Donald G. “Don” Wells – 66, of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2009 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, Nova Scotia, surrounded by the love of his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A beloved husband, father, poppy, educator and athlete, he was the eldest son of the late George and Rhoda (Gillam) Wells. He is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart (the girl next door) Elizabeth “Libby” (Colbourne) Wells; son, Michael (Lisa), Calgary; daughter, Wendi-Ann (Roy) Fields, Sweet’s Corner, Hants County; brothers, Gerry (Linda), Mississauga, Ontario and Derek (Alison), Chester; precious grandchildren, Denver, Mitchell, Jeremy and Madelyn; many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland in 1942, Don graduated from Amalgamated Regional High School and Regina High School before attending the University of New Brunswick where he graduated with his Bachelor of Physical Education degree. After a year of teaching and playing senior hockey in Newfoundland, Don enrolled at Acadia where he completed his Bachelor of Education degree. He later completed a Master’s in Education from UNB and pursued doctoral studies at Indiana University. A gifted athlete, Don was a Conference all-star with UNB in Hockey and MVP in Football. Don played one season with the Varsity Axemen and was named the teams MVP. The following year, 1965, he was named the men’s varsity hockey coach. He led the hockey Axemen for the next 19 seasons. He also coached the Women's hockey team for a number of years. It was in his coaching role that he mentored many student athletes,”arriving as hockey players and graduating as student athletes”. In 1984, Don was appointed Athletic Director at Acadia. During the next 13 years, he worked tirelessly to support and build varsity sports programs while serving on numerous committees and boards both with the Atlantic Universities Athletic Association (AUAA) and the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU). In 1998, he was presented the Austin Mathews Award for Outstanding Contributions to Canadian University Sport. In addition to coaching hockey, he has coached football, cross-country and track and field. He also served as Coordinator of the Physical Education Program, and Acting Dean of the School of Recreation and Physical Education. Don’s numerous achievements include his induction into both the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame and the Hockey Honour Roll and the Newfoundland Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1998, he was presented the Associated Alumni of Acadia University Excellence in University Service award and in 2008 he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Acadia. In addition, in recognition of his years of dedication to varsity sport, the Atlantic University Sports Management council unanimously accepted recommendations to rename the leagues Most Sportsmanlike Award the Don Wells Trophy. He could be most proud however of the positive influence he had on so many young men and women including his own children and grandchildren. He was especially proud that both his children have been recognized for their athletic achievements. Wendi, following his footsteps by becoming a member of the Acadia Sports Hall of Fame and Mike, for being recognized by the Acadia Hockey Honour Roll. Don had a great love of country music, a sharp wit and loved a good joke. He was the “master of the one-liners”. The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends who have shown their support during this difficult time. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at Manning Memorial Chapel, Acadia University, Wolfville. A reception will follow. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.