Don was born in Saint John, New Brunswick to parents John Albert and Margaret Irene (Moore) Wills. Don was the oldest child followed by brothers Larry and Lloyd.

Don enjoyed all the freedoms of his youth. The family was poor but Don was wise, industrious and quick. He found ways to sneak onto buses, would carry hockey players’ equipment or simply make an appeal to ball field ticket takers so he could get into venues for free to watch games.

After graduating from high school, Don worked for a year at Atlantic Bus Lines. Although it involved transportation, Don knew the job was going nowhere. But he did enjoy the money he made. He saved up enough to buy a second-hand car. Then had Charlie Doherty teach him how to drive it!

Don liked the outdoors and all outdoor activity. The fact that teachers had time off in July and August likely steered him to attending Teacher’s College in Fredericton. A fellow named Ed was Don’s barber and became his friend. Ed also happened to be the Chairman of the School Board and was instrumental in Don securing his first teaching position at Barker’s Point School in Fredericton. Turned out Don was good at teaching!

During those early teaching days, Don’s children were born – Greg, Dona and Nanette. Don began teaching in the military town of Oromocto south of Fredericton and developed friendships with staff members that lasted his whole life.

His marriage didn’t survive the years and with help from his family, Don and his children moved west. Alberta was the destination but a stop in Saskatoon turned into his forever home. Don taught in several schools in Saskatoon but two stood out for him – College Park and Wildwood. Again, strong friendships were developed and nurtured through innovative staff parties and epic Patrick’s Day gatherings. He and Bill Gordon ran an outdoor education program at Wildwood – Voyageurs – for many years. The canoe trips were annual highlights for him.

And Don took advantage of those two free months every summer. He’d pack up the camper – first the pop-up camper, then later the truck camper and canoe and he and his kids would travel extensively in Canada spending extended periods of time in B.C. hiking, fishing and enjoying nature.

After retirement, Don and Darlene bought a cabin at Meeting Lake where he enjoyed lake life. Spending time in the backyard and doing projects at the farm and lake kept him busy.

Don died at St. Paul’s hospital after a brief three day stay in the Palliative Care Unit.

He leaves behind his spouse Darlene Woykin, and his children Greg (Liz), Dona (Luke) Cleave and Nanette Ecker and their families. Don is also survived by brothers Larry and Lloyd (Debby).

In accordance with Don’s wishes, there will be no service.

Cherished Memories is honoured to have been entrusted with Don's care and arrangements.