- Brandon Sun Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
DONALD NICKOLAS KOTZ (DON)
Born: Dec 04, 1948
Date of Passing: Nov 30, 2022
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
DONALD NICKOLAS KOTZ
December 4, 1948 - November 30, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Don Kotz, after an extremely brave battle with cancer, four days shy of his 74th birthday.
Don is survived by his wife Alda, children, Morgan (Alexandra) and Raimey, grandchildren, Sam, Atleigh, and Hayden, sister Valerie (Don) of Kenora, ON, brother Larry (Lorna) of Vernon, BC, and their families.
The son of Nick and Helen Kotz, Don grew up in Dauphin, MB. He left home for his first job with CN, which took him all over northern Manitoba. Eventually he settled in Winnipeg and attended Red River Community College where he met his wife Alda. Don graduated from Business Administration, spent some time in the automotive industry, but then found his true calling as a financial advisor. Taking a leap of faith, he started a job at New York Life Insurance the same week his first child was born. That job transitioned to Canada Life and eventually Don struck out on his own, bringing his son, Morgan, into the business with him. Don loved working for his clients and never wanted to retire.
Don had a lifelong love affair with sports, highlighted by his years spent playing hockey for the Dauphin Kings. He later took great pleasure watching both of his children play hockey, as well as his grandson, Sam. He was a Jets season ticket holder since the 1980s and was a very passionate fan. He was also an avid golfer, and spent his summer days playing at Breezy Bend Country Club, often hitting 100 rounds a season. He enjoyed playing with his friends, clients, his son, and in recent years he was doing his best to persuade his daughter and grandkids to join him on the green.
Don loved spending the rest of his free time staying sharp with sudokus, jigsaw puzzles and tackling the Sunday crosswords with Raimey. In the winter, he would escape the cold to his second home in Phoenix and loved being able to entertain his grandkids there.
We would like to thank the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, the wonderful staff at the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, as well as all of those who supported us with calls and emails during this difficult time.
Please come and meet with the family for a celebration of Don's life at his favourite place, Breezy Bend Country Club, 7620 Roblin Blvd., Headingley, MB, on Thursday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m. If you cannot attend in person, please join us via this link: 862 3901 0379. Passcode: 418337.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CancerCare Manitoba or an animal charity of your choice. Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2022
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
-
My sincere condolences to Alda, Morgan and Raimey. I have many fond memories of Don when the family came to my Grandparents in Sandy Hook for various holidays and celebrations. My thoughts are with all of you. Garth - Posted by: Garth Hambly (Cousin ) on: Dec 31, 2022
-
We're so sorry about Don's passing. Our condolences to you and your family from Ron and Diane. Hugs - Posted by: Ron and Diane Minion (Friend) on: Dec 15, 2022
-
On behalf of Gisele and I, Our sympathy to Alda, Morgan,Raimey and all your families for your loss. From our New York Life days Don was always such a gentlemen to have business and friendship conversations. I can still smell going by his office at the Richardson building and his old Colts cigar smoke. How times have changed. RIP dear friend as you can now golf eternally without counting the scores. - Posted by: Norbert Collette (associate, friend) on: Dec 15, 2022
-
Alda, Raimey & family, I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Our family is sending heartfelt condolences to yours during this time of sorrow. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Kim Sorenson Lavallee & family - Posted by: Kim Sorenson Lavallee (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2022
-
Our deepest condolences to Alda and the family. Carole and I are so very sorry to hear about Don's passing. He was a great guy and loved people. - Posted by: Douglas Penn (Friend) on: Dec 12, 2022
-
Donnie & I were very good friends and classmates in our early years growing up in Dauphin. Many memories playing sports with Donnie. Although Don was small in stature he made up for it in tenacity, competitiveness, fine playing making and scoring. Don was also a real good pool player with a keen eye. We spent many hours playing at Frank's and Veal's pool rooms. Don was a fun loving guy and he loved to tease the girls in our classes. Don had a great smile and mischievous nature. I lost contact with him after high school in 1966. I too worked on CN in northern Manitoba after school but never met him again. I also lived in Winnipeg in the 70's and early 80's but never knew he was there. My sincere condolences to his wife and family. Trevor & Eileen Wilson - Posted by: Trevor Wilson (Friend) on: Dec 10, 2022