March 10, 1965 - June 11, 2020
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Donald Andrew Giddings. Donald lived graciously and courageously with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, until the very end. He passed away peacefully on June 11 in Kelowna at the age of 55 with his family by his side.
Donald was born and raised by his mother in Smithers, BC, and was the youngest of four boys. He graduated from Smithers Secondary School in 1983 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia, followed by a law degree from Osgoode Hall in Toronto. He settled in Smithers, where he opened and ran a successful law practice. He was a lawyer for 18 years before he sold his practice in 2016.
Donald married his wife, Alison, in 1994 and had three children. He took great pride in being a loving and devoted husband and father. Donald was incredibly generous, encouraging, hard-working, adventurous, and fiercely loyal to the people he knew and loved. Family was most important to him. He has left us with a lifetime full of wonderful memories.
In his 55 years, Donald discovered his passion for sailing, kiteboarding, fishing, hockey (both playing and coaching), as well as travelling. He was always up for any adventure and believed he could do anything he put his mind to. It didn't matter how big or small.
Donald is survived by his wife of 25 years, Alison, daughters Victoria and Rachel, son Jonathan, mother Dawn, brothers Kenneth (Marcia), David (Connie), and sister-in-law Nancy. He is predeceased by his brother, Alfred.
At a time when we can safely gather, a Celebration of Life will be held in Smithers. Our family is finding comfort in hearing so many lovely memories of him. If you have a story, photo, or a simple thought, please send it to memoriesofdon65@gmail.com
This was Donald's favourite quote and one he strived to live by:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Mark Twain