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JOHN DONALD (DON) COMSTOCK
Born: Jun 01, 1927
Date of Passing: Aug 08, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN DONALD (DON) COMSTOCK Don Comstock passed away August 8, 2012, in Winnipeg, MB. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012, 2:00 p.m., at Malo Recording Studio (former site of Winnipeg Press Club), Lower Level, Marlborough Hotel, 331 Smith St. Winnipeg. If anyone has anecdotes they would like to share, please email Mikaila Hardy: hardycoghill@hotmail.com In lieu of flowers, please consider donation in memory of Don to: Friends of the Winnipeg Public Library.
Publish Date: Aug 13, 2012
JOHN DONALD (DON) COMSTOCK Don passed away August 8, 2012, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at age 85. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Imelda (nee Senecal) Comstock, his two brothers Bud (Bea) and Billy and brother-in-law Vilberg Kristjanson. Don is survived by his wife Dawne, his two daughters Mikaila Hardy (Cade Coghill) and Krystyl, his sister Barb Kristjanson and nieces and nephews. Don was born June 1, 1927, in Winnipeg, youngest of four siblings. Cherished childhood memories were their screen porch, his mother playing piano, Gimli beach, or Barkers' prairie cottage, listening to radio, and later, movies with the drama and fantasy they brought. Don's father, a printer, introduced him to writing and editing. A voracious reader and comic lover, Don never met a book he didn't love, devouring Dick Tracy, Tarzan, and sci-fi. Don graduated from St. James Collegiate in 1945, took a job at Eaton's, then switched careers to writing for Winnipeg Tribune. He joined the Winnipeg Press Club, and enjoyed meeting like-minded people from media, was honored as lifetime member, and served as its president in 1977. Their annual Beer and Skits show was a huge love for Don, who wrote, directed, and performed, winning a Zim award. Don moved to Public Relations at Manitoba Hydro, where he worked over 30 years until retirement in 1983. He established and was the original editor for the Hydrogram , which continues as the Manitoba Hydro employees' newsletter. It was the numerous varied activities spent apart from work that really defined who Don was. Don teamed up with friend Ron Chambers, and created Ron and Don , a vaudeville sketch duo that performed across the Prairies. Don taught himself how to play the ukulele, the banjo, the piano and inspired by Jolson, Don had a fine singing voice too. Backstage at the Beacon Theatre in Winnipeg, Don met a young Ukrainian dancer, Diana Dawne Krywonis. They married June 1961, made a home in St. Charles with their two daughters, and shared their varied interests with their girls. They travelled the world, and their home Manitoba. Don's spiritual heart was the world outdoors. He deeply loved camping, fishing, canoeing, beaches, swimming in the lakes, campfires, and fresh air. Other interests included chess, cartooning, animation, painting, movie-making, science fiction society, magician's society, puzzle making, theatre historian, classical and ragtime music, hobby-printing, and all-things-British. He was constantly a man with an ideawrite it down , whether it be for a short story, a joke, a shtick , or a character in a novel. He always had a small notebook full of sketches in the margins and a pen. Foremost, Don was an explorer. He had an unending curiosity to know what was at the end of this road? He and dear friend Gordon Andy Anderson spent many days, investigating back roads and rivulets, places not marked on a map, with the greatest joy of discovery shared. Even until the end in Don's sickness, Andy's friendship helped Don explore every day together. Family extends heartfelt thanks to B1 Riverview staff, for the amazing care they always gave Don. Details of memorial service still pending, will be published in further obituary, Monday, August 13. DADZO, we miss you terribly.
Publish Date: Aug 11, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2012
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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I met Don and his wife at my brother-in-law's John Toews. Always showed up at xmas time. Would play piano and sing. Knew he was with Hydro but not his involement with beer and skits which I used to attend. He was a great person. Turned out My friend June Fordyce was a friend of Dawn's Small world, June in Riverveiw last four years. - Posted by: John De Jong (freind) on: Jan 10, 2013
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Mikaila, your father sounded like a very interesting man. We are sorry for your loss, but know that you will have many happy memories. Our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Arlene & Itzy Omsen (Friends of Cade and Mikaila) on: Aug 17, 2012
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I have just attended a very loving memorial and tribute to Don and am so moved by the memories. That twinkle in his eyes is so memorable. My late husband, Jan, treasured Don's friendship, his talent, humour, energy, kindness and I think above all, his decency. I wish to thank Don's family for sharing his life with us and hope that all the love and good wishes from friends will help them bear the loss. - Posted by: Nadya Kamienski (Widow of friend/colleague and friend) on: Aug 16, 2012
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During the late '70's I was a member of the Magician's Society of Winnipeg (IBM Ring 40 aka "The Drinking Ring"). At that time the magic club put on an annual magic show which was usually MC'd and produced by Don. (Since I wasn't a stage magician, I worked with Don and others organizing the event for several years.) He also entertained with his comedic partner Ron Chambers. Although we didn't keep in touch since that time I have to say there aren't many people I have known that I respected as much as Don. So much talent and a great guy! My condolences to Dawne and his family. He will be missed by many, many people. - Posted by: Ron Bodner (friend) on: Aug 16, 2012
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Thanks for sharing the Orpheum and Beacon Theatre stories and pictures with me Don. RIP my friend. - Posted by: Owen Clark (Friend) on: Aug 15, 2012
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Deepest sympathy to Dawne, Micky & Krystal for your loss of my wise witty, artistic gentleman, Uncle Don. Decorating our Frankenstein pushcart or creating a game of clue, he always made everyone comfortable, thanks. - Posted by: John D. Comstock (nephew) on: Aug 13, 2012
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I inherited my Grand Uncle Don's love for books and comics. I still remember some of the magic tricks he taught me as a boy that I amazed my schoolmates with. Don will always been one of my real life heroes My condolences to Dawne, Mikaila and Krystyl. - Posted by: Jeffrey Comstock (Grand Nephew) on: Aug 13, 2012
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Sincere Sympathy to Dawne and Her Family. I remember your Don's infectious smile, his sense of humour and his patience. Loved to sit and wait for Dawne outside of our office. Some special man - Posted by: Caroline Mitchel (Friend) on: Aug 13, 2012
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My youngest memories of dear Uncle Don was the amazement of his magic. I remember as a small child being awed as he would entertain us with his secret cache of trinkets tucked away high in the bookcase, never to be touched by no other. The endless smiles and patience playing board games on the floor. His unyielding inquizitiveness which I find tucked away in my own children. I am truly blessed to have had the honour of being part of his life. May Dawne, Andy and the his girls know that he is forever in my heart and in my prayers...luv ya forever........The Wares - Posted by: Bonnie Wares (niece) on: Aug 12, 2012
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Ernie worked at Hydro also, he and Don were good buddies for many years until he retired in 1986. I send my condolences to Dawn and the family. Yvonne Still, Calgary - Posted by: Yvonne Still () on: Aug 12, 2012
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Losing a parent, no matter what the age or circumstance, is always a painful event. I share your loss with you and send you my most sincere condolences. - Posted by: Polly Lavack (friend of Mickey and Cade) on: Aug 12, 2012
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Christmas gathered around the piano, One (and only) camping trip to Breezy Point, and the love of comics and drawing. These are my favorite memories of Uncle Don. Thinking of you guys. Love - Posted by: Cheryl Kerr (niece) on: Aug 12, 2012
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My memories of Uncle Don are filled with laughter, amazing stories and discussions of books. Some of my fondest recollections are travelling in the station wagon, all of us stuffed in singing away the miles. Scott, Devon and I send our condolences to you all. - Posted by: Barbara Comstock (niece ) on: Aug 11, 2012
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My sincere condolences on the passing of your husband, Dawne. - Posted by: Victoria Olchowecki (nee Mosquin) (friend from the 50's) on: Aug 11, 2012
