Donald Raymond Strause, 1930 - 2003

Donald Raymond Strause was born on June 6, 1930 to Ella and Jacob Strause in Ponoka, Alta. He passed away on Nov. 23, 2003 at his home in Spruce Grove at the age of 73 years.

Don was the second oldest of six children. He attended school in Ponoka until Grade 9. Through his life he drove truck, became a plumber with a gas fitter, steam fitter and heat certificates. He apprenticed many upcoming plumbers.

He met Victoria Lupul in 1952 and they were married June 12, 1953. They had six children and later adopted one more. Don and Vicki moved to High Prairie in 1961 and then out to the homestead in 1963.

Don and Vicki divorced in 1983. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in December 1992. He still had a sense of humour with the Parkinson's progressed.

Don will always be remembered by his families, friends, neighbours and fellow workers as someone who could make anything he set his mind to, from the Chev crewcabs where he cut two trucks apart and put them together to make one. He did this with a Datsun truck and made his own motorhome out of a truck and pull-type camper. He loved working with wood and made many beautiful pieces including China cabinets, tables and benches. Anyone knowing the families of Don has seen his work and appreciated his beautiful work.

He leaves to mourn: his daughters, Donella (John) Hart; Corrie (Bim) Ireland; Anna-Lisa (Tom) McDermott; Elena Strause; his sons Dahn (Lori) Strause and Stephen (Jess) Strause; grandchildren Jonathan Hart, James Hart, Debbie Hart, Andy Utz, Tracy McDermott, Wanda McDermott, Susan McDermott, Anais Cochin, Brandon Tan; great-granddaughter Mishyla Anderson-Hart; his brother, Norm (Marge) Strause; his sister, Gloria Kurluk, Jean (Tom) Brossiuk; and sister-in-law Kaye Strause.

Don was predeceased by: his brother, Murray, who died at the age of eight years in 1947; his son, Juan Raymond, in April of 1960 at the age of 20 months; his father in 1969; his mother in 1982; his brother, Gary, in 1990; and his grandson, Raymond Samuel Hart in December 2000.

He is sadly missed by his wife Juliet and her children as well as everyone who knew him. They love him and he will always be remembered in their thoughts and hearts.