Donald Arthur McKaig passed away on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at the age of 82 years at the Kyle District Health Centre, after a four-year battle with cancer. Donald was born July 26, 1925, on the family farm near Kyle, the second of four children to Maud (Langston) and William D. McKaig. Don worked on the family farm after completing his schooling and when he married Helma, they began to farm on their own. For many years they had a dairy, delivering milk seven days a week to the residents of Kyle. Eggs and fryers raised on the farm were delivered as well. Don especially enjoyed working with horses. Neighbour and friend, Ponto Larter and Don even tried their hand at raising chinchillas for a few years. Don was a committee member of the Sask Wheat Pool and received a certificate of recognition from the Canadian Wheat Board for 50 years of grain farming. In addition to farming, Don took on a variety of other jobs. He worked in Moose Jaw at Cushing Millwork in the winter of 1948, and for the DNR planting trees at the Saskatchewan Landing and other Provincial Parks, and along the Trans Canada Highway. He also worked at the Prairie Malt Plant in Biggar while it was being constructed, and built grain bins with Earl Akister, to be sold by the Co-op. In spite of all the hard work, Don still managed to make time for his favorite hobbies. From a young age, Don was very fond of music and received his first guitar for Christmas at the age of 10. His Dad had bought this gift from the local Pool Hall. Don was a self taught musician, learning to play many different instruments. He played with local bands as well. Every morning his dad would wake Don to listen to Montana Slim on the radio. It is from this program that Don learned to yodel. Grampa was willing to teach any eager grandchild to play on any of his instruments. Over the years, Don played for his own enjoyment as well as that of others. Don and Helma enjoyed square dancing for many years and traveled the countryside for a dance and fellowship. Baseball was one of the things that Don looked forward to each spring. He played for many years and coached minor ball as his boys went through the ranks. Don was a great pitcher and played at Leyton School, Kyle School as well as the Matador Farm ball team. This love for baseball and fastball was passed on to his children and grandchildren, many of whom are still actively playing today. Don enjoyed many other sports including fishing and golf. Don was the President of the Kyle Golf Club for a number of years. He became involved with 4H as a leader in 1957 and enjoyed the many years he served. Enjoying good health all his life, Don continued to actively farm into his 80th year. It was at that time that his health forced him to retire and him and Helma moved from their family farm and settled into their new home in Kyle in March of 2006. Don married Helma Hagemeister of Beechy in October of 1944. Together they raised six children. Don was a hands on father and very helpful with all aspects of parenting. These skills were passed on to the entire family, from his own children down to the grandchildren. Don will always be remembered as a kindhearted man. He was a gentle and quiet man. He was a great husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will always be remembered with love and respect. Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, his six children Philip (Gail) of Penticton, Terry (Gail) of Grand Forks, Don (Rita) of Coaldale, Kevin (Barb) of Kyle, Carol (Bevan Bailey) of Kyle, Tim (Cathy) of Waldeck, 20 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and one brother, Bill McKaig of Kyle. Don is predeceased by his parents, brother Maurice, sister Violet and step-sisters May Kachur, Isabel White, Gladys and Rose Rogers, and step-brothers Lawrence, Robert, Gerald and Gordon Rogers. As a result of the compassionate and professional care of Dr. Gatzke and the Associate Family Clinic, Don was able to remain at home until July 2007, at which time he moved to the Kyle District Health Center. Those who knew Don were not surprised at his strength in his battle with cancer. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the entire staff of the Kyle District Health Centre, as well as those with Home Care, for the extraordinary care and attention they gave to Don and his family. For those wishing, donations to the Kyle District Health Center would be greatly appreciated by the family.  A private graveside service will be held at the Clearwater Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Kyle Elks Hall on Saturday, October 6, 2007 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm to celebrate Don’s life. Please consider this your invitation. Dress is casual.