Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Don Pestell

Some people leave their mark through a single remarkable contribution. Don Pestell’s legacy lives on in countless places, people, and organizations strengthened by his generosity.

Don lived an extraordinary life. Raised on a small farm in Ethel, Ontario, without hydro or running water, he built a successful international business career through hard work, curiosity, determination, and an unmistakable sense of adventure. His work took him around the world, but he remained deeply connected to his roots and grounded in the values that shaped him.

Don was accomplished, but he was also humble. He had a genuine ability to connect with people from every walk of life, and he believed that success came with an opportunity to help others. He gave generously throughout his lifetime, supporting causes connected to education, agriculture, healthcare, compassionate care, and the communities he called home.

“Live positively. Give generously. Stay humble.”

Education held a special place in Don’s philanthropy. His support helped establish the Pestell Student Services Building at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, creating a welcoming place where students could find the services, resources, and support they needed. In recognition of his contributions to the Ontario Agricultural College and the agri-food sector, Don was inducted into the Order of OAC in 2013.

Here in the Bow Valley, Don and his wife, Hanna, were unwavering supporters of local healthcare and compassionate care. Their leadership gift helped make the future Pestell Centre for Compassionate Care possible, moving an ambitious vision closer to becoming a place where individuals and families can receive palliative, hospice, grief, and community-based support close to home.

Don and the Pestell family also shared a long and meaningful history with the Canmore Hospital Foundation, supporting the organization since 2013. For many years, they served as the title sponsor of our annual charity golf tournament–something that was particularly important to Don. Their generosity helped the event grow into an important fundraiser and a community tradition that brings golfers, sponsors, volunteers, healthcare professionals, friends, and families together in support of care at Canmore General Hospital.

Their support went well beyond the tournament. Don understood the importance of investing in healthcare today while also building for the future. His generosity strengthened local care and reflected his belief that a healthy community depends on people willing to step forward for one another.

This year’s Pestell Family Canmore Hospital Foundation Charity Golf Tournament gave us an opportunity to celebrate Don’s life and the many ways he contributed to our community. Seeing so many people come together in his honour was a powerful reminder of the relationships he built and the impact he continues to have.

Following Don’s passing, the Don Pestell Memorial Scholarship was established in his memory. Funded in part through this year’s tournament, the scholarship will help aspiring healthcare professionals from our community pursue their education and build careers in care. It is a fitting tribute to someone who believed so strongly in both education and healthcare, and in giving people the opportunity to create a better future.

To Hanna, the Pestell family, and everyone who knew and loved Don, we offer our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate his life, honour his memory, and continue the traditions he helped build.

Don’s generosity still lives on throughout our community. It lives on in the students given greater opportunities, the organizations strengthened by his support, the healthcare initiatives he helped advance, and the people who will receive compassionate care because he chose to invest in a better future.

We are deeply grateful to have known Don, worked alongside him, and help carry his legacy forward.

Continue Don’s Legacy

Contribute to the future of healthcare in our community, as Don did. Gifts made in his memory will help strengthen local care and continue the spirit of generosity that defined his life.