Don was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on September 11, 1946, and passed away suddenly in Vancouver on January 5, 2023.  He is predeceased by his loving parents, Frank and Frances; his brothers, Robert and Edmund; his sister-in-law, Lorraine Karasiuk; and his life-partner, Brian Wade. He is survived by his stepsons Steve (Heather) Wade and James Wade; his sister-in-law, Olga Karasiuk; his nieces and nephews, JoAnne (John) Benesh, Mary Anne (Mark) Tokarik, Carole Anne (Ron) Rucks, Kenneth (Kathleen MacEachern) Karasiuk, Laurie Anne (Lawrence) Burnouf, Lynn Karasiuk James, Lyle Karasiuk;  and his numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family.

Don was a man of great integrity, wisdom and kindness with a thirst for knowledge. He was a self-described naturalist from the age of eight and earned a Master of Science degree that led him to a career as a biologist and ecologist. Over his career, he contributed to over 90 publications and worked across Canada, into the Arctic and as far away as Chile and Peru.  Don will be remembered by all for his unwavering encouragement, sense of humor, gifts of time, spilling the tea, Saskatchewan pilgrimages, family folklore, birthday phone calls, handwritten Christmas letters, political opinions, love of languages, gardening prowess, knowledge of the best in Canadian literature, and his personal and collected works of art.  He was always grateful for having ‘lived a good life’ and for the people who shared it with him.  He will be greatly missed by his family and wide circle of friends.

For those wishing to remember Don, donations to the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, 178-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC would be appreciated.

At Don’s request, there will be no funeral.

• Date : 2023-01-21
• Location : Vancouver, BC