Donald Turubchuk

After fighting cancer for 5 months, Donald Turubchuk passed away in Calgary, Alberta with his loving family at his side. He was 61 years old. He is the father of Elizabeth and husband of 32 years to Mary (Boyle). Born to John and Vera Turubchuk and raised in Thunder Bay, he graduated from Lakehead University with a degree in Geology. He and his family moved to Airdrie, Alberta 13 years ago, where he continued to be employed by TransCanada Pipelines. In his youth, he was an avid skier, and was with the Thunder Bay ski patrol. He had a keen interest in photography and produced many exceptional photographs. One of Don’s first jobs took him deep into the wilderness of Ontario where he would never forget the isolated beauty and the morning call of the loons on the pristine waters. He continued to enjoy that wilderness by frequenting Quetico and Sibley Provincial Parks with his immediate and extended family as often as he could. He loved camping, nature, and the tranquility of outdoor life. Traveling abroad became a recent adventure, and he and his brothers-in-law toured Europe and were looking forward to more traveling. Don was loved by all who knew him and the words they would use to describe him would be quiet, devoted, loving, and generous. He was kind, proud, smart, and determined. He was happiest when surrounded by family and people with a great sense of humor. His eyes would always light up as he quietly chuckled upon hearing something funny. He will be missed by many, but especially his wife, Mary; his daughter Elizabeth; his sister, Nina (Lehner); many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He requested a simple cremation, without ceremony, and that his ashes be put in a place he loved. Many thanks to Dulcina Hospice for their compassion and care. A drop in reception will be held at Woodside Golf Course (525 Woodside Drive, Airdrie, AB) on Friday February 5th from 1 to 4 pm. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Thunder Bay at a later date. Should you wish, donations can be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.