J. Donald (Donnie) Wilson (Right and Inset)
October 1, 1938 – November 25, 2022
With chuckwagon driver Orville Strandquist (L) in the Prudential Steel wagon in 1987
Photos Courtesy of Bob Morrison and the Wilson Family
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened to hear of the passing of Calgary Stampede Past President and Chairman of the Board, and Active Chuckwagon Supporter Don Wilson, from natural causes on Friday, November 25, 2022, at the age of 84.
A native Calgarian, Donnie rode a horse in the Stampede parade for the first time at the age of six, and ended up volunteering for the Calgary Stampede for more than 40 years serving on different committees. He joined the Calgary Stampede’s Board of Directors in 1989, and ultimately rose to become President and Chairman of the Board of the Calgary Stampede in 2003 and 2004.
As a senior executive of Prudential Steel Ltd., Donnie got his company formally involved with the chuckwagon races at the first Calgary Stampede Chuckwagon Canvas Auction in 1979. It was the first of 18 consecutive years that Prudential Steel had a wagon in the Rangeland Derby with chuckwagon drivers Roy Bremner (1979 – 1984), Orville Strandquist (1985-1991) and finally Dr. Doyle Mullaney (1992-1996). The Prudential Steel wagon also appeared in the Calgary Stampede and Grey Cup Parades.
During his 40 plus years as a volunteer and Director of the Calgary Stampede and as a chuckwagon canvas sponsor, Donnie was also a champion for the sport of chuckwagon racing. Throughout the 1980’s Donnie was instrumental in implementing many of the changes that made the chuckwagon races safer, including the redesign of the chuckwagons themselves in 1987. He understood the significance and importance of the Rangeland Derby to the Calgary Stampede, and was a strong voice at the board level to protect and preserve the integrity of the sport.
Donnie was born, raised and spent his whole life living and working in Calgary, something he was extremely proud of. In addition to the Calgary Stampede and chuckwagon racing, Donnie’s generosity and tireless efforts benefited many local organizations, charities and causes. He was the epitome of what being a Calgarian is all about.
Don will be missed by his wife and best friend of 60 years – Joan, and their children, Linda MacDonald (Dan), John Wilson (Tracy Maxwell), and Steve Wilson (Leah). He is lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Katelyn Patterson (Jared), Melissa MacDonald (Billy Ebbels), Wilson MacDonald (Sally Parker), Dylan Wilson, Brodie Wilson (Lauren Batcho), and Lexi, Lily and Vince Wilson. Donnie was delighted by the recent addition of his first great-grandchild, Penelope Joan Patterson. Also left to cherish his memory are Donnie’s brother Alan Wilson (Lori) of Vernon, BC, and many other extended family members. Donnie was predeceased by his parents Russell Wilson, Lillian (Billie) and Clair Nabors, and his sister Betty Jean.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 2 at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Wilson’s service streamed live (click here) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.
If friends so desire, please consider a donation in Donnie’s memory to the Calgary Stampede Foundation, an organization near and dear to his heart. Donations may be made securely online here, or sent to Calgary Stampede Foundation, Box 1060, Station M, Calgary AB T2P 2K8.
Donnie will be missed by all in the WPCA, as well as the entire Calgary Community, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Wilson family.
Billy Melville
