With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Donelda Joan Kinar, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who died peacefully in hospital in Saskatoon on April 6, 2025.

Donelda was born in Saskatchewan on September 22, 1941, to Gordon and Nina Gemmill, and grew up on the family farm in Birsay with younger brother Jack.  Donelda graduated from Birsay High School in 1959 and moved to the city where she attended the Saskatoon Business College and was offered an instructor position immediately following her graduation in 1960.  In 1967, Donelda completed her Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting Degree, Honours, from the University of Saskatchewan.  During her time in Saskatoon, Donelda met Karpo Kinar and the two were married on December 27, 1969.  They were married for nearly 33 years, before Karpo’s death in 2002.

Donelda and Karpo moved to Prince Albert, where she then began instructing at the Prince Albert Business College, and also taught Business Education at the Prince Albert Technical High School.  Karpo and Donelda started their family and welcomed their four children, Kristopher, Michael, Keely and Gregory.  Donelda volunteered her time for all of her children’s many, many, activities, and could always be found in the wood-panelled station wagon dropping off one and picking up another, staying up late sewing costumes, or making goodies for an event.  She somehow managed to make it to every game, practise, rehearsal, concert, or event, seemingly unphased and with the proudest smile on her face.

Donelda later returned to work and started a new career as a Case Management Assistant with the Correctional Service of Canada, where she worked until her retirement in 2011. Donelda spent her retirement happily sewing, knitting and crocheting for her family, the hospital, the church, and craft sales, all while watching her beloved curling and Roughriders.

Donelda is predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Nina Gemmill; and her husband, Karpo Kinar.  Donelda is survived by her children, Kristopher (Karen), Michael (Dyan), Keely (Steve), and Gregory (Annie); her grandchildren, Dayton, Kacey, Kayla, Kody, Emma and Macs, and her new grandchildren, Justine and Nicolas; her brother, Jack (Gerry); her sister-in-law, Joan; her nieces and nephews, Andrea, Karyn, Douglas, Theran and Rylan, and their families, as well as several cousins, and many, many very dear friends.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Donelda’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Calvary United Church, 114 25 Street East, Prince Albert, SK.  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit http://www.beaulacfuneralhome.com   Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.

 

 

 

 

 

• Date : 2025-04-06
• Location : Prince Albert, SK