Donald Mattila
March 24, 1950 – Dec. 18, 2024

Donald Richard Allan Mattila passed away Dec. 18, 2024, at 74 years of age in the Rimbey Care Centre.

Don was born in Duncan, B.C., to Allan and Viola Mattila. The family moved to Livelong, Sask., where Don started school. He moved to Red Deer where he continued his schooling.

Don’s parents divorced and remarried. His stepfather bought a farm in the Eckville area. Don went to high school in Eckville, graduating in 1968 with the distinction of being the smallest graduating class. He then attended NAIT and graduated becoming a provincial park ranger. He started as park ranger at Winagami Provincial Park.

He met his spouse (Joan) in McLennan. They were married on Oct. 12,1974, in Red Deer. He left the job in 1976 and attended SAIT. He got his journeyman’s papers in carpentry.

In 1981, his daughter was born followed by a son in 1983. Because work was becoming scarce, Don headed to the University of Alberta to get his geology degree, graduating in 1991. He had a number of different jobs after graduating such as coal, gold and uranium.

When his stepfather passed away, he moved with his family back to Eckville. As a result, he farmed during the summer months and was a geologist during the winter.

Don is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Melanie (Jeff) and son Ryan. He is also survived by his in-laws, aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces, plus great-nephews and great-nieces.

He was predeceased by his father, stepmother, his stepfather and mother, plus his sister.

At his request there will be no funeral services. His ashes will be scattered later at the wishes of his family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dementia/Alzheimer’s of Alberta in his memory.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.