Obituary of Donald Gordon Tolway

Donald Gordon Tolway 1948 ~ 2011 ...better known as Don Tolway was born Nov 2nd 1948 and passed away suddenly at home on July 1st 2011. Don was the fourth born son to Ludwig and Julia Tolway. Don was born on a homestead in Lymburn, Alberta, just west of Hythe. Don then had one sister followed by two more brothers. He had the usual rural upbringing of those times. After schooling he, like all the young lads at the time joined the work force with the rigs. Don then met Lynne( Bumstead) and they had two daughters. Don, Lynne and the girls moved to Calgary for a short time, and when their relationship faded Lynne and the girls moved back to Dawson Creek, Don followed shortly after but headed to Spirit River where he remained there until his passing. Don loved nothing more than to spend time with his grandchildren, and was very proud of all 3 of them. He loved to come to Dawson Creek to watch over them and to see how much they had grown since the last time he had seen them. Don also loved to play crib with anyone but it was his daughter Tammy who dealt him a perfect hand in 2008, he was so excited and shocked that he had to show me right away, before playing the hand. About 25 years ago he suffered his first attack of health problems and really hadn't been well since then. The last few years Don made his home with his mother and got to be quite a good gardener, as some of you know he was pretty proud of his pumpkins. Don also loved to hunt and couldn't wait for the season to open and see if he was lucky enough to get a draw. Don loved to hang out at the local coffee shop and became close to the gals there, (you know who you are). Don was predeceased by his father Ludwig and brothers Tom and Mitchell. Survived by his mother Julia of Spirit River, brothers Raymond of Grande Prairie, Richard of Edmonton, Murray (Doreen) of Riverside,California. Sister Joyce (Raymond) Deschene of Grande Prairie, his daughter Tammy ( Darcy) Wyant of Bonanza AB and her children, Skylar (Morgan) Remfert, Hailey and Chance Russell, numerous aunts ,uncles, cousins nieces and nephews. Don also leaves behind the father of his grandchildren, Dan Russell of Dawson Creek, who he considered to be a very good friend and was the son he never had. We will miss you Grampa. As per Dons request no funeral will be held.