It is with deep sadness that the family of Donald Noel Oulton, aged 70, announce his passing on April 8, 2024 at his home in Amherst, NS.
Donnie was born in Trenton, Ontario on March 23, 1954, a son of the late John and Barbara (Jackson) Oulton, the youngest of four children.
His parents were educators and his mother was also a gifted musician. Donnie developed a life-long love of music and enjoyed creating home sound systems and puttering with electronics.
Donnie spent his teenage years in the Sackville, NB area and attended Tantramar High School, graduating in 1972. In the mid-1970s, he went west and eventually began an apprenticeship as an electrician at Hotel Lake Louise, AB. Donnie achieved his journeyman designation, settled in Calgary working construction, and started a family.
Donnie came back east in 1984 and resided in Bedford and Lower Sackville with his young family, working for a time in the shipyards in Halifax. He then worked on several oil rigs off the East coast. In 1993, he began his career with Ocean Prawns as an onboard electrical engineer. His work involved extended fishing trips in the North Atlantic. Donnie retired from Ocean Prawns in 2008 due to ill health following an accident. He was a Jack of all trades and over the years, he completed many home renovation projects on his own.
"The Don" was a generous and outgoing guy; a loyal and good friend, he would offer his time and skills to anyone in need. Like his mother, Barb, he welcomed everyone into his home and hosted great parties, lobster feeds and nights around the card table. He had a wicked sense of humour and loved to tell a good story. His favourite times were spent with his daughters (his "girls") and his grandchildren at the family cottage in Lorneville. There were many nights around the bonfire, with family and friends, guitars and Donnie on the mouth harp.
Donnie is survived by his three daughters, Jessie Oulton; Leanna (Brad) Phillips; Shawna Jackson; and his four grandchildren, Ayla and Jaycie Phillips; Bennett and Raegan Jackson, all of Calgary. He is also survived by his sisters, Terry (Brian) Stafford of Burlington, ON; Linda (Renato) Landert of Ottawa; and brother, Ray (Sharon) of Lucasville, NS. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. At heart, he was a family man and cherished the times spent with them. He gave the best hugs and always signed off with "love ya".
Arrangements are in care of Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS (902-667-8777) where plans for a celebration of Donnie’s life will be announced at a later date. There will be a private family burial in Tidnish.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook page.