Obituary of Don Grekul
It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald Rae Grekul announce his passing in his 86th year at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre, surrounded by the love of his wife, Eileen, children and grandsons.
Don was the beloved husband, best friend and soul mate of Eileen (nee Yakimowich) for 63 years. He was the cherished, loving and adored father of Vance Grekul, Cynthia Grekul (Gord Jones) and Lauren Grekul (Gary Roberts), and the wonderful, doting and proud grandfather of Kieran Grekul-Somerville (Sierra Farr), Donnan Grekul-Somerville and Matthew Grekul. He was the loving brother of Louise Lavoie of Edmonton and brother-in-law Craig Hague of Stettler, Alberta. Don was predeceased and lovingly adored by his parents Dennis and Hilda (nee Johnson) Grekul, and sisters Florence Ward (Gerry), Kathleen Cooper (Don) and Phyllis Hague, and brother-in-laws Lloyd Yakimowich and John Lavoie. He is survived by one nephew and nine nieces and their families.
Don was born in Edmonton, Alberta, the only son and the youngest of five children. Until age three, he lived in Gainford, Alberta. The family then moved to Edmonton where Don was raised and educated. He graduated from Westglen High School in 1954 and then attended the University of Alberta, earning a BSc in Chemical Engineering in 1958 and a MSc in Metallurgical Engineering in 1960. Don met and began dating Eileen while they were both students at U of A. Don asked her to the Engineers’ Ball and this was the beginning of their life long love affair with each other.
In May 1960, Don and Eileen married. Later that year they moved to Kingston, Ontario, where Don had accepted a position as a Research Engineer with the Alcan Research Centre. With the exception of one year (1963 - 1964) spent in Edmonton at the Alberta Research Council, Don continued to be employed with the Alcan Research Centre until retirement. He played on a number of Alcan athletic teams, including baseball, hockey and rugger.
Retirement was spent with Eileen and their family at the cottage on Eagle Lake, north of Kingston, and travelling in Canada, the USA, and Europe. A highlight was visiting Sweden, the home of his maternal ancestors.
Don was an extremely kind and gentle soul, who loved, adored and cherished his family and dogs profoundly. In his younger years, he was very involved in his children’s sports and music activities. He cherished camping, cottage time and family celebrations and gatherings immensely. Don and Eileen enjoyed travelling with their children throughout Canada and the USA, but especially back to Edmonton to visit with family. In his later years, he enjoyed attending the activities of his grandsons, including school plays, music concerts and athletic events. Don spent considerable and joyful time with his dogs, providing them with doting love and care, including many walks each day along the streets of Reddendale.
Don will be profoundly and sadly missed by his family.
As Don requested, a private family grave site ceremony and burial will take place at Cataraqui Cemetery with Rev. Barbara Mahood presiding and soloist Len Whalen participating.
Eileen and Family, “This I will remember when the rest of life is through: The finest thing I’ve ever done is simply loving you.” All of My Love, Don.
(a R. Sexton Poem)
