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WILLIAM DONALD MCDONALD - Obituary pic

WILLIAM DONALD MCDONALD -

Date of Passing: Mar 23, 2014

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WILLIAM DONALD MCDONALD 1935 - 2014 We are heartbroken to announce that Donnie passed away on March 23, 2014 at the Beausejour Hospital after a brief, but valiant, struggle with mesothelioma. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Tanis; his three children: Kim and husband Tim, Dean and wife Heather, and Lee and husband Gardiner. He will be sorely missed by his six grandchildren of whom he was so proud: Carrie (Josh), Katelyn (Jerad), Tanner (Kaitlyn), Reed (Jodi), Taylor (Kelsey), and Maddy. In February he was thrilled to welcome a great-granddaughter, Kilyn Anne (Carrie and Josh). He is survived by his brother Bryan and wife Diane, brothers-in-law Michael and wife Jenefer, Lanny and wife Barb, and sister-in-law Penny and husband Graham, and their families. Donnie was born in Bissett in 1935, but grew up and attended school in Pine Falls. He attended the University of Alberta and graduated from North Dakota State University. He was a true sports enthusiast, loving all sports, coaching many and participating in most. He played hockey (Selkirk Steelers, University of Alberta Golden Bears, and Pine Falls Paper Kings). He hunted, canoed, and snowmobiled, but he especially loved playing ball and curling, reaching the national level of competition in both. He was looking forward to being inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame with his dad and his teammates from the 1967 and 1970 Canadians. He truly enjoyed fishing with Dean and the grandchildren. He worked as an electrician in the Abitibi Paper Mill in Pine Falls, but found his true calling as a physical education teacher in Whitemouth where he taught for 24 years. For several years he was active in the Eastman Sport Development Association serving as chairman, and he was part of the Mission Staff at the Canada Games. He was an active member of the Whitemouth and District Lions for 30 years. He loved to laugh, tell stories, and enjoy the company of his friends. We will miss him terribly, but will cherish many wonderful memories. There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, March 28 in the Whitemouth Community Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Donnie's name to Kids Sport Manitoba, Eastman Region, Box 50, #20 - First Street, Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0. Afterglow I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways. Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. Author unknown SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB Toll Free 1-877-776-2220 www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2014

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • I knew Donnie in Pine Falls as Bryan's older brother. I remember him as one of the nicest guys in town. He had a friendly smile for anyone he would greet...even the younger kids in the neighbourhood. I am sorry for his family's loss. - Posted by: Don Berthelette (friend of his brother Bryan) on: Mar 30, 2014

  • Dear Tannis and family, We're very sorry to hear of Don's passing. Somehow we missed the announcement in the newspaper, and regret we missed the Celebration. I always appreciated Don's calm and understanding ways and how he supported me during my career as a teacher at Whitemouth. I will miss him, but I draw consolation from the fact that he lived a rich and full life and raised a wonderful trio of children, (2 of whom I taught). May God bless you with comfort, strength, and peace at this sad and difficult time. Our prayers are with you. Much love, Ed and Linda - Posted by: Ed and Linda Kohut (Ed taught with Don during the early 70's.) on: Mar 29, 2014

  • Rest in peace silver fox! You were a quiet leader as a coach and curler. You always concentrated on the positive and always had something good to say. Randy Dutiaume - Posted by: Randy Dutiaume (curing and softball) on: Mar 28, 2014

  • I worked with Donnie from 1975 through to his retirement. I always appreciated his good nature, sense of humour and enthusiasm. He was a great teacher and coach. Donnie worked hard to make all events a success. - Posted by: Craig Mackenzie (Colleague) on: Mar 27, 2014

  • Sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. I'll always remember the good times we had growing up in Pine Falls at school and curling. Sorry I cannot be there on Friday to see you personally Tanis as I have a doctor's appointment in Wpg. Our prayers go out to you. Doug & Doreen - Posted by: Doug Legall (Plne Falls school friend) on: Mar 27, 2014

  • I did not know him personally but knew of him through others as he was older than me. Used to hear of his laugh all the time and how great a guy he was. My condolences go out to his wife and family. So very sorry to hear of your loss. Remember the good times with a laugh and a lot of happy thoughts. Andrea - Posted by: Andrea Frederick Bodkin (Pine Falls) on: Mar 27, 2014

  • Tanis and family - please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers in the loss of Don. I thoroughly enjoyed working with both of you at Whitemouth School. Thank goodness for memories. - Posted by: Glenn & Marilyn Lamb ((Fellow staff member - 1979-84)) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • To Tanis and family - I was so sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. He was just a regular guy - popular with all his students and staff alike. Infectious laugh. I will be thinking of all of you on Friday - while you celebrate Donnie's life. - Posted by: Darlene Stefanko (nee Storsley) (Fellow teacher @ Whitemouth School) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • Dear Tanis and family - I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Don was always a kind and respectable gentleman. It is very difficult to lose those who are closest to us and my heart goes out to you in sympathy. May the wonderful memories sustain you now and be a source of comfort and consolation in the coming days. You are in my thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Corene Antle () on: Mar 26, 2014

  • Thank-You for letting the boys from Pine Falls stay at yours and Tannis place on several occasions in 1980 when we played for the Whitemouth Cubs. R.I.P. Coach - Posted by: Ian Cyr, Trevor Thomas, Bill Watson, Dwayne Tardiff, Jamie Veilleux and Richard Bruyere (Played for Donny) on: Mar 26, 2014

  • I remember that great grin! The whole family seemed to have it, and what a gift it was. So sorry to read this news; thinking of all of you. - Posted by: Iris Gold Rountree (Cherry Street neighbour) on: Mar 26, 2014

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