Donald Arthur Thomas Tasker

Tasker, Donald Arthur Thomas: March 31, 1935 - January 1, 2026It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Arthur Thomas Tasker. Don passed away peacefully with his son by his side on January 1st, 2026, at Westview Place in Penticton, at 90 years of age. Don is predeceased by his wife, Elaine; his parents, Leonard and Alberta; his sister, Beverly; and his son, Ronnie. He is survived by his son, Len (Dianne); grandsons Jesse (Courteney), Sean, Cruz (McKayla), and Harley; great-grandchildren Raiden, Jade, Easton, Ella, and his brother Gary. Don was born on March 31, 1935, in Oliver, B.C. where he grew up around the family orchard. In the early 50s Don met Elaine, and they were married in 1956. Don and Elaine lived in different small communities in B.C, moving around, following his work, before settling in Okanagan Falls, where they built the family home they lived in for almost 60 years. In 1959, Don and Elaine's first son, Len, was born, followed by their second son, Ron, in 1963. Don and Elaine were very involved in their boys' activities; they stood behind whatever the boys decided to take part in, no questions asked, whether that was school sports or soccer. 1969 brought the beginning of the hockey chapter of their lives. Don worked out of town a lot, but when home was one of their most reliable and supportive fans. Hockey was like a very close extended family, with many great friendships made and kept. Don worked in the construction industry from a young age and continued for the rest of his career. Don's work would take him all over the province, into Alberta, and out of the country to Nassau and Turks and Caicos, constructing over 300 bridges and other structures. Don had a great working relationship with all the members of his crews, many of whom became good friends and still are to this day. Another venture he undertook, including his brother Gary, was opening a restaurant in Ok Falls; The Roadrunner. Some may remember this from years ago. Curly fries, anyone? Don and Elaine also opened and operated a machinery and rental business, D and E Rentals, for several years in Okanagan Falls, where their youngest son Ron, worked out of for a while. Don was a proud member of the Okanagan Falls fire department, as were many of the residents in the area. Don always liked to reminisce about the famous barbecues held annually in the park. It would be a real show for the kids to watch when the fire siren rang, and all the dads jumped in their vehicles to race to the hall. Amazingly, there were no crashes, at least on record. Don and the family were close to all of their neighbours, but had a special bond with the Haddow family across the street, Bob, Carroll, Debbie, Joy, Robert and Raymond. A close friendship that continues today; they even ended up as neighbours in West View Place! We all share fond memories of the many pranks and antics between Don and Bob, a lot of which should probably remain private. I am sure that, as Don now reunites with Elaine and Bob, pranks are already being worked out, and Elaine will have to referee alone without Carroll's help. A dream of Don's was to own a large RV unit, and he made this happen after the sale of his property and shops. Don and Elaine joined an RV club, and another extended family was found. This also spawned the more sophisticated garage sale searches, looking for that diamond in the rough. Don and Elaine enjoyed the social part of all these extracurricular outings and activities and maintained great friendships with those involved to this day. Don was a very giving man, almost to a fault. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, even strangers. These stories are too many to list. Don was lost after the passing of his wife, Elaine, in 2024, and was often seen sitting alone out on the patio at West View Place, talking to her, and tracing the path she had walked daily in his power wheelchair. They can be at peace now that they have been reunited. The family would like to thank all the staff at West View South in Penticton for the amazing care that they gave to both Don and Elaine during their residency there. They would also like to thank Nunes and Pottinger for making a very difficult time a little easier. To Dad and Mom, rest in peace. We love you. A celebration of life for Don will be held in May 2026 in Okanagan Falls; exact times and place will be published closer to the time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer society Len Tasker and Family Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com