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James Hodges posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
Dear Mildred and the boys: I'm somewhat slow in passing on my condolences regarding Don's passing. Don was a very bright light in Saskatoon and his presence always could seen and be heard. His voice, loud and sure, included a profound passion for words being in the right place and saying the right things. Don had a significant presence for many of us and will be dearly missed. Best wishes to all!
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Frances Daw (formerly Bergles) posted a condolence
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Dear Millie and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Don's death. He brought a radiance to all he did. I certainly felt that both politically and at the library. A light is extinguished.
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Jonathan Wilkinson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Mildred, Billy, Bobby and David - my deepest condolences on Don's passing. My parents contacted me to let me know. I fondly remember spending much time at your house during my youth. Don was an icon is Saskatoon and had many, many admirers and friends. Once again, my deepest condolences.
Jonathan
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Sheri Benson posted a condolence
Thursday, December 24, 2020
Dear Mildred:
I was sad to hear of Don's death. I am thinking of you and your family at this very sad time.
Sheri
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Lynda Moffat posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Mildred, Bill, Bob, David and family members. So sorry to hear of Don's passing. Always remember the fun times we had when
you came to Vernon and stayed with me. Can still see Don sitting at the table on the swing reading or writing. We also usually made a trip to the movie theatre. Will miss him. With Love and Prayers. Lynda
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Susan Crush posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Mildred and family:
It was my privilege to have a small part in Don's life again. Although I never was lucky enough at U of S to have him as a professor, I was able to spend some time with him in other capacities on campus. There were so many times when his well-timed comments and booming laugh would make many of us laugh until we cried. I shall never forget having a few drinks at Amigos with Mulcair, Don and a few others talking politics and strategies to make Canada an even better place to live. Just recently, I was able to be in his life after many years of not seeing him. It was an honour to help with his writing group's Zoom calls and typing up his most recent poems. I was just reading through some of them again tonight. I miss his laugh, wisdom and obvious love for you, your boys and the rest of the family. I will always remember that little twinkle in his eye when he asked me what I thought of a poem so obviously about you, Mildred. I told him that you were lucky to have a man with such passion about you. May your memories of him give you much comfort. Love and hugs to you all!
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Fay & Jim Puckett posted a condolence
Saturday, December 19, 2020
To Mildred and family we send our condolences, we so enjoyed our times spent with Don at Val's dinners-the vibrancy and conversations are treasured. Our thought and prayers are with you.
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Jerome Atrens posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
Don was a cherished and faithful friend. With Mildred, we enjoyed memorable times: Undergrads at STM in the 50s; parties at our homes with trendy folk songs; their wedding at the elusive hamlet of Kiroki, SK; shared years in England; and in recent decades many interprovincial visits together with the boys and grandchildren. Like all of Don's friends, I admired and envied his boundless energy, professional accomplishments and community service. Saskatoon has lost a great and loving man.
My condolences to Mildred, David, Bob, Bill, Lorna and all the family.
Thank you for sharing the lovely and moving service at St. Joseph's.
Jerome
Honor Kever uploaded photo(s)
Friday, December 18, 2020
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Don joined Saskatoon Public Library workers, CUPE 2669, ca 2013 during a job action march. We had been without a contract for 3 years. Don was an enthusiastic supporter of unions and libraries, among many other things.
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Elwood Flynn posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
Don Was a talented man who made this old world a better place.
He will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
At this unfortunate time of sorrow, our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy
goes out to all of the Kerr Family
Sincerely,
Elwood Flynn
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Colin Boyd posted a condolence
Friday, December 18, 2020
Don roared through life with an energy rarely seen, refueling impatiently at coffee bars, always in a haste to get the next thing done. Just wonderful to talk to if one could pin him down, and the quintessential example of an eccentric utterly learned academic. It was a joy to know and admire him.
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Elaine Mazier Maksymiuk lit a candle
Thursday, December 17, 2020
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To Mildred, Bill, Bob, David and families,
Thank you for live streaming Don's memorial service for all of us to share in remembering Don and your heartfelt memories.
I remember Don as being wonderfully enthusiastic about life, loving his family, welcoming his friends with his hospitality, his sense of humour, his wisdom and especially his hearty laughter. I remember Don and Mildred as caring next door neighbours, first to my parents and then to me. I remember Don with his satchel over his shoulders walking in the sunlight either towards the university or to Broadway, his "other office" to do his writing. I remember sharing Mildred's delicious family dinners with their lively family and great conversations. I remember how Don said to me how much he loved his home because it reminded him of an English country lane especially with Mildred's beautiful flowers. I remember how Don and Mildred would enjoy being together with their family in their back yard especially in the summers.
Virtual hugs and God's Blessings.
Next door neighbour, Elaine
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Daniel Danaher posted a condolence
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Mildred, Barbara and I , after watching Don's mass, remembered our bumping into you and Don in London, and we had a wonderful fun evening of pub hunting. We probably only hit two or three places. You both knew Barbara and I met you for the first time.
We offer our condolences to you and your family.
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Denise (de la Gorgendiere) Klassen posted a condolence
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Sorry for your loss Mildred. Hugs and prayers.
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Dave Carpenter and Honor Kever posted a condolence
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Millie, it was very good to see your three boys speak with such vivid memories and honest emotion about their father, our friend, and a great man--especially great in the things that matter in this life.
Love to you and the entire extended family,
Dave and Honor
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Lisa Vargo posted a condolence
Thursday, December 17, 2020
I wish I could give you a hug Mildred. Rest In Peace Don, my colleague and neighbour and wonderful presence in Saskatoon. You will be missed.
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William Bartley posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
My condolences to Mildred and family. What a rich life he lived and what a rich spirit--so active in so many ways: family man, poet, playwright, historian, editor, teacher, friend, man of hospitality, citizen--not reducible to any of them, but all of them at once. Yin Liu remembers being struck by his office, when she first arrived at the U of S, with its piles of papers and books which was not to be mistaken for disorder or lassitude but rather an emblem of the fact that something was always "on the go"--an energy, a creative, active plenitude of inspiration and acuity which had its own order. He knew where everything was. I had the good fortune to inherit his famous film course, which he founded in the days when he would lug clanking canisters containing reels of 16mm film to the lecture theatre above the Snelgrove gallery. It was how I first saw Renoir's 'La Grande Illusion"-- and when I first discovered why it was a great work of art through listening to and conversing with a man who was both my colleague and my teacher,
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Arne MacPherson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Dear Bill and all your family,
My condolences at this time. I never met Don, but he was obviously a towering intellect, and a ferocious thinker and talent. What a loss to Saskatchewan's academic, literary, theatrical, artistic, historical , and environmental communities.. Take care and be well.
Arne MacPherson
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Yin Liu posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
I remember, as a new faculty member of the Department of English, walking into Don Kerr's office for the first time and being astonished at the piles of books and papers everywhere. He always had so much intellectual energy, so much on the go, and was a wealth of knowledge, as so many have already testified. But I think now that what I was seeing was heaps of generosity. That wealth of knowledge and energy was shared with our community, and we were all enriched thereby.
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Susan Gingell lit a candle
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
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Dear Millie and family,
Saskatoon and the larger province lost one of our spark plugs when Don passed. He had a great way of humorously puncturing pomposity, that and his love for this city and province, poetry and plays are evidenced in so much of his legacy. My personal favourite among his poems is the witty "Editing the Prairie" with its opening "Well, it's too long for one thing / and very repetitive," and its closing "Try us again in a year / with a mountain or a sea or a city," which capture so well the outsider's view of this allegedly boring place, a capture that could only have been written by a prairie literary community insider who treasured and wanted to help others treasure what is special about this place.
And something special is what yours and Don's relationship seemed to me to have been, Millie. That will make losing him even harder, but I hope your memories of happy times with Don might eventually, if not soon, serve as a source of comfort.
My condolences go out to the whole family.
Susan Gingell
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Patrick and Darlene Kelly posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Our condolences to the Kerr family. As a colleague in English, we valued Don's intelligence and wit. He was a jester in the best sense: both entertaining and wise.
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Don and Dolores Ebert posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Mildred,
Our condolences to you and your family
We were saddened to hear of Don's death but know that he lived a full life giving his all to the family, the community and many , many students.
Please do take care of yourself in this difficult time.
Dolores and Don
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Eric Cline posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Sincere condolences to Mildred and family. I spoke with Don many times going back 40 years. He was unfailingly kind, and his sense of humour never far beneath the surface. He will be remembered and missed by many, many people.
Eric Cline Saskatoon
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Robert M McPherson posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
To Mildred and family: Maureen and I would like to express our condolences on your loss. It is scary to realize that my various relationships with Don go back at least forty-five years from coffee on our back deck to marches to government reports to history articles. Take care and we hope to see you soon.
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Margot de la Gorgendiere posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
"My God, it's Moose Turd Pie! But it's good though." From Don's eclectic record collection, words that became a family catch phrase. My prayers and condolences. Margot de la Gorgendiere
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William Robertson posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
My condolences to Mildred and the family. Don was a great guy. He was my prof, he was the first person to suggest I send poems to a journal, then he explained to me what a literary journal was. He was an examiner on my master's thesis and he was the editor on my first book of poems. We fought like crazy and, looking back, I loved every minute of it. Don taught me how to think about plays and, particularly, about film in a whole new way, and I thank him for that. He and Mildred also had great parties. At my first I discovered Greek olives. Wow. I asked Don about them and he sent me to the Round Corner on the corner of 22nd and Ave I or J. Whole barrels of them. This man knew the city, and he was glad to share its wealth with all. Thanks, Don.
Love, Bill Robertson
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Tom Caldwell posted a condolence
Monday, December 14, 2020
Sad to read this news. Don was my favourite prof at U of S and I often recall his lectures and advice. He inspired me to love film. Carpe Diem!
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Kristian Marken posted a condolence
Monday, December 14, 2020
I have been searching for the words for days. I can't find them. Peace Don. Bless.
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russell@accesscomm.ca Posted Dec 16, 2020 at 2:18 PM
Sorry to hear the news. Don was a pillar of the university when I was a graduate student. He was on my PH.D. committee and was one of the toughest examiners but also very kind. When I had my ceremonial scroll in my hand, he told be I could tell them all "where to go." Don had a forthright way and a unique sense of humour. He will be missed by so many who knew him in the many phases of his life as prof, editor, playwright, poet, poet laureate and the list goes on.
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David Edney posted a condolence
Monday, December 14, 2020
Dear Mildred, David, Bill and Bob,
My condolences on your loss. Don was a man of warmth, of connections, of bringing together. I have fond memories of him from our years of curling together. I have made a donation to the Saskatoon Food Bank in his memory.
My deepest sympathy,
David Edney
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Brenda posted a condolence
Monday, December 14, 2020
Professor Kerr's Intro to Film class was one of my favourite classes in university. I felt like I found a loophole, I loved this class so much. He taught with passion and love for the films and it was a delight to learn from him.
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David Edney lit a candle
Monday, December 14, 2020
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CHANDRA MCMILLAN-BEHRENZ lit a candle
Monday, December 14, 2020
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Dear Mildred,
I am so sorry to read of your husband Don's passing. RIP to Don and deepest condolences to you.
Chandra, Cam & Family
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Glen Sorestad posted a condolence
Monday, December 14, 2020
Don Kerr could always be counted on to add some sunshine to the cloudiest day. His quick wit and love of a good story meant that whenever Don entered your day, you knew your spirits would be raised. We will miss him. Our deepest sympathy to Mildred and the family. Glen and Sonia Sorestad
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Ted Dyck posted a condolence
Sunday, December 13, 2020
I got to know Don during three too-short years in the 80s when we worked together as editors of GRAIN magazine. His intuitive grasp of prairie writing was rivalled only by his irreverent generosity toward prairie authors. Condolences to Mildred and the entire Kerr family – I join you in honoring a life well and truly lived -- Ted Dyck
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Wenda McArthur posted a condolence
Sunday, December 13, 2020
To Mildred, Bob, Bill, David, Neil, Lorna, and your families: please accept my sincere sympathy. Don was an amazing person. He contributed so much to the many communities with which he was involved. He will be missed.
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Norma and Stan Thomas posted a condolence
Sunday, December 13, 2020
An irreplaceable loss.
Norma and Stan Thomas
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Jennifer Wilson lit a candle
Sunday, December 13, 2020
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It was at his son's 50th birthday party that he shared with me that, "I guess my son is a cool guy - with a huge laugh. Knowing full well that his son David was a well loved person, just like Mr. Kerr. Charismatic, a great storyteller and a man of wonder. Spending time talking to a person who truly appreciated art, was a spark of light and a truly good human was an honour. My love goes out to all of the family. You are blessed to have had him in your lives.
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Lynda Holland posted a condolence
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Oh Mildred, I am so very sorry. Very sad news. He'll be missed, he was missed. Take care. Stay safe.
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margaret naylor posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Dear Mildred I am so sorry to hear of Don's death. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. Kindest regards, Margaret Naylor
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Tim Quigley and Deb Hopkins posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Dear Mildred and family: We are very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a man of many accomplishments and will be missed. Our deepest condolences.
Deb and Tim
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Anne Smart posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Dear Mildred,
Larry joins me in sending you our deepest sympathy at this time. You have been an excellent caregiver all your life, but especially during these years of Don's illness. It hasn't been easy, I'm sure. You have been a devoted wife as evidenced by Don's response when he repeated his marriage vow. As always, you were there for him. Take care of yourself now, and keep safe. Sincerely, Anne
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Barbara Gibson posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Prof Kerr was one of the most stimulating profs I had as a young U of S student in the 70s. I so enjoyed his classes, and as an adult, in the foreign service, loved his history of Saskatoon and other publications, to keep in touch with home. Godspeed, and may a life well lived be sustaining to his family at this sad time.
Barbara Gibson,
Westchester, NY
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William Michaluk posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Please accept my sincerest condolences, Mildred, Lorna, and your families. I remember fondly the summers we worked together at the Saskatoon Brewining Company. Perhaps, we both enjoyed most when we were assigned to work in Max's garden, mowing grass , planting flowers, or trimming the hedges. We spent many good times around the tap in the Brew House. I remember well the good times we had at STM, Newman Club, and Ulcers Incorporated. Don dragged me off to movies several times and we had great discussions about them. I particularly enjoyed his wit. Unfortuanately, our paths went in different directions, but whenever we did run into one another, it was a pleasure to talk with him. Be Well.
Bill Michaluk
MJ DeCoteau posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
One of my favourite English professors. And, as he was a friend of my parents, I got to listen in on his wonderful stories from time to time outside of the classroom too, which was always a treat. He was remarkable person and I am thinking of all the Kerrs and Stacks. He was so beloved by his colleagues so thinking of some of my other English professors too. Tune Town lost a really good one. May he rest in peace.
MJ DeCoteau
Tyson Brown posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Many, many years ago, I took Dr. Kerr's Film Appreciation course at the U of S. And without hesitation, I can say that was the most interesting, enjoyable and relevant courses I took in my undergraduate education. Dr. Kerr was a superlative instructor, engaging and witty and deeply insightful. He took what most people would have thought of as a "basketweaving" course and made his students look more deeply, into the close ties between film and society, into how each reflect the other so closely and the historical lessons you can learn from that.
And he also made "The Bunny of Seville" one of my favourite cartoons!
Rest In Peace, Dr. Kerr.
Tyson Brown
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Kevin Moore posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, December 12, 2020
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There is a great void in the force today. There are no tears to such a life lived. Godspeed Don , I am sorry for your loss.
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Kent and Kathy Allen posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Please accept our deepest condolences. Don was a vibrant and joyous man and his life is an inspiration. Sending love to the Kerr family.
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Larry Gelmon posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
I saw the notice via Facebook, and so sorry to hear. I never was his student officially, but in our contacts and friendship, beginning with sitting together on the Univ Sask. Film Society Exec Committee in the 1970s, I rarely came away from a conversation with Don without knowing something I hadn't known before. My condolences to the family.
L. Gelmon MD MPH DTM&H
Assoc. Professor Univ. Manitoba
Visiting Lecturer Univ. Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
Mobile – +254 – 733 – 790596
Email – lgelmon@csrtkenya.org
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The family of Donald Cameron Kerr uploaded a photo
Friday, December 11, 2020
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