farm tractors so they looked like new. He was an avid Vancouver Canucks fan.

Of all his blessings, his greatest were his family and dogs and various pet friends. They all were a source of joy and love for him. He leaves behind one last pet, Speedy the squirrel. We promise to take care of him, Grandpa.