Donald Daniel Weixl

It is with sad hearts, but wonderful memories, that we announce the passing of Don Weixl Sr. (Lt. Colonel, Canadian Armed Forces, retired) on August 8, 2011 at the North Okanagan Hospice House at the age of 83 years. Pre-deceased by his parents Alex and Pauline Weixl (nee Sereda) and his sister Gloria Bruce. Survived by his steadfast companion and loving wife of sixty years Lois and their 4 children: Laurie (Carl), Twyla, Vickie (Jeff) and Don (Jane), 9 grand children and 4 great grand children, and by his sister Margaret Stumborg.

Donald Daniel Weixl was born in Wakaw, Saskatchewan October 23,1927. At 16 he joined the Royal Canadian Army and trained as a tank radio / gunnery operator. After WW2 he graduated from high school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and joined the Royal Canadian Airforce in 1947, receiving his pilot wings in 1950. Don and Lois were married in 1951 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Many moves took place over the next 26 years including 2 tours of Germany and France. Don was proud to have been an RCAF fighter pilot. A posting on his favourite aircraft, the F-86 Sabre, in Germany and France in the late 50's was a career highlight, as was being selected as one of the "Original 4", assigned to the CF-104 Starfighter program in Cold Lake, Alberta in 1961.

Don and Lois retired to Vernon, British Columbia in 1977. Don's passions included family, friends, sports (especially golf) and gardening. Don loved to attend SPADS (Sabre Pilots Air Division) conventions every 2 years to meet with old squadron mates. Don made many new friends golfing at Spallumcheen over 34 years. Many fond memories and great friendships were made living in the communities of Lisheen Estates and Desert Cove.

Don requested that no service be held in his honour. He liked the idea of a party so that old friends could get together and "share a few laughs". If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in Don's name can be made to a charity of your choice.

High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew -
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
- John Gillespie Magee, Jr
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Please email: donweixl@yahoo.com forthe date and location of Don Sr.'s celebration party.