We Remember
STUTTERS, Donald Edwin (Don)
July 5, 1949 — December 4, 2024
On the afternoon of December 4, 2024, Donald Edwin Stutters slipped peacefully from the arms of his beloved wife Debbie, into the arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Born on July 5, 1949, just minutes after his twin brother Dwight, Don became the fifth child of the seven children of George and Annie Stutters of Westbank, BC.
Don leaves behind his precious wife Debbie; his son Steven; daughter Sheila (husband Roger Powers and grandchildren Emma, Melissa, and Jonah); daughter Amy (grandchildren Ellie, Kayah, Kenya, and Ethan, and their father Amy’s husband Greg Reddekopp); and Grace (Robin Carter). He is also survived by his children through re-marriage to Debbie: Andrea (and her children Kreashyn, Nicholas, and Brooklyn); Robert (his wife Kristin, and children Russell, Alden, Ethan, and Lillian); and Daryn (his wife Jolene and children Evelyn and Quartus).
Don spent most of his life in the Okanagan Valley, though briefly living in Fort St. James, Beaverdell, and Oliver. Trained as a carpenter he worked with brothers Dwight and Keith. He also worked with his brother John operating machinery, trucking, and hauling logs, before establishing himself in his own business over the years. His last company was “Don’s Windows and Doors”.
Don loved sports excelling in everything he tried. His favorite was hockey playing for hours with brothers Keith and John at Fickies Pond, Shannon Lake, and many more local spots. Saturday night was Hockey Night in Canada as he cheered for the Montreal Canadiens and later the Vancouver Canucks.
Leaning hard on his Christian Faith he faced good and bad as his Bible had taught him. Most people knew him as a truthful, happy, gentle, and caring man with a quick wit which sometimes left you guessing if his latest story was truth or tease!
His gift for poetry was always a playful play on words but always carefully reflected his love and care for the poem’s recipient.
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” (Proverbs 16:32). And so was the man we called husband, brother, father, uncle, grandpa, mentor and friend. God bless you till we meet again in Glory.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:00 am, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 10:00 am
Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC
Debbie and the entire Stutters Family:
I am so saddened by my cousin, Don’s passing. I have so many fabulous memories of him as I grew up in the Okanagan Valley and spent many family dinners, picnics and reunions. I stayed with Aunt Annie & Uncle George & all my cousins for a week every summer and enjoyed my time getting closer to them. The games of Risk, Monopoly, going bowling and on many hikes in Gallagher’s Canyon were some of the best times spent. Don was a very gentle, caring soul, easy to laugh and a joy to be around. I will miss him. (I never did understand why my name got lengthened to Dawnie and his got shortened to Dawn though lol)
Condolences to all my Stutters Cousins and their families. His legacy lives on in his children and our many memories.
Dawn Gibson (Howe)
No words really – but a huge hug – for at times like these words fail to convey the heart…… I am praying for Don’s precious family, may God Himself embrace each of you with His comfort. Don was a good friend and brother to me – his tender heart for God’s Word would often cause us both to get all teary eyed…. I will miss our talks.. We grieve with the Stutter family, but we are not overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope. At first I was sad that I had lost such a friend, but then I realized I didn’t lose my dear friend for I know where is ……. and I will see him again one day. As for now, I will be reminded of him each time I look out one of windows…. 4-9-4 Don 4-9-4
Our hearts go out to Debbie and the Stutters families. Don shine brighter like a diamond everywhere he went. Our neighbourhood will miss his warm reflection of Christ. Blessings of comfort.
To all of Don’s family, friends and especially Debbie, our deepest condolences for your loss. The strength of his faith always shone brightly in gentleness and humility and I will miss the great talks we’ve had as brothers in Christ. We’re both very grateful for having known him.
Don was a true gentleman and faithful servant of our Lord. His love for Debbie and his children was so easy to see and we know how much he will be missed. Debbie and family – our prayers are with you during this difficult time. A man like Don is rare and lovely. We were so blessed know him. We know he is at peace and rest in the arms of our Saviour and we also know that our Lord will be with you in the days to come. Much love to all the Stutters family as you miss this lovely man.
Hello dear friend Debb and family and Don’s family too.
I’m really sad, since Tim told me about it, you know we were good friends and I really appreciate him.
I know it’s part of our lives, but, it’s always difficult, say good bay and see you there.
We all know he’s at our God side.
He’s in a better place, enjoying heaven.
There’s no word’s that can express how we feel, or word’s to help the family members, in these moments, but God will help you all, to accept this loss.
Hug’s to all in Don’s family.
I am saddened for your loss. but oh so thankful our cousin Don knew the Lord as his personal Savior and we have the wonderful hope of seeing him again. Leroy and Valerie Griffin Tanis
Debbie and the entire Stutters Family:
I have known Don through his business when I arrived in Kelowna in 2009. He was a person you could trust. We got along very well and over the years, his kindness, particularly during difficult time, was of great support. He will surely be missed by all and I am glad we met. I wish you all lots of courage. Sincere condolences.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I’m so grateful for the time we spent together in the Okanagan Valley over the past couple of summers—it was such a pleasure getting to know him. He was such a genuine, welcoming person, with a beautiful light that touched everyone around him. He will be missed, and my thoughts are with you, Auntie Debbie and Don’s entire family. I am sending lots of love and light as you continue to work through this loss.
We were deeply saddened to hear about Don’s passing. Don was such a kind, gentle, and amazing person whose visits to Valley Glass brought so much warmth and joy. His memory will always hold a special place in our hearts.
We only recently learned of his passing, and we are truly sorry that we were unable to attend his funeral. Had we known, we would have been there to honor his life and offer our support in person.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts during this difficult time. If there is any way we can support you or honor Don’s memory, we are here for you. We loved Don.
With deepest sympathy,
Meighan & Team from Valley Glass Westbank