Born in Chilliwack, BC on September 13, 1931. Died in Penticton on August 3, 2017. Graduated from Chilliwack High School in 1949. Studied Animal Husbandry at the University of BC, graduating in 1953 with First Class Honours and earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture. Upon graduation took over the Family Farm – a 3rd Generation of Widely Known Purebred Jerseys in Sardis, BC.
Don, with wife and lifetime partner Alayne, became widely recognized Jersey Cattle breeders showing and selling stock throughout Canada and the United States, under the herd name – Lindell Farms. Earned many championships and world class production records. Became President of the BC Jersey Breeders Club. Needing a herd sire, the McFedtridges purchased Quebec bred, Wendybrook The Oracle, the top selling young bull at the Toronto Royal Sale of Stars in 1958. The Oracle later became the highest rated living Dairy Bull, all breeds in North America for both type and production.
In 1964, the Lindell Herd was dispersed – breaking many sales records for the breed. The farm was later sold. Don joined Forestal International, under contract to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to assist in a pre-investment feasibility study of the Chittagong Hill Tract Area of East Pakistan – now Bangladesh. Upon the completion of the year long CIDA contract, he accepted a three year contract in Iraq with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Work included indigenous and exotic dairy cattle and water buffalo. Various testing and training programs were established. After three years in Iraq, similar work continued in Tanzania, Indonesia and Argentina with FAO, and the International Bank for Reconstruction (World Bank).
Returning to Canada in 1968, Don and Alayne purchased a 4,000 acre ranch in Vanderhoof, BC and became involved in Commercial Real Estate Development, Property Management, Property Sales, Accommodation and Travel Industries and Ranching and Publishing.
Both Don and Alayne undertook extensive political party commitments – both Provincially and Federally. Don became a member of the Travelodge International Co-ordinating Council and President of the BC Professional Agrologists Association. Hobbies included world travel, trading naked options on the New York Stock Exchange, fly fishing, walking, shooting, horseback riding and golf – although Politics and Travel remained paramount.
By way of slowing down in 1993, a second home was purchased in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico. This home was used on a six month basis for sixteen years. Lifetime travel included Canada, United States, England, Scotland, Ireland, Europe, Mexico, Caribbean, South America, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Alayne; sons: Leck (Pam) and Blake (Michelle); daughters: Brenda (Mike) and Sue (Dave); thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. He is predeceased by a son Darryl Brent on July 13, 1954. There will be no service by his request.
In lieu of flowers, donations in
Don’s memory may be made to the
BC Cancer Agency.
Condolences may be sent
to the family by visiting
www.everdenrust.com