Donald (Don) Walter Welke, 76 years old, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021 in Sundre, Alberta. Don was born on February 24, 1945 in Russell, Manitoba, to Arthur and Hilda Welke, and spent his childhood in Langenburg and Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He completed high school in Yorkton, in 1963 and police officer training at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Academy, Depot Division in Regina in 1966. One of his first RCMP postings was to Lac La Biche, Alberta, where he met and married Jean Patricia Welke (née Thompson). The couple were married on August 31, 1968 and enjoyed 53 years of a loving marriage, in the following Alberta communities: Bonnyville, Camrose, Lac La Biche, Leduc, Sherwood Park, St. Paul and Sundre.
After retiring from the RCMP in 1994, Don and Jean built a house in Lac La Biche County near Jean’s family homestead, and Don continued to work part time as a meter reader, and performing equipment inspections in various locations. He was a valued volunteer throughout and after his career, with the Scouts, minor hockey, the Sundre United Church, a provincial appeals panel, the Lac La Biche District Gas Co-op, and the Lac La Biche Royal Canadian Legion. Family was very important to Don, and he spent much of his time planning family events, helping with farming and fishing, renovating houses, gardening and doing yard work and grandparenting. He loved birdwatching, working with willow, playing guitar, playing pool, horseshoes and curling, and when he was a young man, was an airplane pilot with an airplane and membership in the Wetaskiwin Flying Club.
Don is survived by his wife Jean Patricia Welke; children Sue Welke and Jan (Cheryll) Welke; grandchildren Veronica Welke-Olmos, Sebastian Welke-Olmos, Jens Welke, Desirae LaFleur, and Danielle Jordaan. He is also survived by his brother Ronald (Barbara) Welke, of Ottawa, Ontario, and their family, and the family of his brother-in-law Andy Thompson (1945-2013), of Lac La Biche and Edmonton. Family and friends feel so fortunate to have known, loved and be loved back by Don. He will be forever missed, celebrated and remembered.
Due to Covid-19 protocols, memorial services will be limited, but well wishes from afar are appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested, to the Sundre Palliative Care Association or the Lac La Biche Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #28.
