Don Kezama

Don Kezama

Don Kezama passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at the age of 83 years. He was predeceased by his parents George and Mary (Bashutski); Sisters Doris Ebenal, Rose Manovich, and Olga Pawluk; brothers Eddie, Bill, Wally, Harold, Paul, Brian, and Ralph. Don is survived by his wife Sue, children Craig (Louise), Sharon and Ricky. Grandchildren Ryan (Talsa), Miranda (Julian), Haden (Emily), Catlin (Adrienne), Kirby and Cody. Great Grandchildren Rogan and Jubilee. Sister Adeline (Ken) and brothers Tony (Rose), Gerald, and numerous nephews, nieces and his little fur companion of the last 15 years Jenny.

Don was born on September 17, 1940, in Lestock, Saskatchewan to George and Mary Kezama. His early years were spent on the family farm near Kelliher Saskatchewan before moving to Regina as a teenager. Don went on the join the army and spent time stationed across Canada and in Germany. Don met Sue Martens in 1963 and together they started their family. After a brief stint in Thompson Manitoba, they settled in Regina. Don worked for 25 years at IPSCO in Regina before he and Sue went into the restaurant business in Cupar. After owning and operating Sue’s café for more then 12 years they retired back in Regina.

Where Don may have only had a grade 7 education, he had a PHD in common sense and hard work. Family was absolutely the most important thing to Don, he was so proud of his Kids, grandkids, and now great grandkids and all their accomplishments. Whether it was scholastically or competing internationally, nationally, locally or rec leagues or just for fun he was proud of them all.

Don also maintained a strong relationship with his brothers and sisters and with many of his nephews and nieces. Social media certainly made it easier to keep connected but even before that you could always count on Uncle Donny calling to see how things were.

Don was also a great friend. Once you were a friend of Dons’ you were friend for life as evident by many of his childhood and young adult friends keeping in touch. Regardless of whether he knew you for 80 years or just a few months you could count on him to have your back.

Don’s faith was also very important to him and with that there is no doubt he is in a better place. We may be sad and grieving now but let us all think of those happy memories and cherish those. He is smiling down on us, and I am sure he is happy not to have to go through another Saskatchewan winter – man he hated our winters.

At Don’s request there will be no formal service or memorial, but he would want us all to hug our loved ones and hoist a pint in his name.