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Philip Randolph James Donaldson
December 8, 1954 - April 12, 2016
Tribute
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Philip Randolph James Donaldson of Nelson, BC. Phil passed away at home on April 12, 2016 of a heart attack at the age of 61.
Phil was born in Nelson on December 8, 1954 – the only child of Rose and Jim Donaldson. He married his high school sweetheart Lana Petersen in 1976. In 1987 they celebrated the birth of their only child, daughter Andrea.
Phil’s proudest moment was seeing Andrea called to the Bar as a lawyer at the Vancouver Law Courts call ceremony just weeks before his passing.
Phil completed his schooling in Nelson at Notre Dame University and Eastern Washington University to obtain his teaching degree. He spent his entire career as an elementary school teacher, first at Woodland Park Elementary and then Kinnaird Elementary, both in Castlegar. Teaching was his passion and he was a gifted educator beloved by his students. He was “Mr. D”. He retired in 2011 after 33 years of teaching, with wonderful memories and friendships.
Phil was an avid golfer and life-time member of the Granite Pointe Golf Club, as well as a talented musician, playing both piano and guitar. In retirement, he just wanted to relax, enjoying golf, cooking, reading, and his peppermint tea while bs-ing with the boys down at Oso Negro.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Alice and John Renzie of Procter and In-Laws, Leopold and Tamara Petersen of Nelson.
Phil is survived by his wife Lana, daughter Andrea of Vancouver, and parents Rose and Jim Donaldson of Nelson, as well as several uncles, aunts, cousins, and Lana’s sisters and their families.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 22, 2016 at 11:00 am at Thompson Funeral Home, 613 Ward Street in Nelson. Reception to follow.
Heartfelt appreciation is extended to Dr. Sparrow and First Responders, Paramedics and Nelson City Police for their efforts and kindness.
As an expression of sympathy, a donation may be made in Phil’s name to the Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Condolences
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From: Thompson Funeral Service Staff
Thompson Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Catherine & Walter Littlewood
Relation: Friends
Our deepest condolences to you, Lana, Andrea, Rose & Jim. We are thinking about you. May you find comfort in knowing that so many people thought so highly of Phil, and that everyone who knew him is deeply feeling his loss.
From: Diane Kurtz
Relation: co-worker/high school
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family in their loss of Phil Donaldson. I went to school with him at LVRogers in Nelson and worked with him at Kinnaird Elementary for ten years. I am so saddened to hear this news and my heartfelt condolences are with all of you in your loss.
From: Werner and Lorry Mann
Relation: aquaintance
To Lana and family and Rose and Jim –
Our sincere condolences during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Werner and Lorry Mann and the staff of A-3 Plumbing.
From: Bob Huth
Relation: Friend
Rest in Peace old friend. Your path in life brought many smiles to many faces.
From: Brian & Ev Sutton
Relation: neighbors
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of you son Phillip our hearts and prayers go out to you.
From: David Hogg
Relation: Kinnaird Elementary
I first knew Phil as a cousin of my childhood friends. Later, I worked with Phil at Kinnaird Elementary. Phil was a great supporter of the school and a popular staff member. When I came to KE, he taught Grade 6. When the Grade 7s were moved to the school, Phil took on a Grade 7 class. Mr. D was popular with all students teaching in the gym, playing the piano when necessary, in his classes, on the playground, and everywhere else. He was a great story teller and lots of fun. His sudden passing was a total shock to me, and everyone else. Phil created many fond memories for me and everyone who went to KE. His life has touched me and so many others. Condolences to his family.
From: Jack & Lynn Chambers
Relation: Longtime friend
Dear Lana, Andrea, Rose & Jim,
Words cannot convey how shocked we were to hear of Phil’s sudden passing.
He was always someone who could be depended on for a smile or a good joke. His passing will be a loss for all who ever met him,
We are away from home and can’t make it back for his service. We will be in touch when we return.
All of our thoughts are with you during this sorrowful time.
Jack & Lynn Chambers
From: Pat and John Dooley
Relation: Community member and fellow educator
To the Donaldson families,
We are writing to express our sincere condolences to you all on the loss of your son, husband, and father. I (Pat) remember, as school superintendent in the Kootenay-Columbia district, being in Phil’s caring classroom many times. He was dedicated to his role as a teacher and has made a difference in the lives of many students. He was a great contributor to Granite Pointe golf course and made a difference there as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, John and Pat Dooley.
From: Brian May
Relation: neighbours and friends
Lana, we were saddened when we heard of Phil’s passing at too young an age. We wish you, Andrea, and your entire family, heartfelt condolences. Your neighbours, Sylvia & Brian
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
April 22, 2016
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Chapel of Thompson Funeral Service
613 Ward Street
Nelson, BC Canada V1L 1T2
613 Ward Street
Nelson, BC Canada V1L 1T2
Memorial Gifts
Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation or Heart and Stroke Foundation
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier. Please have the name of the deceased, the funeral date, the address and phone number of the delivery location for handy reference:
BELLAFLORA STUDIO
621B Herridge Lane, Nelson, BC V1L 7B3
Phone: (250) 352-5592
http://www.bellaflorastudio.com
GEORAMA GROWERS
2870 Georama Rd, Nelson, BC V1L 6Y7
Phone: (250) 352-3468 / Toll Free: 1(800) 712-6797
https://www.georamagrowers.com/
POSIES
Flowers & Yoga Studio
513 A Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B4
(250) 505-5222
https://www.posiesnelson.com/
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