Donald Stewart Souter
June 18, 1936 to April 26, 2015
Don was born on June 18, 1936 in Drumheller, Alberta, the seventh child in the family of Alex and Isabella Souter. Don was almost seven when the family moved from the prairies to B.C.’ s Fraser Valley. As a boy Don was a 4-H club member showing Guernsey calves and he loved Draft horses. He could be seen every year at the Fall Fair in Smithers watching the Heavy Horse Pull.
On October 8, 1971 Don married Allie Hooyenga in Sardis, B.C., gaining an instant family. Don adopted Allie’s three children, ten-year-old Bruce, eight-year-old Darrell and five-year-old Arlene. In 1974, Don and Allie moved their family to Smithers where Don found work at West Fraser Mill. On May 10, 1977 Troy was born to complete the Souter family. Don was a hard worker who did a physical job eight hours a day, five days a week and never complained. He always provided the necessities for his family. He worked at the mill for 25 years before retiring in 1999.
Don enjoyed his retirement to the fullest. Volunteering at a number of places, including the Smithers Public Library, Christmas Hamper program and a member of the Elks. Don remained active enjoying, darts, bowling, horseshoes, riding his bicycle, but was happiest in the garden. He spent many years as a member of the “Northern Roots Garden Society”. Don also had a love for traveling. His favourite trip was to Scotland in 2009. He visited the towns where his parents were raised and met some of his relatives there.
Don was predeceased by his wife Allie Souter and will be loving remembered by is four children Bruce, Darrell, Troy (Angela) Souter, Arlene (Ian) McGibbon, and six grandchildren Megan, Jennifer, Heather, Brody, Gwendolyn, Delilah and his brother Gordon (Barb) Souter.
A special thank you to the staff at the Bulkley Lodge as well as Dr. Page and Dr. Blouw for the wonderful care that Don received.
A Funeral Service was held on Friday, May 1st in the Smithers United Church. Don was laid to rest in the Smithers Cemetery. Memorial donations in Don’s name can be made to the Bulkley Lodge at Box 3640, Smithers, B.C., V0J 2N0.