Donald Templeman Skanes, 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, in Clearwater, Florida. Don was an independent spirit with strong faith and always lived his life to the fullest. He was born on December 7, 1935 on Bell Island, off the coast of St. John's Newfoundland. Don moved with his young family to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 1965 for work in the construction industry. This industry became his passion and he followed the opportunities to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1986. The boy from "the rock" made a home in the desert sun where he embraced new challenges in the construction industry building bridges, roads and new home construction. Don never shied away from a challenge and was most proud of his contribution to building a school in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Don was driven, meticulous and managed to work without the use of modern technology. All he needed was his graph paper, ever-sharp pencil and his sharp mind to make it happen. Retirement was not part of Don's plan and he was still employed by Eddie Valdez, Native Nations Builders Inc. at the time of his death. During his years spent in Dartmouth, Don was a member of the Dartmouth Curling Club, Brightwood Golf & Country Club, the Austenville Owl's Club and worshipped at St. Luke's Anglican Church. Don was also a member of the Masonic Clift Lodge #10, Bell Island, Newfoundland. Don, like his mother May, enjoyed a lively game of 45's and had no trouble bidding 30 for 60 even if he didn't have "the five". He loved the adventures and shenanigans with his side-kicks who referred to themselves as "the boys of summer". The boys could always count on Don to provide some entertainment and he treasured their friendship. Don was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Olive. Don is survived by his children, Donna Jones (David Bambury), Jennifer Gray (Jack Gray) and grandchildren Courtney Jones, Brett Jones and Jared Gray. Don will be missed by his companion and partner Alma Ottenheimer of St. John's, Newfoundland whose kind and gentle spirit was a welcome addition to the family. Also surviving is Don's sister, Shirley Formento (Atlanta, Georgia). Please join us in a celebration of Don's life to be held on Monday, April 7 at 11:00 am at Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main Street, Dartmouth with a reception to follow. Burial on Bell Island will follow at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations would be most appreciated in Don's memory to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Atlantic Chapter, 5251 Duke Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1P3 or online at cbcf.org/atlantic/. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He re-storeth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm XXIII).