GELLATLY, Donald
Posted: February 23rd, 2018DONALD RAY GELLATLY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21st, 2018 at his home in Lethbridge, Alberta after a 10 year tug-of-war with cancer.
Don was born in Calgary, Alberta on June 29th, 1959. He spent all of his youth playing various sports from bowling to football but his primary love was basketball. He attended Mount Royal College and played basketball with the MRC Cougars who won a national championship in his second year. Don moved to Lethbridge in 1980 to pursue a degree in education at the university and this is where he met Kathie, his wife of 35 years. Don spent most of his remaining years in Southern Alberta as an educator and basketball coach. His spare time was spent coaching other sports, playing golf and proudly following the sporting and acting pursuits of his two sons, DJ and Daniel. Many of his summers were spent with Kathie in Las Vegas where they both loved to play poker and golf.
Don is survived by his wife Kathie, sons DJ (Désirée and granddaughter, Vivian) and Daniel (Jessica), his parents Don and Donna of Calgary, his brother Robert of Kuala Lumpur, mother-in-law and father-in-law Al and Ella Gething of Calgary, his three sisters-in-law; Sandie Cheney and Pennie MacKenzie of Calgary, and Deb (Wayne) Peterson of Sherwood Park. He is also survived by his half-sister Colleen Johnston of Calgary, and two of his “almost brothers”, Paul Wollersheim and Roger Belisle.
A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Saturday, February 24th, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. Don asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 – Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2P5 or at http://www.cancer.ca/en/donate
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
I was saddened to hear the news about Don. As I thought back I had to smile thinking about those games of 9-5-2 with Don and Kathie. My condolences to Kathie and family.
Rest In Peace Don.
he was as tough as nails as he battled for the last 10 years
take care my friend
Ed
Hey Kathie,
We’ve been thinking of you. It’s so hard to believe the big guy has passed. 10 years is a good fight, cancer just doesn’t play fair. We are so sorry we were unable to attend Don’s funeral. You have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sympathies to DJ and Dan and families, as well.
I am so very sorry to hear of Don’s passing.
Don and I played basketball at MRC at the same time. We went to many tournament’s together. (Women & Men traveled together). He was a very good and kind person. He was a great team player. I still remember when he scored his high 30 points . I will always remember his kind face and fun attitude. Miss you Don