DON MARCYNUK

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DON MARCYNUK With shattered hearts and dreams, we announce the sudden peaceful passing of Don in the early morning hours of Friday, November 16, 2018, at St. Boniface Hospital. Don grew up on a farm north of Dauphin, starting school a year early so that the local one-room school could have two students in grade one. When that school closed, he transferred at eight years old to the Dauphin 'town school', and recalled breaking his collarbone in grade four when running from the school bus home during early dismissal for Bobby Kennedy's assassination. Don greatly enjoyed being part of the 4-H Club, getting together with friends and working on projects with his great attention to detail, and was honoured to attend the annual week-long National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC in his senior high school year. He entered the University of Manitoba Department of Computer Science in 1974, and was involved in research and teaching until his own graduation with a PhD in 1990. He was 'honoured' with Ralphie awards for how many and how fast he could place overheads on the projector while lecturing. During this time, Don was also employed by R&D companies including Interdiscom Systems Ltd. working on a fibre optics trial, then IRIS Systems Ltd. working on a wireless meter reader, and finally settling into Vansco Electronics (now Parker) as a software developer until his passing. Don met his wife Debbie through friends and they married in 1977 in Dauphin, with three priests and over 1000 guests. It was hard to out-do that party! However, the biggest highlight and celebration in Don's life was the birth of their daughter Kati, followed by the celebration of her marriage to Matt, who is considered 'ours'. Don was a very patient and involved husband and father, who was always there for his 'girls', which also included the family cats. He loved all animals, and felt keenly the loss over the years of Punky, Oden and Noelle. He was lately happiest when cuddling Kati and Matt's kittens, Edna and Gracie. Don and Debbie were blessed to find their home over 35 years ago on a street which turned into a microcosm of closest friends, more than just neighbours. Don earned the respect of all who knew him. He had a quick sense of humour, and always knew how to make you smile. He never stopped wanting to learn and was interested in world events, reading science fiction or technical books, and watching hockey and football, with curling being his favourite sport. He started curling in high school, and continued in adult recreational leagues, passing on his love of the game to 'the kids'. He felt so very fortunate to be included in the last few years on teams with Kati, Matt and their friends. Don leaves to cherish his memory his wife Debbie, his daughter Kati and husband Matt Kulasza, mother Olga, brother Ken (Bev) and family, mother-in-law Nellie, and sister-in-law Valerie (Richard) and family, as well as many relatives, friends, co-workers and neighbours. He was predeceased by his father John in 2003 and father-in-law Ed in 1995. Funeral service led by Father John Mostivsky and reception will be held at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.; private interment to follow. Don would be humbled that the following young men are his pallbearers: Thomas Elvers, Mathew Grabau, Matthew McQuaker, Alan Moore, Jorden Velthuys, and David Weber. Flowers gratefully declined, donations in Don's memory can be made to a local animal shelter. Don will be remembered as a good natured, kind, gentle, and funny man, who was the sweetest, most successful of fathers, the most understanding and generous of husbands, and a loyal friend who was always willing to help others. We love and miss you so very much, Don! Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Nov 24, 2018

DON MARCYNUK With shattered hearts and dreams, we announce the sudden peaceful passing of Don in the early morning hours of Friday, November 16, 2018. Don's family, Debbie, Kati and Matt, want to express our sincerest gratefulness to St. Boniface Hospital IMCU nurse Tracy and Chaplain Mirela, Msgr. Michael Buyachok for performing last rites, and the quick responses of Doug and Tannia, Judy and Les that morning, as well as the many messages, texts, emails, calls, visits and food brought to our home, and especially our Audubon family, as you all share our grief. Funeral Mass and reception will be held at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with private interment to follow. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Don's memory can be made to a local animal shelter. Longer obituary to follow. We love and miss you so very much Don! Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Nov 20, 2018

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2018, Nov 24, 2018