Donald Allan JACKSON

Don Jackson, born October 25, 1946 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

I grew up in Lake Valley, Saskatchewan and graduated from Brownlee, Saskatchewan. After leaving school I went to the West coast and worked in a pulp mill for a short period of time. As the weather and type of work did not appeal, I moved back to Saskatchewan and went to STI in Moose Jaw to get a business degree. I then went to work at the Hudson’s Bay company in Regina and then as a salesman at Moore Business Forms. After a few years I sold equipment for Pitney Bowes in Regina and then in Calgary. I then sold computers for a small company when they were very new. I then became a construction foreman for my neighbor Jeff Campbell in the Kananaskis area near Nakiska Ski Resort. While I was in Calgary, I got my pilots license although never flew much after that period. I also jumped out of a plane with a parachute and made a safe landing. I then moved back to Saskatchewan and built a small house on the family farm near Lake Valley.

I then met Arlene Bye who became the love of my life and has been with me for over 35 years. We lived in Swift Current for a while, and I worked for a printing company there. Arlene and I moved to Fernie, BC in 1989 to enjoy skiing in the winter and golf in the summer.  I loved to play golf and ski and was a member of Fernie Golf Club for over 30 years. While in Fernie I completed a diploma from the University of British Columbia in Urban Land Economics in 1996. Arlene and I got involved in rental management business and then set up a company now known as Snow Valley Strata Management. With two great employees, Brian Bell & Rod Gray, the company manages 14 Strata Corporations in the Fernie area. Fortunately, by owning our own business we have been able to spend the winters in Yuma, Arizona for over the last 15 years.

I have had a great life thanks to my partner Arlene and her sons Ric & Ryan and their families. I have no regrets and wish all my family and friends all the best, thanks. Written by Don.