DONALD TARREL

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DONALD TARREL MacANGUS (D.T. Mac) Donald Tarrel MacAngus, husband of Margaret MacAngus, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2003 with his family at his side. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 50 years, Margaret; devoted sons, David (Nancy), Glen (Monika) cherished daughter Shona (Brent) of Kelowna, BC; grandchildren, Callum, Jane, Amy, Sydney, Cameron, Reid, and Dana; brother David MacAngus of Tain, Scotland; and sister Alice Brunton of Winnipeg, Canada. Don was the youngest of 13 children, born on June 13, 1928 to Alexander and Anne MacAngus, in the fishing village of Hilton, Scotland. Don served his five year carpentry apprenticeship at R. Ross and Sons in Ross-Shire, Scotland. In 1949, the 21 year old carpenter immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada. Don returned to Scotland to marry Margaret on August 21, 1953. The two had met in Tain, Scotland as teenagers during their summer vacations. Following their marriage they chose to reside in Winnipeg. In 1953, Don founded Winnipeg Building & Decorating Ltd., working day and night to realize his goal of owning his own business. "The Little Scottish Carpenter", as he became known, never looked back. His reputation for quality and fairness and his ability to attract the best tradespeople allowed the company to expand rapidly. He quickly earned a large number of clients, serving their needs with high calibre workmanship and expedient service. Some "good old country" carpenters and painters came out of retirement solely to work for Don MacAngus. He always said that it was the workmen that made the company successful. Many of the tradesmen worked well beyond their retirement age. The younger workers stayed with the company for more than 40 years. It was their commitment to the company and Dons commitment to them that caused the company to thrive. Don always believed in treating his staff as he would like to be treated. The highest compliment that could be paid to Don was to say he was one of the boys. He was on a first name basis with all his employees. Don was particularly proud to see a third generation of the MacAngus family at Winnipeg Building & Decorating Ltd. Don, always active in his community, played soccer upon his arrival in Winnipeg. He played with the Winnipeg Scottish Soccer Club, garnering a reputation of being "one of the better Old Country players". He played the bagpipes with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders and the Shriners. Although he retired his pipes from active service, he occasionally acquiesced to perform for private functions. He belonged to numerous business and social organizations including the Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club, St. Charles Country Club, Manitoba Club, Khartoum Temple, St. Andrews Society, Victoria (BC) Golf Club, and the Tain (Scotland) Golf Club. In December of 2002, Don was personally honoured to be awarded the Queens Jubilee Medal for his outstanding community service. Dons greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. He was their most dedicated fan and continually expressed how proud he was of all of their accomplishments. Don MacAngus, "The Little Scottish Carpenter", will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Don and his family greatly appreciated the many visits he received from friends and business associates during his illness. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to the staff of the Grace General Hospital and the Manitoba Home Care/Palliative Care Unit for all their dedicated care and compassion shown during the past six months. A special thank you to Dr. John Milner - his care and friendship were greatly appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation Inc., 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7, or a charity of your choice. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 11, at Knox United Church, 400 Edmonton St. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2003