Donald Leo Tarnowski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Leo Tarnowski on Sunday, March 6, 2022 after a long illness with cancer. Don grew up in Wetaskawin and Red Deer Alberta, moving to Edmonton in 1974. He completed an Arts degree (Major Political Science) at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta, breaking up his studies for a year to travel to parts of South Pacific, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Don often stated that travelling and going to university were two of the best decisions he made in his life. He had a diversity of work experiences, including road construction, school bus driving, operating a concrete truck. For most of his working career, he was employed by Human Resources and Development and Skills Canada (HRDSC) as a project officer, assisting diverse populations, including indigenous communities, nurses, Vietnamese immigrants, and the homeless. In the early 2000s he landed his dream job as accommodations officer for HRDSC, which involved coordinating department moves and providing ergonomic assistance to employees.  When Don retired in 2011, he set up his own “tent on the fairground”, his consulting business, Storganize.

Don married Barb in September 1992. They were blessed with one son, Nevin.  Don was a wonderful, dedicated husband and father. He had many other interests including music and compiling playlists, electronics, history (Roman Empire, WWII), shopping second hand stores and garage sales, antiques, and vintage clothing.  He pursued family life, work, and interests with complete dedication and gusto. Don was generous and gave back by helping others in various ways, engaging politically, and volunteering on the board of Looma Good Deed Association. Once he and Barb retired, they enjoyed home time together, as well as travelling. Among many highlights of their trips were driving the US Pacific Coast, visiting WWII historical museums in Germany, exploring family roots at the Tarnowski Castle in Poland, and visiting his friend Neil in Scotland.

Don was predeceased by his Parents (Norbert and Marian) and brother, Allen. Don will be remembered by his wife, Barbara (Holoboff), his son, Nevin, brothers Beverly and Robert, sisters Annette and Karen, and many nieces and nephews.

 A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held March 21 at 1:30 at Ellerslie Rugby Park, 11004, Ellerslie Road, SW Edmonton. Memorial Donations in Don’s honor may be made directly to Child Haven International https://www.childhaven.ca or the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/

The family express deep gratitude to the staff at the Cross Cancer Institute, AHS hospitals, Palliative Home Care, and Pilgrims Hospice for the gracious kindness and care they provided during Don’s encounter with cancer.