DONALD WILLIAM CHARLESON

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DONALD WILLIAM CHARLESON

On December 30, 2025, our loving and devoted father, husband, and grandfather, Donald Charleson, surrounded by family, passed away at his home at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence in Winnipeg.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, of 15 years, Nancy Clendenan; his children, Kenneth (Mary), Robert (Kim) and Karen; ten grandchildren, Amber, Eric, William, Emma, Anna, Kristen, Jessica, Markian, Sarah and Daniel; sister-in-law Audrey Krutkevich; sister-in-law Jo-Anne Charleson and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley; his brother David Charleson, his brother-in-law John Krutkevich and his mother and father, Florence and John Charleson.

Don was born in Brandon, MB on June 13, 1933. He spent his early childhood and youth enjoying a variety of sports and his summers were often spent at Sandy Lake or Clear Lake in Manitoba. Following high school, Don worked for the Manitoba Highways Department as a surveyor. At the age of 24, he decided to study Engineering at the University of Manitoba and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. In 1965 he married Shirley Anne Krutkevich and the couple moved into an apartment on Hargrave Street in Winnipeg, where Don worked for the Manitoba Highways Department and Nelson River Construction. In 1966 the couple relocated to Edmonton, AB where their three children were born. Don decided to pursue a Master of Engineering Degree at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1971. The family moved back to Winnipeg in 1976 where he worked for Reid Crowther and Partners.

Don enjoyed supporting his children in their many activities such as hockey, swimming, tap dancing and music lessons. In 1982, Don and Shirley started Charleson Engineering Ltd out of their house. Don did the Engineering and Shirley handled the business side. Shirley passed away in 2004 which was very hard for Don. It took some time but he found love again with his beautiful Nancy. They were married in 2010. Don often said that he was blessed to have found true love twice in his life.

Don was known for organizing teams for entry into the Manitoba Marathon and the Riding Mountain Triathlon. His wife Nancy, his children, nieces and nephews and unsuspecting friends were roped into participating. The teams did not place high in the standings but fun was had by all.

Don will be greatly missed by his family and many close friends. A funeral will be held on January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints’ Anglican Church located at 521 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB. Interment for immediate family will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to Cancer Care Manitoba.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2026