Donald Raymond Overland, 81 years of age passed away peacefully on July 24, 2022 at his home in Airdrie Alberta. Don was diagnosed with lung cancer in the spring of this year and fought a courageous battle.
Don married Roberta Ross in Flin Flon Manitoba on May 21st, 1961 and had two sons Ray and Shawn
Don was born on June 10th, 1941 in Flin Flon, Manitoba to the late Ole and Mamie Overland from Wanless, Manitoba. He was the third of four children, three predeceased him in death. Brothers: Blair (Rose) Overland from Calgary AB, Dennis Overland from The Pas, Manitoba, Gary (Ethel) Overland from Flin Flon Manitoba and Brother-in-Law Jim Ross from Ottawa, Ontario.
Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Roberta, and his children, Ray Overland and Shawn (Roseanne) Overland. His four grandchildren Jack, Emma, Samantha (Chris) and Tyler. Great grandson Chase. Brother-in-Law Gord (Terry) Ross, nieces Laurie (James); Cathy (Garnet); Carrie (Tyson). As well as several nieces and nephews, Glenn, Richard, Nancy, Lynda, David (Tanya) Eric and Mark.
Don began his electrical career in Flin Flon, Manitoba, continued it in Thompson Manitoba and in 1976 moved the family to Fort McMurray, Alberta to begin a new chapter in life. He worked electrical maintenance with Syncrude and enjoyed a lengthy career. He loved the life of the Lakies at Gregoire Lake in Fort McMurray. He enjoyed working with his hands and could fix anything. He built several homes in Fort McMurray for his family during his life there. Don retired in 2003 and moved to Airdrie, AB to be closer to his two sons in 2014. Don loved the hot weather and his life as a snowbird was the best, enjoying the beautiful weather at their home in Port Charlotte Florida. He would wake up in the morning, go sit on the lanai and watch the palm trees swaying in the wind along with the beautiful flowers that Roberta had planted in the front yard of their home. His favorite flower was birds of paradise which she planted in the garden as well. Don’s favorite pastime over the last few months was spending time with his new great grandson Chase and the joy their time together brought him.
In lieu of flowers the Overland family would ask that you do an unexpected act of kindness for someone in Don’s name and raise a glass of your favorite drink in his memory.
4 Comments
My deepest sympathy Shawn, Roseanne, Samantha, Tyler and family. Thinking of you at this time if sadness.
I’m so sorry for your families loss. Cherish your memories.
Our sincere condolences to all the family.
May Don Rest In Peace for eternity. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Sincerely’
Flo & Jamie Dugdale
I worked closely with Don for many years at Syncrude in the extraction electrical department. His nickname with the guys was Don Overtime because I don’t ever recall him ever turning down an OT shift. He was funny and grumpy and one of the smartest and hardest working technicians I ever had the pleasure of working with. After I left extraction I lost touch with most of my coworkers from this period of my life, as we often do. But hearing of his passing has brought back many fond memories of our time together. My deepest sympathies for your loss Roberta