Donald Alexander Hogg
October 7, 1938 – February 20, 2013
My darling Don slipped away from our family on February 20th, 2013 at 2:20 am. The skies were clear, the stars shining bright above, and the stag (deer) was in the front yard watching over the neighbourhood. Don was a strong man who cherished the people around him. He loved the outdoors: hunting, camping, and fishing with his family and friends.
Throughout his life, Don was a Boy Scout, Boy Scout Leader, hockey player, baseball player and coach. He played hockey for the Quilchena Braves (Merritt) and PGOSA (Parksville). Don had a passion for making his own wine and enjoying a nice glass. The many trips to Palm Springs in the 5th wheel were always an adventure which he greatly enjoyed. Don’s favourite thing was to spend time at the cabin on Lasqueti Island; digging clams, picking oysters, sitting at the campfire and watching the eagles, ospreys and blue herons.
Don was known for sitting in his garage, with his dog Jesse, door open being the keeper of the gate. The neighbours all knew that he was there with a tool or helping hand or just a neighbourly chat. No matter what the day, if there was a garage sale, Don would surely attend and always find the best deals. Don (Dad) was also well respected and thought of as a father figure for many of the girl’s closest friends.
He was the son of Jean and Bob (Skinny) Hogg; predeceased by his parents and four brothers (Robert, George, Bill, and Doug). Don was born and raised in Merritt where he owned the Texaco Bulk Plant with this brother Doug. He worked for the Department of Highways, working in Merritt, Saturna Island, and Parksville. The last eight years before retiring, he was a Commercial Transport Inspector at the Parksville Weigh Scale.
Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sylvia; his daughters Debra (Rex) Cranston, and Cindy (Bruce) Malfait; grand daughter Megan – the apple of his eye and hairdresser; and many extended family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr Attwell and his team at the Victoria Cancer Clinic; Dr McClure of Parksville, Dr Marback of the Nanaimo Cancer Clinic, Parksville Home Care Nurses, Oceanside Hospice, Parkville Pharmasave, and the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit for their amazing care and support.
Sylvia would like to extend a special thank you to the neighbours and friends for the fabulous support throughout this journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Don’s memory to the charity of your choice.
A husband, father, grandfather, friend, and neighbour gatekeeper.
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(250-248-5859) in care of arrangements.