DONALD EDWARD STEFANYK (DON)

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DONALD EDWARD STEFANYK
1932 - 2020

On Friday, October 23, 2020, at the age of 88, Don passed away unexpectedly at the St. Boniface Hospital.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Katherine and Nicholas Stefanyk, sister Georgie, and brother-in-law Bill Harry. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife Helen (Migel), of 50 years, and his very precious Himalayan cat Countess; his nieces and nephews - Dawn Pettit and her son Chad, Bill Harry (Stacy), children, Kaitlyn and William, Glen (Jackie), sons, Nickie and Alex, Jim (Sherrie), Dianne, Les, Kris, Pam (Rod), daughters, Mckenzie and Kendall, Carla, sons, Kevin and Ryan, Michele, Paul (Pat) and family; and many good friends.
Don (Snufie) should have written a book about his life. He had so many amazing stories about his business ventures and travel adventures that it would be impossible to mention them all in this obituary.
Don was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. When he was very young his family moved to Winnipeg. Don was raised in the family businesses including the Palma Hotel in Transcona, the Grange Hotel, the Majestic Hotel, and the Empire Hotel. Throughout his youth, he worked and trained in the family business. This groomed him to become the entrepreneur and successful businessman we knew and loved. He attended Kelvin High, St. Paul's College on Vaughn Street, and the University of Manitoba. He made lifelong friendships at school that he held dear to his last day. After college, Don's father wanted him to become a partner at the Empire Hotel, which at the time he said was not for him. His free spirit took over and so began his extensive world travelling escapades with his buddies. Sometimes disappearing for months at a time. Between and during travel adventures Don would buy, develop, and sell various businesses - sometimes two or three at a time. Some of the business ventures that he was most proud of included creating and developing Chalet Beach, as well as the resort dance hall. And owning the St. Charles Hotel eventually becoming the proprietor of the Vibrations Night Club for which he was granted the first cabaret license in the province of Manitoba. In the 1950s, he owned a motel on Pembina Highway where he got to know a famous member of the Royal Family quite well. Somewhere in this time frame he found time to become a Lieutenant in the Army reserve, he was very proud of this. His OCP No. 2 group picture still hangs in his office today.
In 1964, Don met Helen the love of his life. In 1970, while on one of their many travel adventures they eloped in Monterrey, Mexico. During this time frame Don continued to buy, develop, and sell various businesses. This included the hospitality industry, land developing, custom design of residential and commercial buildings, and other ventures. In the 1960s, Don had a crystal ball and he invested in a large area of land on Lake of the Woods. Don and his business partner Helen poured themselves physically and financially into the lake property, building the main road and their own cottage while creating a subdivision of lots that were sold to folks who became their lifelong friends. He was affectionately known as the godfather of Kenricia Road. He was happiest when he was at the lake. He loved his cottage, the neighbours, the lake puttering projects, the parties, and happy hour in the man cave with John Harbottle. He looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed the annual hunting and fishing with his nephew Jim, and Bill when he was able to travel to join them. While working on the lake project Don also developed several lots in the Tuxedo area where he designed and built custom homes. Back in the day, these homes were among the most luxurious and expensive homes being built in the city. He also took on a project that was new to Winnipeg, he built the first Lottery home to be raffled off for charity. We understand this project raised about a million dollars for CancerCare. He then topped off the project with a large personal donation to CancerCare. Don always had so many projects on the go it was hard to keep track of what he was working on and when. He designed and built a condominium project in San Antonio, purchased the Dryden Hotel, and he and his business partner designed and built the commercial property on Waverley. Through all this, Helen and Don continued to travel extensively several times a year. Some of the destinations they visited were China, Cuba, South America, Mexico, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and wintering in San Antonio. Don was most proud of the trip to Ukraine. Back in Ukraine, Don's family was very prominent. He was thrilled to have had the opportunity to visit sites, monuments, and buildings named after the Stefanyk family.
Still active in business ventures Don lived a very full and colourful life right to the end. Don and Helen celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past summer. We all loved his stories and appreciated his advice that we will miss dearly. He was a loving, kind, generous, and patient man who could keep company with Royals and Statemen. But most important to Don was his loving wife Helen, cat Countess, the family, and friends. He was always looking out for all of us. He will be missed beyond words. To know him was to love him.
Thank you to Dr. Smart, Dr. Coodin, Dr. Chowdray and Dr. Rabson for taking such good care of Don over the years.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Don's memory to the Humane Society, CancerCare or to a charity of your choice.

THOMSON "IN THE PARK"
204-925-1120
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsoninthepark.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2020