Donald "Don" Laverne Weiss

Donald Laverne Weiss left this world peacefully on January 26, 2023, at the age of 89.  Patriarch, father, grandfather and friend, he will be sadly missed by his five children, Colin Weiss (Barbara), Sheila Schneider (Barry), Dale Weiss (Chandra), Susan Renner (Chuck), Allan Weiss (Kendra); as well as thirteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson, Donovan Weiss, in 2016 and his wife of 38 years, Margo, in 2019. Born the youngest child of Emma and Emanuel, he attended Montreal Street School across the street from his home and graduated in 1951 from Alexandra Composite High School where he completed the business curriculum. From there he accepted his first and only job as a billing clerk for a transport company in Medicine Hat. In 1954 he married Muriel Tebbs and in 1959 they purchased a parcel of land to accommodate the small herd of Hereford cattle he acquired from his savings as a teenager. The growing economy of Medicine Hat combined with Don’s keen business visions made it possible to purchase part of the company he worked for and in 1962 Medicine Hat Moving and Storage was born. After selling the moving and storage branch, the company was restructured and became the head office of Medalta Transport Ltd. serving the area until selling the company and retiring in 1991. Don’s contribution to the business community was stellar serving a term as President of the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce and various leadership roles such as Director of the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta. Attending Heights Baptist Church from birth, he was later in various roles as Deacon and Elder always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. A wry sense of humor and down to earth manner was his trademark and his quick wit made him well liked by colleagues, customers and staff. Besides golf, another true passion was horses and nothing made him happier than being around his quarter horses which became a big part of his retirement life. They served a practical purpose on the ranch and many beautiful colts were born from his prized mares, his favourite being a beautiful, trusted sorrel named Jordy who loved working with cattle.  Bellcot Meadows became a favourite hang-out for grandchildren and friends where anyone could drop in and feel welcome. Don was a living history of the ranching families of the Cypress Hills and if he met someone it was likely he knew of their family at some time and where they lived. His calm steady approach to life served him well in all his endeavours and he had a way of making people he met feel important and loved attending grandchildren’s graduations, plays, concerts, weddings and sports events. Ever the wise cracker, he could change the atmosphere in a room from sombre to relaxed and he would encourage people to pray the Lord’s Prayer to help them with their problems, a simple but practical faith. Don has made an impression on so many people in his nine decades. His sense of humor and joy of life never left him even up until his final days fully knowing that his earthly journey was ending. Good-bye Papa Don, we love you and will miss you always.

A funeral service will be held Friday February 3 @ 1:30 pm at Heights Baptist Church 1250 Division Avenue S, Medicine Hat Alberta.

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