Joan Donald is a highly respected community leader, volunteer, and mentor from Red Deer who has made an indelible mark on the region’s socio-economic landscape. Drawing on her extensive experience in management and leadership, she has successfully integrated modern strategic development principles into the boards of organizations spanning business, healthcare, education, social justice, sports, and culture. Her work has been instrumental in strengthening civic initiatives, fostering local community growth, and championing vital social projects, as reported by edmontonka.com.
Building a Business Empire: From Gas Stations to Alberta’s Fuel Industry
Born Joan Mae Schultz on May 29, 1935, in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, she grew up on a farm near Millet as one of 11 children. Her parents instilled the value of hard work in her from a very young age. After school, her chores were waiting: hauling water and firewood, and delivering meals to the men working in the fields. If the Schultz family finished their harvest early, they would head out to help their neighbors.
After completing Grade 9, Joan moved to Edmonton with her parents and younger sister. She enrolled at Garneau High School, where she met her future husband, Jack Donald. The couple married in 1955. After finishing school, Joan worked at the Royal Bank of Canada while attending business courses in the evenings. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, she and Jack opened a chain of gas stations in Edmonton in 1957.
In 1964, sensing greater opportunity, the family relocated to Red Deer. They founded Parkland Oil Products Ltd. and rapidly expanded their business from a single service station to 38 locations across Central Alberta.
After selling the company in 1971, the couple returned to business five years later, acquiring the public company Parkland Industries Ltd—the corporation behind the iconic Fas Gas stations. Joan served as Assistant Corporate Secretary from 1977 until her retirement in 2001. During her 28-year tenure on the board, she led public and investor relations, organized annual meetings, and oversaw strategic planning. By the time she retired, the company (now known as Parkland Fuel Corp) owned its own refinery and 454 service stations across Western and Northern Canada. Today, Joan remains the Vice President of Parkland Properties Ltd, the family’s private real estate and investment firm. She also served for four years on the board of Alberta Energy Company Ltd, now known as EnCana Corporation and Ovintiv Inc.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Service
Many of Joan’s greatest achievements have occurred far beyond the boardroom. She began volunteering as soon as she moved to Red Deer, a commitment she has upheld for over 50 years. Time and again, she has mobilized the community and volunteer teams, spearheading fundraising campaigns and inspiring others to contribute their time and resources.
In the early 1970s, Donald organized horse shows for Westerner Park, a passion she pursued for two decades. Her love for horses led to further volunteer work with the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta and the Waskasoo Handicapped Riding Association. Joan served on the board of Westerner Park for four years and spent eight years on its executive team, including two as president. She worked tirelessly to implement efficient governance processes and, as a shareholder for over 40 years, led many of the organization’s key committees. In 2007, Joan and Jack made a significant contribution toward the construction of a new Westerner administration building.
Donald also played a pivotal role in the Red Deer Festival of Trees. Under her leadership, the event grew from a small charity function into the city’s premier public event, raising vital funds for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Foundation.
As long-time volunteers, Joan and Jack take great pride in supporting Red Deer College, now Red Deer Polytechnic. Joan served on the Board of Governors and acted as honorary chair for several highly successful fundraising campaigns. The Donald family has also been a major personal benefactor of the institution for many years.
In 2007, their support for the college’s expansion led to the business faculty being named the Donald School of Business. It was a fitting tribute not only to their generosity and commitment to lifelong learning but also to the entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen that transformed a single gas station into Canada’s largest independent fuel distributor.
Another of the family’s landmark gifts is the Donald Health & Wellness Centre, dedicated to education and development in the healthcare sector. They also contributed significantly to a new library and information center. Through these extensive investments, the Donald family stands as the college’s largest benefactor.
Over the years, Joan and Jack have donated significant time and money to numerous non-profit organizations, including:
- The Alberta Child Advocacy Centre.
- Red Deer Hospice Society.
- United Way Central Alberta.
- JA (Junior Achievement) Southern Alberta.
Lasting Impact on Red Deer Polytechnic, Westerner Park, and Beyond
Joan has also been a champion for youth, helping to groom Alberta’s future leaders through a unique program created with the Red Deer school board. At Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, she supported the “Minerva” club for Grade 9 girls, providing them with insight into career paths in math, science, and non-traditional fields.
Donald’s non-profit involvement extends to tireless work on the board of STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service), where she helped lead two separate capital campaigns—the latter of which was aimed at acquiring two new, high-capacity helicopters.
Over the years, Joan Donald has received numerous accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, Red Deer Citizen of the Year in 2004, and the Senate of Canada Medal in 2017.
Today, Joan remains an active volunteer. She and Jack enjoy spending as much time as possible with their five grown grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren when they aren’t wintering at their home in San Diego, California.
In short, Joan Donald’s life journey is a testament to the power of combining entrepreneurial success with community service. Her contributions to business, education, healthcare, and social initiatives have had a long-term impact on the strength of local communities. Through her boundless energy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others, Joan Donald has truly earned her place among the region’s most honored civic figures.