ANTAL, Donald
Posted: April 11th, 2023
ANTAL
DONALD JOHN ANTAL of Readymade, beloved husband of Miranne Antal (Train), father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the Coaldale Health Centre.
Along with his loving wife Miranne of 60 years, Don is survived by his children Carey Antal (Sandy Roberts), Shannon Nelson (Jason), and Lorie Antal (Ralph Farrell); grandchildren Cody Nelson (Jessica), Hunter Antal (Mitch Dawson), Layne Nelson (Emma Clarkson), and Hudson Antal; and great-granddaughter Mackenzie Nelson. He is also survived by his siblings Dean Antal, Esther Paoletti, and step-sister Liz Jamieson, along with numerous nieces, nephews & friends.
Don was predeceased by his father George, mother Elizabeth, and step-mother Sarah, along with his father and mother-in-law Scotty and Olive Train, three sisters, one brother, and other family members and friends.
Don was born on July 20, 1938 in Raymond, AB. In 1944, the family moved to Readymade where his father purchased a farm. As he grew up, Don’s love for the farm grew, and he determined that that was where he would spend his life. Following a short engagement, Don and Miranne were married on July 7, 1962. Don eventually purchased the farm from his dad, where he and Miranne raised their three children. They were both overjoyed when their family continued to grow as they welcomed their children’s spouses, grandkids and their spouses, and a great-granddaughter.
Besides his family, the enjoyments in Don’s life were many. He was able to pursue his lifelong passion of being a farmer and cattleman, as well as farming alongside his son Carey every day of his life. He also loved hunting, Sunday afternoon crop tours, working on projects in the shop, and welcoming anyone to share a drink. In his “retired” years, he spent much of the warmer months traveling with Miranne, with his favourite destination being Alaska. He had an infinite amount of patience when it came to teaching his kids and grandkids things around the farm and looked forward to every visit with them.
Don will be remembered for the smile that would light up his face every time he came across someone who he loved, which meant that there was not often a time that he was seen without it. His countless friends and the communities that he was involved with will greatly miss him.
Don’s family would like to thank the amazing staff of the Coaldale Health Centre, Jack Ady Cancer Clinic, and Lethbridge Home Care for their care and support during Don’s battle with cancer.
As per Don’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name directly to the Jack Ady Cancer Clinic, Chinook Regional Hospital, 960 19th St. S Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5 or the Coaldale Health Center, 2100 11th St. Coaldale AB, T1M 1L2.
My Condolences to the Family. Don was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face and enjoyed to have a chat. You will be missed and will always be in the hearts of many. RIP Don – another star in the sky and another Angel in the heavens.
Our sincere condolences to the family. We were blessed to have known such a good man, gentle soul. You will be missed Don.
Thank you for always making me laugh.
To Don’s family: Sorry to learn of Don’s passing. He was a happy fellow – always with a smile. There will be a big void in the hearts of his family & friends but he is at peace & free of pain & discomfort. Cherish the memories of time & events of the past with Don.
What a privilege it was for my husband and I to visit Don and Miranne last fall.
We came by unexpectedly, and in spite of their physical impairments, they welcomed us into their home with such warmth, just as they had a few years earlier. Don was able to share some insights into my family history, as he could remember my father visiting with his father, in the farmyard that they both knew, my dad being the previous owner and original homesteader. Don and Miranne lived in the house that I had lived in as a small child, now much improved of course. Don was one of those folk that can only be described as “salt of the earth”, a genuine and caring human being.
My husband Steve and I send our sincere condolences to Miranne and all the family.
May God bless you and give you peace.