DONALD ALEXANDER SHANNON

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DONALD ALEXANDER SHANNON

The Shannon family is grateful for the long and joyful life of Donald Alexander Shannon.
Don passed away on May 20, 2019, at age 90 surrounded by loved ones.
Left to cherish a lifetime of memories are Don's beloved wife of 68 years, Vivian (Buxton) Shannon; daughter Deborah Shannon; son Ronald and daughter-in-law Elaine (Chambers) Shannon; daughter Nadine (Shannon) and son-in-law Art Kampen; his four grandchildren and their partners, Tyler Shannon, Evelyn Kampen and JP Carrière, Alexander and Alicia (Comeault) Kampen, and Keith Kampen; and sisters-in-law, Betty (Buxton) Upsdell and Marlene (Phillips) Shannon. Don bids farewell to his many cousins, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he dearly loved. Don and Viv consider their dear friends as part of the extended family.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Florence (Ferguson) and Evelyn Shannon; parents-in-law, Ronald and Edna (Cooke) Buxton; brother Tom and sister-in-law Trudy (Niesler) Shannon; brother Robert Shannon; infant grandchildren, Jonathan and Benjamin Shannon-Calkin; and other dear relatives and friends.
Born April 15, 1929, Don grew up in Transcona. He worked on his grandpa's farm and at Steep Rock Iron Mines as a teenager. Don spent two summers during his years at United College training in the University Naval Training Division in B.C. on the HMCS Ontario.
Don started dating his sweetheart Vivian when he was 14, and they were together as a couple for an adventure-filled 76 years. Don and Viv married on April 20, 1951 and they loved raising their three children. A generous and hard-working man with a big laugh and kind heart, Don lived life to the fullest. Don and Viv were longtime residents of Winnipeg, with six years spent in Edmonton. They resided happily in Gimli for the past decade where they have cherished their wonderful new friends.
Don was an entrepreneur who started his career in sales and in 1960 he launched Shannon Sales Company, which he ran for 10 years. During his 50-year career, Don held multiple leadership positions. Don finished his business career at age 70, retiring as executive director of the Mechanical Contractors Association.
Music was always part of Don's life. He was well known and respected as a pianist and was classically trained. Don had his own band at age 14, the Eight Buddies, and he played at the Royal Alexander Hotel and most of the major hotels in Winnipeg for many years as a solo performer or leading a group. Friends often dropped in to hear him play at the Hotel Fort Garry's Palm Room.
Don and Viv loved travelling, touring widely and visiting many countries together. They undertook a memorable three-month voyage in 1996 on their 100-year old wooden boat, the Pelican, travelling along the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico.
Don's larger-than-life personality and generous spirit will be remembered always and cherished forever.
The family will host a celebration of Don's life on May 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Home, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg.
The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated healthcare teams at Gimli Hospital, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, and Selkirk Regional Health Centre.
For those wishing to make a memorial gift, kindly consider donating to the Canadian Kidney Foundation or Canadian Diabetes Association.

NEIL BARDAL
FUNERAL CENTRE
204-949-2200
neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2019