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DONALD FONTAINE
Date of Passing: Mar 08, 2015
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation
DONALD FONTAINE With hearts saddened by our profound loss but so thankful for his being, we announce that Don Fontaine passed away at sunset on March 8, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Diane, sons Reid and Myles, daughters-in-law, Amy, her son Ross, and Maddie. We have so many treasured memories that will keep Don alive in our hearts and with us forever. He loved and was loved by his in-laws, Ernie and wife Hazel, Pat and Réal Martin, Denis Paquette and Shelly Howard, and his nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Alice (Rondeau) Fontaine and Joseph Fontaine, and his mother-in-law, Bertha Paquette. Don was a barber and was proud of the 51 years he worked at his craft. The highlight of his career was when he and a partner relocated The Male Image to a beautiful character building on Hargrave Street. Later in his career he worked alongside his good friend Alvin Giesbrecht at My Place on Vaughan Street. He bid farewell to downtown Winnipeg in grand style, meeting and greeting people while working at a shop in the skywalk of the Carghill Building. The most significant and valued part of his long career was the friendships he fostered with his customers. Don was passionate about public speaking and in the 1970s he joined Toastmasters. Not only did he participate in the group but he became a leader and mentor to help others improve their skills. Don was a "possibility motivator" and would encourage new members to consider what they would achieve by joining the group. He was honoured to receive the George Craigie Memorial Award for home club membership building and retention. He loved people and loved life but above all he loved his family. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family; often leaving for work long before anyone was awake and home late in the evening. He would entertain the boys before bed by singing and dancing them to sleep. At birthday parties or family gatherings the kids would all gravitate to Don as he played games and encouraged them all to be themselves and have fun. When Don first met Diane he courted her for many years and whether he had to hitchhike to Falcon Lake or walk through St. Boniface to visit her, he would have done anything to steal a few moments with her. They shared a wonderful life together and dedicated so much of it to raising their two sons. Later in life they would enjoy travelling; this included trips to Puerto Vallarta where they would share beautiful sunsets together. Don dedicated much of the last two years of his life to writing. What started as a hobby quickly morphed into a wonderful journey documenting the events of his storied life. His goal was to publish a book and in recent months his family rallied around him to help him achieve this goal. We are proud to announce that sample copies of "Faces in the Barber's Mirror - Stories from my Chair by Don Fontaine" will be available to view at Don's memorial service. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Thank you to all the family and friends who visited Don these last few months; he cherished that time very much. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Don's memory to the St. Boniface Hospital, Palliative Care Endowment Fund, 409 Tache Ave., Room C1026, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2015
Condolences & Memories (15 entries)
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I was a patron of Don's for 25 years or so at The Male Image and My Place. Although it has been quite a number of years since I last saw him, I will always remember him to be very positive and uplifting in his conversations. So sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Donald Lewicki (Patron) on: Mar 18, 2015
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Don was one of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet. Even before joining the Forks Toastmasters I knew of his charm each time I passed his barbershop, and soon it became evident that he was a Legend in the Toastmaster's circle. Always making time to offer advice and "growth points", Don was and still is one of a kind and will always be fondly remembered. - Posted by: Don Samker (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2015
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So sorry for your loss... Our heartfelt condolences to the family... Adele and John Nicolson - Posted by: Adele Nicolson (cousin) on: Mar 16, 2015
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It is with great sadness that I learn of Don's passing - I recall so many of his speeches, insights, positive optimistic observations. Don was a true student of human nature and he never lost the faith in the goodness of people. Every conversation with him inspired me -My sincere condolences to his wife Diane and his sons. He was a great man!! - Posted by: Jack Gillespie-Toastmasters International President-1991-92 (Friend,client,) on: Mar 16, 2015
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Don was such a wonderful fellow. Not living in Winnipeg, I was quite surprised to hear of Don's passing and terribly saddened. I met Don through Toastmasters 40 years ago where Don's communication skills, story telling and humour made him a great example to us all, a good mentor and a leader. His barber chair gave us a spot to carry on our friendship. We talked, listened joked and, as much as he tried to make me feel special, Don was the special one: a very caring and compassionate guy. His stories often revolved around Diane and his sons with pride and love. My heart is with you. - Posted by: Gus Campbell (friend) on: Mar 15, 2015
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It was the spring of 1969 and I was 13 yrs. old. A friend of mine told me about this “hairstylist” he had gone to. So I decided to try him out, my first time venturing out on my own to get a haircut without my parents’ help. I walked into his shop on Graham, an insecure young boy, and saw this young barber. He greeted me as if I was someone really special. When I left his shop, he not only gave me a great haircut, but through his positive attitude and upbeat personality, he made me feel like a million bucks. That was the beginning of a 46-year friendship. It was the best $7 I ever spent. Throughout the years, our friendship deepened through the many heartfelt talks we had. Don taught me how to go through life with a positive attitude even when things get tough. We were both heavy smokers, but Don was able to find the strength to quit. Every time I wanted a cigarette, I would tell myself that if Don could say no to a cigarette, so could I. He inspired me to finally quit smoking and, as it turns out, helped save my life. I’ll miss the countless conversations we had. He always came from a place of love, truth and honesty. You could be yourself with Don, and never felt like you were being judged. We would often share stories about our families, him proudly sharing his love for Diane, Reid and Myles. I’m going to miss all the heartfelt talks we shared, his big heart and big personality. At some point he quit being my barber and became like a brother I never had. His friendship meant a lot to me, and the effect he had on my life has been profound. I can’t express how much I’ll miss hearing the words, “Love you Buckmaster…” I just want to say one more time, “Love you, Fontaine…” - Posted by: Rocky Buckmaster (Friend) on: Mar 15, 2015
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Diane and family, sincere sympathy in your great loss. Lorraine (Nuytten) Kapko and family - Posted by: lorraine (Nuytten) Kapko (cousin) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Our heartfelt condolences to Diane & Family. Doug & Ninette Rondeau - Posted by: Doug Rondeau (Cousin) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Thanks / merci, Don, for all you did for so many. I never left your barber's chair without feeling better. Not only did you make the outside of my head look good, you made the inside of my head feel great! Don's ongoing enthusiasm for Toastmasters inspired me to charter a club in the small city of Iizuka, Japan. Japanese people helped continue the IIzuka Toastmasters Club, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013. Thanks/arigato to Don. Don was a very proud papa, and he admitted, at least in the sanctity of the barber's chair, that he wouldn't be the man he was without his wife, Diane. Monsieur Fontaine, merci for the love which came with every haircut. God be with you. - Posted by: Rob Duncan (Friend and customer from Barber Shop) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Don was "THE" hair stylist in Winnipeg by reputation back in 1971 when I first sat in his chair. What a great friend he turned out to be! Always upbeat, kind and full of great conversation. Don was also a great listener and a compassionate ear when life handed out speed bumps. The hour in his chair was always the highlight of that day for me. I will miss him more than my heart can say. My son John was a customer of Don's also. Don spoke so highly of him and always made him feel special. I will cherish his kindness forever. We are so happy he had the time to finish writing "Faces in the Barber's Mirror". I have heard most of them over the last 44 years and look forward to reading them and to "hear" his voice again. My deepest condolences to Diane and Reid and Myles. - Posted by: Garry Loewen (Friend and patron for 44 years) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Don was my mentor and friend for many years. He evaluated my very first Toastmasters speech, and continued to work with me through the program. I always appreciated his down-to-earth advice mixed in with his unique "barber-shop" humour. He definitely left his mark on me and many other Toastmasters who he helped through the years. - Posted by: Stan Penner (Toastmaster and friend) on: Mar 14, 2015
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My deepest sympthathies Diane, Reid and Myles on your tremendous loss. When I heard of Don's death the following saying came to mind: "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, you rejoice and the world cries"; Don lived his life in that way. I, his family and friends are all crying at the loss of this wonderful man with such a beautiful soul. Don is rejoicing at having heard the words of his saviour, "You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased". I feel Blessed in having known him and will miss his re-telling of his story of me each time we met. - Posted by: Irene Pearce (Friend) on: Mar 14, 2015
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What started out as a simple haircut ended in a valued friendship. Don's optimism, courage and pure love of life delivered more than I ever imagined. My thoughts are with him now, and for his family, who I know he loved so very much. His stories would make me laugh, sometimes cry, and always grateful for the good things in life. He always left me marvelling at the messages he was delivering in his own special way. His perspective and counsel are something that I will always miss. But most of all it was his humility, modesty and friendship that I will always respect and carry forward. Thank you Don. For everything. - Posted by: Joe Keszi (Friend) on: Mar 14, 2015
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Diane, my deepest sympathy in your loss. Lolly - Posted by: Dolores McDougall (cousin) on: Mar 14, 2015
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The passing of a friend is always a difficult and emotional moment. The loss of someone who has been a constant in my life for over forty years, makes me reflect on how precious life is and how fortunate I was to have Don behind my barber's chair for all that time. I never considered Don as my barber, he introduced me to "hair-styling" at the Male Image on Graham in 1971 and from that moment on, our relationship grew. Don was so much more than the guy who cut my hair, he was a confidant, someone who caught up on my life's ups and downs (every 6 to 8 weeks), someone who knew exactly what to say to make me feel special every time I left his shop. Don was a gifted humanist, whose smile on Vaughan Street or in the corridors of the Cargill Building would brighten up anybody's day. He cared for people and had a way with words to bring out the best in all of us. Oh and yes, he was also a magician with those scissors and comb! Over forty years, a constant in our conversations touched on our respective families, their health, their accomplishments and their special moments. Don's love for his "gal" Diane and his sons, Reid and Myles was evident and with each visit we got to know each others' families without ever having had a chance to meet. On behalf of my family, please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of such a special person. He will be missed! - Posted by: Gerry Clement (Friend and patron for over 40 years) on: Mar 14, 2015
