Obituary of Donald Raye Glassford

It is with profound sadness that the family of Donald (Don) Raye Glassford announce his peaceful passing at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital on January 5 2021 at 93 years of age.

Don was born at home on May 5 1927 in Vancouver B.C.. He was the first child born to John “Bullblock” Glassford and Lois Abbott. As a young fellow he traveled and worked alongside his dad throughout B.C.. Don quickly became a master jack of all trades. Working as a whistle punk, dragline crane operator, trucker, professional cowboy, wagon master, logger and horse logger he gained many wide ranging skills. As they moved around for work they returned to visit his mom and younger siblings in Quesnel often.

In 1945 Don decided Quesnel was where he wanted to hang his hat. Soon he met and fell in love with Yvonne Clarke. Don and Yvonne were married on July 1, 1948. Soon they began looking for a place to call their own and to start a family. They found a beautiful piece of property to homestead on Glassford Road with their 8 children. Together with the children they built a small cattle ranch teaching their family about love, hard work, determination, animal husbandry and fun.

Don and his wife volunteered for the local Trail Riders Gymkhana Club and the Farmers Institute helping to build their community. They also enjoyed a good party, having friends over often for cards and music. Don sang and played guitar, accordion or mouth organ to the delight of everyone. Don loved camping on their anniversary, reading, spring babies, and hitching up the wagon or sleigh for rides. Sadly Yvonne passed away after 52 years of wedded bliss.

In the last 14 years of his life Don was again a very lucky man and found love again with Maureen Webber. They spent much of their time camping, watching rodeos, fall fairs, curling, and horse training seminars. Don loved to watch the family compete in the local rodeos.

Don will be remembered as a hardworking, generous, kind, fun loving man. He will be sorely missed by Maureen, his children Richard, Billy (Barb), Marilyn, Doug, Jim (Judy), Bonnie, and Janice (Scott). He will also be missed by Maureen’s family and their numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild. Don’s siblings Betty, Gerry (Alice), David (Mavis), and Linda will be missing their long chats of days gone by. Don is predeceased by his wife Yvonne, sister Joan, brother John, sister in law Mary, daughter Donna and daughter in law Marcy.

In Don’s words “ Lang May Your Lum Reek!”

Due to Covid a Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Quesnel Rodeo Club.