Donald Verne Schnurr, beloved husband of Barbara Schnurr of the Willowbrook district, passed peacefully at his home on May 28, 2014. He was 72 years of age. Don was born in Swift Current, SK on November 9, 1941 and moved to Yorkton around 1946. When he was a young man he rescued and raised many animals in need and this began a lifelong love for animals. At the age of 14 years, Don started playing music and joined different bands in the area and eventually mastered many different instruments. In later years he continued to play and enjoy music at home. Don was just 16 years old when he got his pilots license then worked towards achieving his commercial license while employed with Yorkton Flying Service. On September 2, 1961 Don was united in marriage to Barbara Taylor at St. Andrew's United Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The couple was blessed with six children, Donna, Rick, Connie, Kevin, Karen, and Melissa. The family made their home in Paddockwood, SK for six years and raised horses and then returned to Yorkton in late 1979. Don was truly a jack of all trades and could do anything from leather work to upholstery, he even tried sky diving. His aviation career took him to many places, such as Otter Lake, LaRonge, North West Territories and the Arctic. He was away for long periods of time but his family have many fond and hilarious times spent together. He wasn't beyond taking out his teeth and smiling - doing his monkey face as he called it; treating his children to homemade snow cones and countless phone calls to keep in touch from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. was his favorite time to call! They remember Don sitting at the kitchen table compiling lists, calculating figures and recording tasks to do and accomplish. Don was always on the go and his wheels were always turning. His children will always remember his warm hugs and warm hands that comforted them. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Kathleen (nee Law) Schnurr; his daughter, Donna and his granddaughter, Emily. He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife Barbara; his children, Rick, Connie ( Peter), Kevin, Karen (Dennis) and Melissa; twelve grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, June 6, 2014 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home with Reverend Jen Dresser of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. Special taped music selections included, "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill, "You're My Best Friend" by Don Williams and "Amazing Grace" by Alan Jackson. The Cremation Committal followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Don's son, Kevin Schnurr serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
