Donald James Simpkin, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2014 at the Elk Valley Hospital at the age of 61. Don was born in Vancouver, BC, on July 9, 1953. He was predeceased by his brother Victor Gladstone, and his mother, Myra Patricia Gladstone.

Don grew up in Surrey, BC, moving to the Elk Valley in 1975. In 1984 he met Colette Desautels, his best friend and the woman who would become his wife in 1988. Together Don and Colette raised their family, supporting each other through the celebrations and challenges life gave them. Don worked at Fording River for 39 years as an equipment operator and welder, retiring in 2014 as a crane operator. While living in the Elk Valley, Don enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved boating, riding his street bike, watching Nascar, and sharing great times with family and friends, visiting around the fire pit in his back yard.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Colette Simpkin (nee Desautels); 4 children: Jeremy, Tonya, Aaron and Devin; his granddaughter Breanna; and Don Gladstone as well as many extended family members and wonderful friends.