Donald John O'Hearne

DONALD JOHN O'HEARNE March 7, 1916 April 16, 2010 Donald (Don) O'Hearne, passed away April 16, 2010 to once again be with his loving wife, Frances, who had gone on before him in January of this year. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Don was born in Strathcona (Edmonton) Alberta, spending much of his early years, as he would say, "hanging around " the airport hangars doing whatever tasks he could just to be close to the airplanes. When the family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan his passion for planes continued and in 1939 he joined the RCAF. Having met his wife, Frances, in Saskatoon in 1937, the two were married January 1, 1940 and together they raised a family and travelled the world with the Canadian Armed Forces. Upon retirement in Moose Jaw, Donald worked for Canada Manpower as a Councillor for 15 years. While with Manpower he developed a government program known as Teen Manpower which was adopted as a federal program for youth employment counselling, a program still in existence today and one of dad's proudest accomplishments. He also became involved with the Western Development Museum and formed the Vintage Aircraft Restorer's Association and through that group dedicated time to restoring and recreating the history of aviation in Saskatchewan. His knowledge of aircraft, volunteerism and leadership of those he worked with will be forever remembered in the WDM in Moose Jaw along with his induction into the Aviation Hall of Fame in Saskatchewan, an honour he was extremely proud of. Don served in many community organizations and received several commendations and awards some of which include: Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal 2006, Distinguished Service Award from the Airforce Association, Commendation Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Confederation of Canada, and the Wing Heritage Commendation for preservation of the Legacy of the Air force. He was a honourary member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Shriners, and served on numerous community boards and organizations. Don has been an inspiration to everyone who knew him and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a dear friend to many. He has instilled in all of us what it means to be committed, honest, kind, gentle and above all caring. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his many friends and family. He was predeceased by his wife Frances (Divers), parents Winnifred (Pritchard) and Jack O'Hearne, brother James O'Hearne. He is survived by his daughters Donna (Jack) Pick and Sharon O'Hearne, grandchildren Holly (Scot) Pedersen, Kory (Afton) Pick, Nicolle (Darryl) Moreau, Errin Pick, and great-grandchildren; Camryn, Carleigh and Chayse Pedersen and Keerin Moreau. He is also survived by his sisters Florence Britton of Seattle, Washington, and Ella Saunders of Brockville, Ontario. The Service of Remembrance will be held at W. J. Jones & Son Chapel on Thursday April 22, 2010 at 2:00 pm. Della Ferguson will officiate. Donald will be laid to rest beside his wife Frances at Rosedale Cemetery. For those wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vintage Aircraft Restorer's Association c/o Russ Ferguson at 1221 Grace Street, Moose Jaw, S6H 3C6, or to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund, 268 High St.W., Moose Jaw, S6H 1S8. In living memory of Don, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home Moose Jaw 1-877-693-4644