Obituaries
Donald Joseph Biffin Biffin
October 09, 1950 - January 09, 2021
Obituary For Donald Joseph Biffin Biffin
It is with heavy hearts and disbelief that we announce the sudden passing of our father, brother and friend, Donald Joseph Biffin, resident of Sexsmith, AB, who passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at 70 years young.
Donald was born on October 9, 1950, and raised in Verdun, Montreal, QC, and spent much of his life in Labrador City, NL, where he worked for the Iron Ore Company of Canada for over thirty years.
Affectionately known as Donnie, he was a loyal family man to both blood and chosen family, maintaining friendships that endured many decades. A lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan, he welcomed everyone with an open heart and open arms.
His children will be forever grateful for his selfless sacrifices and various life lessons, such as the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, to treat family as family regardless of the past, to call each and every adult “Mr. and Mrs.” aunts and uncles “Aunt” and “Uncle” and not just by their first name, and how making homemade fly dope is better than anything you can buy at the store (no joke).
We’re still not sure how he was able to drive, on many occasions, with his four young children over a journey of hundreds of kilometres from Labrador City to Montreal, the USA, and all across Newfoundland (can you imagine?) to ensure we maintained ever-important family bonds.
Donald will be remembered for being kind and always happy. He truly was one of a kind. He had a heart of pure gold and was a true gentle man. He was extremely generous, giving many times, even when he didn’t have for himself. He didn’t care much about material things. He had a heart almost as big as his character, and if you were fortunate enough to have met him, you liked him right away. He was just that kind of person.
He was a renowned distributor of cookies to the neighbourhood dogs and was lovingly referred to as “Grandpa Don” by many children who were not his actual grandchildren. He may have called you “Double-trouble”, but don’t take offence; it was his nickname for all the kids.
The world truly lost one of its finest.
A global pandemic may have kept us from gathering to say goodbye in person, but it won’t rob us of the loving memories we have and will cherish for eternity.
His love, uniqueness and spirit will live on through his children forever. He gave them gifts that are more precious than anything in this world. You will always live on in their hearts, and they will love you forever and always.
Donnie will be forever missed by his four children: Jackie (Scott) of Annapolis Valley, NS; Milton (Erin) of St. John’s, NL; Michael (Lindsey) of Carbonear, NL; and Mary (Kyle) of Sexsmith; 7 grandchildren: Claire, Alexandre, Noah, Nathan, Gauge, Wyatt and Bentley; brothers Milton of Montreal and Raymond of Montreal; as well as other family members and dear friends.
He was predeceased by his mother Mary O’Connor; father John Milton Biffin; sister Alice (Akie) Slaney-Makowiecki; and Margaret “(Margot) Slaney-Crumbly.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.
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Condolences
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June 24, 2021
Tobin Guy
Condolences to the family.
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June 24, 2021
Kenny Leo
Condolences to the Family for your loss he was always a good friend to me and will be missed for sure
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June 24, 2021
Pilkington Charles
Donnie was a great guy and a lot of fun. He was a very fast runner and a very competitive athlete at the time. Mu condolences to the Family!
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June 24, 2021
Areny Elva and Tony
Sending our sincere condolences to all the Biffin family at this sad time. The obituary is beautifully written and pays tribute to a much-loved family member and friend. May all those who loved Donnie find time in the future to be together and share happy memories.
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June 24, 2021
Squires Guy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time May all the beautiful memories you've created throughout the years offer some comfort during this difficult time
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June 24, 2021
narduzzi richard
My condolences to all the family.
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June 24, 2021
McCarthy DeAnna
Hi guys, not sure if you remember me, but your dad and my dad, Bernie Cardwell were good friends back in the day. We actually lived at your house for a couple of months and I used to babysit you all. Your dad was such a gentle and giving man, I have often thought about him and hoped that he was happy. I am so sad to hear of his passing, my deepest condolences to you all. I wish you all good health and hope you find happiness in the many memories of your dad and know that he made the world a better place.
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June 24, 2021
Lawrence Ruby
My heartfelt sympathy to all his loved ones, I know he will be missed. I met your Dad when he was President of the Legion in Labrador City, an organization that was very dear to his heart. Rest in Peace Comrade.
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June 24, 2021
Taylor Gerry
Please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy during this very stressful period. Gerry and Carol Taylor.
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