Obituary of Don Verhelst
Don Verhelst was born in Langenburg, Saskatchewan, on August 27, 1951, to George Verhelst and Mary Burton. He grew up on the family farm east of Churchbridge, where he learned the value of hard work early in life. When chores were done, he could often be found riding his horse, Trigger — a favorite childhood memory he carried with him always. After spending a short time working in Kelowna, Don returned home to continue helping on the farm he loved.
On June 25, 1975, Don married Jean Tomkins, and together they built a life grounded in family, commitment, and the simple joys of rural living. They welcomed two children, Kelly and Michelle, who were the pride of his life. Don worked on the family farm while maintaining full‑time employment — earlier with Berard Trucking and later with UGG. In 1992, the family moved back to the farm, where Don truly felt at home. He especially cherished his cattle, looking forward each spring to the arrival of new calves and each fall to the long, satisfying days of harvest.
In 1997, Don and Jean moved to Yorkton, where Don worked with Thorsness, Ramada Hotel, and later with Sask Parks at Madge Lake. He retired from Sask Parks in 2017 and spent his summers tending to his yard and flowers. He had a natural gift for gardening, and it showed in every corner of his yard.
Don was an exceptional cook who loved taking charge of the kitchen, and he was equally talented in carpentry, known for his meticulous attention to detail. If something needed building, Don was the one you asked — and he always delivered.
He lived an active and social life. In his younger years, he played fastball with the Gerald Comets and curled in weekend bonspiels with friends. Time with family was what he treasured most, whether camping, quadding, snowmobiling, fishing, or golfing. There was nothing he enjoyed more than a campfire with a drink in one hand and smoke in the other.
Don was predeceased by his father George, his mother Mary, and his sister Joanne. He leaves behind his wife Jean; his son Kelly (Koren) and their children Erik, Alex, and David; his daughter Michelle and her children Payton, Taiya, Suri, and Bentley; as well as his loyal companion, Caesar. Don loved his grandchildren deeply and was immensely proud of each one.
He will be remembered for his steady presence, his craftsmanship, his humour, and the love he poured into his family. Don’s legacy lives on in the people he shaped, the things he built, and the memories he leaves behind.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral and Cremation Care.
