(While we are pouring our hearts into this online memorial during this time of social distancing, we know that Don would much prefer for us to gather over coffee to toast him and roast him. Don't worry Uncle Donny, those plans are in the works for a later date!)

A character through and through, Don was born on November 21, 1957 in Edmonton, Alberta to Art and Emma Whiting, the youngest of his siblings - Bud, Jim, Wayne, Les and Melva. Raised on the family farm near Rich Valley, he graduated from Onoway Senior High School and when the family later moved to Edmonton, he went on to study Anatomy and Physiology, Massage Therapy, Reflexology and Acupressure at Grant McEwan Community College. Don loved to read sci-fi novels, write stories, paint bamboo mats, drink pepsi, shop for deals, treat friends and family to Tim Hortons coffee and donuts, talk conspiracy theories and, and probably his favorite activity of all, tend to his flower garden. Among his numerous jobs over the years, he primarily focused his time and energy as a massage therapist, working at various gyms around the city and in his home. One of Don's greatest joys and gifts was connecting with others. He was always quick with a smile for both friends and strangers and his sense of humor brought many, many laughs. A storyteller at heart, his knack for spinning tales true and almost true and for engaging with others was quite mesmerizing to witness and he was known for saying, "Why tell the truth when you can tell a perfectly good lie".  Curious, kind, generous, funny, Don will be missed by all who knew him.