DAN JONES

1924 - 2014

DAD
You held my hand when I was small.
You caught me when I fell.
The hero of my childhood and of latter years as well.
Every time I think of you my heart just fills with pride
And though I’ll always miss you, Dad, I know you’re by my side
In laughter and in sorrow,
In sunshine and in rain,
I know you’re watching over me.
Until we meet again.

On the morning of Thursday, October 2, 2014 Daniel Max Jones of Vauxhall, peacefully passed away with his children by his side at the age of 90 years in Taber.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph's Catholic
Church, 324 - 2 Avenue, North, Vauxhall on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Vincent TuanHa, Celebrant.
Dan was especially grateful for the gift of life. He is proudly survived by his children, daughter Debbie (Darcy) Virostek of Enchant and their children Mitchell (Camee) Virostek and Kelsey (Mitcheal) Honess; daughter Joanne McDonald (Terry Hanton) of Lethbridge and her children Tyler McDonald and Jason McDonald; son Mark Jones (Jeanette Berger) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Dan is also blessed with six very special great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Antonia Jones, infant daughter Patti Marie Jones, parents Arthur and Emma Jones, brother Burdett Jones and sister-in-law Nellie Jones, sister Erlene Larson and brother-in-law Art Larson and many other dear and loving relatives and friends.
Dan was the third child of Arthur and Emma Jones, born March 26, 1924 in Malad City, Idaho. Dan spent the earliest years of his childhood with family in Bengough, Saskatchewan and returned to Malad City prior to grade one. He completed his schooling in Idaho, receiving awards in Math and Science. He was valedictorian upon his graduation. Dan enlisted in the US Navy where he spent three and a half years. After the war and service to his country, Dan enrolled at Eastern Oregon University, La Grande,
Oregon, graduating with a B.S. Physics. Following this he returned to Canada on a vacation to his family’s home in Hays and never left.
He met Antonia (Toni) Pakarno in Hays and they married on February 11, 1956. In 1963 Dan and Toni moved to Vauxhall and resided there where he has resided until the time of his passing. Dan and Toni were owners of several long standing businesses. Dan was active in the community which included serving on town council, boy scout leader and baseball coach. He enjoyed driving bus for the many high school sports teams, as well, in later years watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events. He retired at the age of eighty developing many close friendships along the way. Dan was also part of Hamm radio club with members from across the world.
He lived a modest life but loved lavishly. Always appreciating the little things. Dan did many amazing things for his family, friends and country. God bless. Real love.
Dan was a lifelong learner and his wish was to bequeath his body for the purpose of medical education and research to the University of Calgary, a selfless contribution to the advancement of medicine.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dan’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.