August 19, 1951 - January 15, 2021
It is with the deepest of sorrow and heartache that the family of Don would like to announce his sudden passing on January 15th at the age of 69. Don passed away peacefully in his sleep in his apartment in Chapala, Mexico, likely as a result of a sudden stroke or heart failure. He had returned to Mexico in late November for the winter and had spent his last weeks and days with his good friends, with whom he shared good meals, times and even some dances during his last days on Earth.
Don was born in Manitoba and grew up in a humble household in Portage La Prairie, where he was raised by his mother Victorina, an immigrant from Chile. He was the baby brother to his adoring older sisters Germaine, Irene, Margaret (Ed) and Florence and also had a special sister-like relationship with his niece Debbie (Ray). Don was a wanderer and a bit of an old hippy back in his day, even having lived on the streets of Montreal for a while and was always on the move.
Don eventually moved to Vancouver Island in 1979 where he met Leanne (No. 3) and realized his greatest joy in life, becoming a father to his two sons Dustin (Ana) and Dylan. Don loved his boys more than life itself and was always exceedingly proud of them and of the men he raised them to become. Dons' heart also swelled with love and pride for his three grandchildren, Yadira, Dante & Dario, whose names he proudly tattooed on his chest close to his heart. Dons' happiest years were spent with his young family on their acreage in Merville (Courtenay) where he also worked for Canada Post as a postal clerk (Courtenay & Comox offices), later retiring from the Neepawa (MB) office in 2008. Don also treasured his years living with Dylan on 3rd Street, where he was notorious for the giant sandwiches he would make for Dylan and his high school friends.
Not only was Don a bit of a gypsy, but he was a romantic and a passionate soul who wore his heart on his sleeve. He had been married and divorced 4 times and had come close to raising that number even higher on a few occasions!
Don valued his childhood friends from Manitoba (incl. Bob M., Tammi, Brian, Richard, etc.) but also had close friends that he had made in Mexico and in BC (incl. Gary, Griff & Postie buds Brian, Bob, Mike K, Karen). Don loved to read and was a fanatical follower of US politics. After he retired he spent his time living between various cities in Mexico and with the family of his eldest son in Smithers, Courtenay and Maple Bay.
Although his departure from our lives is far too premature, he led a life well-lived full of love, family and friendship. Don, we raise our glasses to you and toast to your life, legacy and the love that will live on in our hearts forever.....