Donald Winston Brandford
July 15th, 2020
It is with deep sadness that as a family we announce the passing of our beloved brother and father, Donald Winston (Winnie) Brandford.
Don was born in Ontario and passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 56. He is survived by his daughter, Cassandra (Cassie) Brandford; brothers and sister in-laws, Michael (Mike) and Charlotte Brandford, Bryan and Cheryl Brandford; sisters and brother-in-law, Michelle and Ernie Platxon, and Angella (Angie) Brandford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends. Don was predeceased by his father, Luis Brandford in 1982; and his mother, Jean Brandford in 2009.
After completing the Journalism Program at SAIT, Don went on to a long-term career at the Rockyview General Hospital eventually becoming an AUPE representative in Calgary, Grande Prairie and Edmonton.
Don totally cherished being a father to Cassandra. Don’s passions throughout the years included sports, particularly hockey. Don played hockey well into his adult life. Don also enjoyed getting out into the wilderness where he could relax with a fishing rod.
We would like to thank all the staff at the Foothills Hospital both in Ward 44 and ICU Pod C for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calgary Drop In Center @ calgarydropin.ca/donate.
We will be having a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 23rd from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the home of Bryan and Cheryl Brandford @ 32048 – 338th Avenue, East, Okotoks. AHS guidelines will be followed. Don will be laid to rest during a Private Service at the Queen’s Park Cemetery in Calgary along side his mother.
Messages:
He was such a friend to both of us and we miss him. Our sincere condolences to his family.
Our deepest sympathy to Don's family. The times we had!! Don always made everyone laugh.
Worked at RGH many years with Donnie. Best to not talk about the Stamps or Flames if you were a fan of theirs, as he was a staunch opponent. His eyes always twinkled, even when he was serious, so you couldn't quite tell when he was joking. Kept people on their toes, but in a fun, sweet way. Spent many a time taking turns hosting parties in the 90's with fellow Rock-ers, and he could always be counted on to be the life of every gathering. His spirit lives on in all who knew and cared about him. Rest easy, friend. Condolences to Cassandra, and family. Karen and Darren Lundy
I met Don when I first moved to Calgary in 1978 and we quickly became friends. Besides what we had in common, we knew how to make each other laugh. Although life took us in different directions, we managed to meet on several occasions over the 42 years. Don loved sports and what I remember is him excepting challenges and all takers. He could put a team together for the challenge. RIP Bro.
Rest In Peace buddy I will never forget the good times we had.
Rest peacefully, my friend. I am grateful to have known you, grateful to have reconnected with you, and will always remember. My sincere condolences to the Brandford family.
Condolences to all of Don’s family members with an extra hug for his sweet girl, Cassandra. Don will be missed by so many. I will miss his phone calls, his hilarious laugh and his great sense of humour. He was a faithful friend for the past 40 years. He was always there when you needed him (and sometimes when we didn’t). I am so grateful and honoured to have been lucky enough to have had him in my life. Don will never be forgotten. I hope everyone can find some comfort in the happy memories as those are the only ones that truly matter.
Don you will be so missed and an inspiration for the strength you carried! Deepest condolences to all his family and Don wrap your angel wings around them in this most difficult time!
a friend we met in grade 8 "made school funner" will treasure his picture (s) in the year book as life here grows older. blessed also thanks to Woody for a reunion or two in Lacombe. seems like last year, yesterday.,. as time stands still now my memories fade in and out. Yes, was sad the cancer fighting toll on his easy going outlook ... but he would face the fight & live his life with determination. Some scattered facebook updates now & then. Prayers Always. yes @)->-;--- roses have thorns but the blo,om the best of the beauty!! I am not sure if Don had or still hopes Cassie will get his golf clubs? yes last memories ( a voice calling now or memory)?~! I hope you can help add shed light on this (his wish is fulfilled) / family close friends can help get Cassie out golfing for him in honour of and or she continues to excel at the sport. Maybe even works at, or gets work at a golf course or tours professionally; or plays for leisure and recreation <3. YES, Don's Legacy of LOVE treasured inspiring fresh outdoor leisure & or favourite sport Golf. yes, when I am blessed to go Golfing ~ I will hope Don is the Angel on my shoulder helping me make a EAGLE fly high my friend. YES my understanding all whom LOVE are Loved never pass away in vain. Heaven's birthdate home!! The finality of God's timeline KNOW Believe, God the father's promise tears are gratitude to God for LOVE- let your LOve flo. Love is eternal from the Father to all his children. Never forsaken when you LOVE. the greatest is LOVE.
Sending my deepest condolences to you all. Don and I were very close in high school and have stayed connected over the years. Rest peacefully my friend.
Deepest condolences to the family. Don was a good man and he'll be missed by all that knew him. R.I.P. my friend, we shall meet again
A true friend for over 40 years, we have lost one of the true good guys. My condolances to the family. Cheers Winnie- cya on the other side bro.
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss. We had the opportunity to work with Donnie at the RGH - he definitely knew how to put a smile on your face.Someone so special can never be forgotten Marie & Doug
Nothing is more painful in this world than losing someone you love so dearly. My deepest condolences to Dons family ⚘ The McNab Family, Jerry , Dale and Shelley
So very sorry for your loss in such trying circumstances. So glad you have each other to lean on and comfort each other. Due to my mother’s extreme vulnerability to illness and our continued self-isolation, I will miss the opportunity to give you hugs in person, but know that I am thinking of you and wishing you peace.
I am terribly saddened to hear of Dons passing and I will cherish the memories of the years we knew each other ... and will regret the missed opportunity to connect on my last visit to Calgary... would love to be present for the celebration of life but unfortunately the miles between us will not allow for this so l will keep Don in my thoughts and may he Rest In Peace
A true original, one of a kind could be your best friend or your worst. loved to hate the Flames And the stamps and was a fierce debater. Will miss him like a bother
Sending hugs & prayers to all of Don’s family. Don will be missed very much. I have known Don for many years . Don was a very caring guy we had some good laughs together. RIP my friend you will be missed a lot Don.
I wish I could attend. Much love to his family. Don was a special guy...oh, the stories I could tell, lol. DND Base Currie. See you when I get there Don.
Sincerest condolences to Mike Brandford and his family, a former coworker at the RCMP Rick and I are thinking of you and your family and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your brother.
My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends of Don's during this most difficult times.
I am so sorry to Don's family and the loss that you have all experienced. Don was a great friend to my brother all through the school years and I know he will be truly missed by all of his friends. I feel honored to have known him.
Barb and I are heartbroken by your passing. Our condolences to Cassandra and all the Brandford clan. RIP brother
My sincere condolences to the family and Mike and Charlotte.
So sorry for your loss.
I would like to wish our condolences from the swiston family I'm on the passing of Don. He will be missed by his friends and family
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our good friend, Don. It is with a heavy heart I want to express my heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We will miss his laid back personality, funniness, and open heart for all who were lucky enough to have had him in their lives. You will be missed my friend.
You will be greatly missed, but never ever forgotten. I can’t thank you enough for always being there for me since the day I was born,
We are so terribly sorry for your loss, we met Don in 1974 when Don and our son Fred became best friends.
We will miss you Winnie. Glad Fred got to spend time with you at Christmas. He will cherish that forever. RIP my friend.
I had the pleasure of knowing Don as a Member activist in AUPE and I worked with him as a colleague staff member of AUPE. Don had a heart of gold and he was was fun and funny. He always brought chile to an office potluck and his huge crockpot of chile was always all eaten on the first day. I am saddened to hear of his passing. My condolences to Don's family.