HOLYOKE, DONALD - Donald Lawrence Holyoke, a long-time resident of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away December 26th, 2013, at the age of 95. He was born in Kingsclear, New Brunswick, Canada, on November 9, 1918 to Ruby and Ray Holyoke. He was the eldest of five brothers and two sisters. He graduated with honors from the University of New Brunswick where he received a Bachelor of Science. He went on to get his Master's Degree in Meteorology at the University of Toronto. Donald served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II as a navigator, travelling to several overseas destinations. He had a long and interesting career, which included helping in the early development of radar and conducting weather research in the Arctic. In 1968 he immigrated to the U.S.A. to take a position as a Special Instructor in weather sciences at the University of Oklahoma. He retired in 1973. Donald was married to his loving wife, Edna, for 61 years, and they had two daughters. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Church of Norman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna, his parents, and three brothers: Bert, Tyler and Robin. He is survived by two daughters: Donna (Joe) of Courtenay, B.C., Canada and Cindy Peterson of Norman; two sisters: Glenna Harmount of Arizona and Lucy Imbach (Franz) of Michigan, sister-in-law Kaye Holyoke, one brother, Joseph Holyoke of New Brunswick, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his good friends, Marvin Burnett and Steve Shore, both of Norman.
A memorial service will be held in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada (date pending). Donations to the Heart Association or the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.), either Canadian or American, would be greatly appreciated. Donald and his family were placed in the care of the Vice Family at Havenbrook Funeral Home of Norman, OK. Online condolences may be shared at www.havenbrookfuneralhome.com.