Don Burchak of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Kathleen Burchak passed away peacefully at the age of 92, on Friday May 15, 2026 at St. Michael’s Health Centre after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Don is survived by his daughters Pat (Terry) Houtekamer, and Bev (Allen) Hosack as well as his grandchildren; Alexandra Hosack, Travis Hosack, and Desirae Hosack.
He left behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, creativity, generosity and love shared with family and friends.
Don was born on March 7, 1934, at the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge, arriving three months premature and was not expected to survive. He did survive and from his very first days, Don showed the determination and resilience that would carry him through a long and meaningful life.
Born, raised, and educated in Lethbridge, Don grew up with a deep appreciation for family, hard work, and community. He would go on to spend more than 20 years working for the City of Lethbridge Transit Department.
Don met the love of his life; the former Kathleen (Kay) Yates and they were married July 13, 1957. They were blessed with two daughters; Patricia Dawn and Beverly Jean. Don and Kay were married for 51 years until her passing in 2008.
Don truly loved life and was known for his generous spirit and found joy in the simple things. Although known for at times being a little “sassy”, he always had a smile, a story, a funny saying, or a joke ready for everyone he met. He was a homebody at heart, and his home was full of warmth, activity, and welcoming to friends and family.
He found great joy in his garden and greenhouse, where he carefully grew flowers and tomatoes from seeds to share with family and friends. Don was also an exceptional cook, famous among those who knew him for his delicious corned beef and his much loved “Don’s Beans for a Bunch”, his Rhubarb Strawberry Upside Down Pie, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies, and a myriad of jams and jellies. He loved trying new recipes and then giving them the “Don touch” by changing them slightly and then sharing them with others.
Fishing was another passion of his, and he took up fly tying, creating beautiful handcrafted flies with patience and artistry. Never one to stop experimenting and learning, Don also loved making homemade wine. Guests never quite knew what they might be offered next…perhaps blueberry, pineapple, or even banana wine.
Don was happiest when he was busy creating, cooking, gardening, or making something with his hands. He had a deeply creative spirit and was also a gifted artist.
Above all else, Don’s greatest pride and joy were his three grandchildren. Although they lived in the Edmonton area, he stayed closely connected with them and cherished every visit and conversation. Having them and daughter Bev nearby during his radiation treatments in Edmonton brought him tremendous comfort, happiness, and strength.
Over the years Don was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Miners Library, Elks Club, Army and Navy Club. serving on the executive of the Army & Navy, and Elks Club. He volunteered at the Lethbridge Air Show and numerous other events.
Don faced his cancer diagnosis as he faced all challenges throughout his life, by fighting it head on, not giving up, with humour, determination and grace. He said, “You don’t quit a job half done” and he never did.
Don will be remembered for his kindness, humour, creativity, generosity, and the love he shared with others. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and cherished memories that will live on in all who knew him.
Besides his loving wife, Don was predeceased by his mother Anna (Golia) Burchak, father Andrew Burchak, and his brother Thomas Burchak.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00AM, on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. A private family interment will be held.
Donations may be made in Don’s memory to: The Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Rd NE #200, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 or St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 9 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5.