Don Jackson, longtime resident of Grande Prairie, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at the age of 78 years.

Don was born November 18, 1936 at Johannaâ??s in Sexsmith and was raised on a farm in the Bear Lake area.

After graduating high school he started working for the Caterpillar Dealers and stayed there for ten years. He then switched careers and started working at Gold Creek Gas Plant which lasted for the next 30 years, retiring in 2001, only to return to work for Talisman for another seven years. Along with family and friends, he travelled extensively. He married Elaine Vatne in September 1958 and together they raised two children.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend Elaine, son Alan (Lynda), daughter Karen (Mike); grandchildren Ryan, Andrew (Courtney) and Leah; several nieces and nephews; and sisters Jean Gorrie, Lillian Newnham and Bev (Dave) Hutchison and brother in-law Henry Chateau.

He was predeceased by his infant son Brian Duane, parents Robert and Mildred, brother Bob, sister Bernice, in-laws Alf and Gwen Vatne, sister in-law Shirley Chateau, brothers in-law Arden Vatne and Dave Newnham.

At Donâ??s request, there will be no funeral service held.

He will be forever in our hearts.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta (Unit 109 10126 120 Ave. Grande Prairie, AB T8V 8H9) or to a charity of oneâ??s choice.