GLASS, Donald J.
February 23, 1926 - May 19, 2018

Donald J. "Don" Glass of Calgary traveled on peacefully Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Sarcee Hospice after a short illness, at the age of 92. Much loved husband of Mary Jean "MJ" Glass (MacKinnon) for nearly sixty-four years; he was also father to Christine, David, Alison and Neil; grandfather to Elyse and Alex; and great-grandfather to Zoe, Axel, and Parker. Don leaves each of his four children and his wife Mary J. with good strengths, good values and a lifetime of good memories.

Don took great enjoyment in reading, stream fishing, hiking and camping trips with family, studying and collecting many rocks and fossils, gardening, stamp collecting, leather-working, woodworking, and dinners with family and old friends.

Born in Pincher Creek, Alberta on February 23, 1926, Don spent his first twelve years growing up during the Depression on a farm in the Summerview District northeast of Pincher Creek; with the family moving into town during 1938. With his two younger brothers, he sold and delivered newspapers in Pincher Creek for several years to help provide for his parents' family, as times were very hard. Don served with the Canadian Army overseas during WWII, then attended the University of Alberta and became a very well respected geologist thereafter. He was a mentor to many during his career, and served as a superb editor for the CSPG Journal for over seven years; as well as editing numerous other geological publications through the years. After retiring from British Petroleum, Don continued to work occasionally again as a field geologist for several old friends and colleagues with smaller drilling companies. He often said that these assignments in the later years were very enjoyable for him; as he felt that he had been able to come "full circle" in his career.

Don and Mary J. were married in September of 1954, and together they raised their children in the Meadowlark Park district in southwest Calgary. They also made several trips to Europe from the late 1970s to 1990s, as well as a good number of "Dino Tours" in North America through the Tyrell Museum with Dr. Phil Currie. In 2008, Don made a trip to Hawaii with his daughter Alison to observe active volcanoes; something he had wanted to accomplish for many years. For his 90th birthday in 2016, Don, Mary and their children David and Alison flew to Grande Prairie, Alberta to visit the Dr. Philip Currie Dinosaur Museum; a wonderful trip for him.

Don's lifelong interests in fishing, rocks, geology, the mountains and natural areas outdoors, animals, birds, woodworking and other pursuits have been passed along to each of his children. These are the gifts and lessons that we each treasure, together with all of the memories.

In keeping with Don's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held; cremation has taken place. His spirit has returned home to the Summerview District in southwestern Alberta, where he began his journey through life; to again be with his parents Tina and Jack Glass, and his two younger brothers Ted and Bill Glass. We are all fortunate indeed to have been together as a tight, strong family for more than six decades with many friends along the way through the years; and Don remains with each of us in spirit, after a long and talented life.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Don please visit www.choicememorial.com.