Donald Joseph Turk

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Donald Joseph Turk on April 23, 2025, at the age of 88. Don passed away at home with his beloved wife, Delores, by his side.

Born on January 27, 1937, in Bienfait, Saskatchewan, to Katherine (Katie) and Dean Turk, Don was the third of seven children. He attended school in Hirsch until partway through Grade 7, when he left to help on the family farm. At 17, he struck out on his own, working on the oil rigs in southeast Saskatchewan before joining the army and completing basic training in Winnipeg. Afterward, he returned to Bienfait and began work in the coal mines.

In 1958, Don met the love of his life, Delores Lalonde, at a dance. They were married on June 16, 1959, in Torquay, Saskatchewan. Their early years of marriage were spent at the Bienfait mine camp, where they welcomed their first two children, Rick in 1960 and Kevin in 1961. In December 1961, the family moved to Thompson, Manitoba, where Don accepted a job at the INCO nickel mine. There, their family grew with the births of Candace in 1964 and Trevor in 1969.

After sustaining a back injury, Don and his family returned to Saskatchewan and settled in Estevan in 1975. Don found new purpose managing the Estevan Brick Wildlife Park, where he cared for bison, deer, cougars, and lynx among other animals. He remained in this role until his retirement in 1998.

Retirement brought new adventures. Don and Delores hit the road in their truck and camper, exploring Canada and the United States. They discovered a love for Yuma, Arizona, eventually purchasing a small home there where they spent many winters until 2005. Summers were filled with camping trips, especially to Mouse River, North Dakota. In 2010, they chose to downsize and moved to Warman, Saskatchewan, where their daughter and grandsons reside.

Don had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren, always eager to share his knowledge and passion for nature. After moving to Warman, he found joy in gardening with Candace and Jeff and cherished the simple pleasure of sitting in the sun on his deck.

Don is predeceased by his parents, Katie and Dean Turk, his sister Mildred Frederick, and brother Lorne Turk. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Delores; his sisters Elaine Baryluk, Dorris (Mel) Scott, and Caroline Speirs; his brother Byron (Colleen) Turk; his children Rick (Bonnie) Turk, Kevin (Brenda) Turk, Candace (Jeff) Michel, and Trevor (Robin) Turk; his grandchildren Meagan Turk, Amanda (Clinton) Bulloch, Jennifer (James) Fyke, Kyle Turk, Diana (Steve) Turk, Dave (Allie) Turk, Andy (Jenel) Michel, and Brady (Justine) Michel; and great-grandchildren Brennan and Allie Michel, Faith Throndson, Aria Michel, Alexi Fyke, and Dominic Viers.

A memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Martens Warman Funeral Home, 402 Central Street West, Warman, SK. If you are unable to attend Donald's Memorial Service, please click the following link: Livestream Service Link.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, love of nature, and unwavering dedication to his family. Don’s legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with Mr. Donald Turk's care and arrangements.