DONALD GEORGE BAIZLEY

Condolences & Memories (22 entries)

• I was deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. My sincere condolences to his wife Leslie, his children Marnie & Robbie and siblings Brian & Brenda. I remember Don studying for his Law exams in his Grandma's (my Aunt Esther) kitchen at the Store on Fifth Ave in St. Vital and being told to be very quiet. Don and Brian also taught me to water ski at West Hawk Lake - memories I will always treasure. - Posted by: Diane McConnell (Cousin) on: Jul 18, 2013

• I started work at TDS in July of 1985 and my first job was receptionist and overload coverage. I would help Don's assistant out with overload work and also sometimes covered for vacation. I remember all of these hockey players coming in to see Don and I was starstruck. Don was one of the nicest men I ever met and he genuinely cared about everyone. RIP Don - you will be missed - Posted by: Julie Grabowski-McGowan (Former Thompson, Dorfman, Sweatman employee (1985-1990)) on: Jul 10, 2013

• It's extremely sad for all who knew Don to have him taken away so soon, but aren't we all blessed to have known such a kind, caring and gentleman of class! On a personal note, working with Don was like winning the lottery! He treated me as an equal and made working fun; it was all about "socializing" with hockey people. He was always kidding me about never giving up trying to keep him organized. We had interesting times such as the secret negotiations regarding Hedberg and Nilsson going to New York, Kurri going to L.A., organizing the Billy Heindl Night, Numminen's salary arbitration, and others. Don truly did care about his clients, whether he told them to stay in school yet, how much they should be saving out of their paycheques, whether it was wise to spend so much money on "the car". My favorite memory is Don telling me (in the off season) that Kent Nilsson was coming to Winnipeg to meet with him and was staying at the Westin. Then he said, "but he's bring his son, Robert", who was a toddler then. I looked at Don who had a grin on his face, and I said, "and you want me to babysit?" Needless to say, I went to the hotel room, Kent said Robert would sleep for an hour or two. After 15 minutes or so, Robert coughed and woke himself up. When he saw me, he started to cry and headed for the door. I didn't speak Swedish, Robert didn't understand English, so I took off the high heels and knelt on the floor in my dress and proceeded to play with "matchbox cars'. Soon, Robert took my hand and led me to the bathtub..wanting a bath, I guess. I distracted him until Kent returned. I mentioned many times to Don that that favour was above and beyond the call of duty. We'll all think of Don often and he'll be forever remembered. May he rest in peace in Heaven's Hall of Fame; he trulY was ONE OF A KIND. Sincere condolences to Lesley, Gordie and Marnie, as well as to Brian. - Posted by: Ernie & Margaret Choptuik (& family) (Margaret worked for Don 1975-1991) on: Jul 10, 2013

• Leslie and Family Joanie and I were saddened to learn of Don's death. The passionate "affair" he carried on throughout his too short life with the game of hockey was reciprocated in spades as is obvious in the messages you have and will receive. - Posted by: Chuck Meighen (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2013

• Leslie and Family Our thoughts are with you and we hope that happy memories will help you get through this very difficult time - Posted by: Sandra & Jim Petrie (Old school friends) on: Jul 09, 2013

• We are so sorry to hear about Don's passing; world has lost the great human being and father figure for many ice hockey players all over the world! Our deepest condolences to Leslie, Marnie and Gordie! He will be deeply missed! Pekka and Arja Rautakallio - Posted by: Pekka and Arja Rautakallio (Friends from Finland!) on: Jul 09, 2013

• Leslie and family, My sincere condolences - my thoughts are with you. Sincerely Jaye Read - Posted by: Jaye read () on: Jul 06, 2013

• I had many dealings with Don in the hockey agent player negotiations, and I must say he was a class individulal who took the time to turn the page and look into a potentially difficult situatiion. He was a well respected and considerate gentleman. He will be missed. Michael Gobuty - Posted by: michael gobuty (business) on: Jul 06, 2013

• I met Don from my Jet WHA days with Bobby, Ulf & Anders, and teaching all the players @ Tuxedo golf course that don brought from Sweden,, then now back home after 25 years of tripping the world playing Golf in Australia, Don was back in my life thru ONE of The BEST Golf Days on the schedule of Manitoba ,, THE BLACK SPARROW play'd for almost 40 years @ Falcon Lake, I have been the Dir of Golf for the past 9 Sparrows & dealt with Don, Les, David & Steve. Don would call & check, book same time next year Pro last friday in May ,, On behalf of all the Staff, Golf shop & Restaurant we will miss you & send our love to the whole family .. Sports Tip [Bais ,, Hockey head up .. Golf head down or as Brother Brian said Turn the Nob on the BBQ towards the Lake for the gas !!!! bye for now Sandy & Alex Kurceba & Staff @ Team Falcon Lake - Posted by: SANDY KURCEBA (Friend ) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Don was a strong mentor and selfless friend. He was able to reason and share his wisdom with strength and humility. He is as fine a man as I have known and he will be dearly missed. He has left a positive impact on many people around the world through his genuinely caring way. Condolences and deepest sympathy to Leslie, Gordie and Marnie. - Posted by: Paul Baxter (Friend /Client) on: Jul 03, 2013

• My father Gord Pennell coached "Baiz" when he was a member of the Winnipeg Rangers of the MJHL. My father was always very proud of Don and his accomplishments, and the huge contribution he made to hockey in Winnipeg and around the world. I was the stick boy on the team, and have many fond memories of those times. Recently I had the good fortune to have Don assist me with a business matter - he remembered who I was after so many years. He will be missed. - Posted by: Gord Pennell and Todd Pennell (coach and friend) on: Jul 03, 2013

• I grew up in Riverview and Don was two years older than me. Two years difference In the 50's was a lot. Even back then I felt there was something special about him. Whether watching Don play hockey or basketball at Churchill High, I couldn't help but secretly admire him. As the years went by, I enjoyed following his career and catching up through mutual friends. Every once in a while our paths would cross and my admiration for Don grew stronger. Don is one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to have known. My sympathy goes out to the family. - Posted by: Doug Wimble (Friend) on: Jul 02, 2013

• The volunteers and staff of the MB Sports Hall of fame and Sport MB were saddened to hear of Don's passing and offer our sincere condolences to Lesley and her family. A true gentleman in every sense of the word, I can honestly say I have never met anyone who did not like Don Baizley in the sporting or legal community. We'll miss you Don. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Jul 02, 2013

• we met Don through our restaurant business at the Falcon Lake Golf Course Restaurant and the Black Sparrow Golf Tournament. He was such a pleasant guy to deal with, along with his co-organizer Les Allen. We never realized how big a guy he was because he never acted as anything but just an average hard working guy. Sherry and I are saddened by his passing at such a young age. We are thinking of you. Bill & Sherry Shedden - Posted by: bill & sherry shedden (business) on: Jul 01, 2013

• Growing up in the Riverview district together Don transcended any age difference that we had and gained my admiration and respect from an early age. I had little contact with Don for many years but enjoyed visits with him at recent Hockey Hall of Fame dinners! His being on the national stage and associated with so many high profile NHL players did not change Don...his genuineness and humility were evident and are the traits that I will remember! My condolences to all the family! - Posted by: John Rendall (Friend) on: Jun 30, 2013

• We were shocked to hear of Don's death today as we watched the NHL draft. I grew up living next door to the Baizley's at West Hawk and have many memories of boating and swimming on the lake. My parents, Frank & Maryth Brown, have passed away and their cottage sold many years now, but my husband and I have memories of "talking hockey" on the dock with Don. He was generous to donate hockey souvenirs to our daughter's ringette team and we will always remember him for his kindness and for being a long time cottage neighbor. Our sympathies to the Baizley family during the days and weeks to follow. Maryth & Chuck Maxner, Halifax, N.S. - Posted by: Maryth Maxner (former next door neighbor at West Hawk Lake) on: Jun 30, 2013

• I knew of Don as a Good Old Fort Rouge boy who played in the MJHL. I was later fortunate enough to be able to do some Labour Arbitration work with him. He was a man of compassion with a keen sense of fairness. He was a voice of reason, and a consensus builder, as well as a man of self effacing humour. He continued to support Junior Hockey by buying a fund raising dinner ticket off me for 30 consecutive years. Baiz will be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Grant(Jock)Rodgers (Friend/Business associate) on: Jun 29, 2013

• I met Don in the late 1950's when he played hockey at Earl Grey and knew him as a fellow lawyer. I ran into him last Oct or Nov in the Winnipeg Square concourse and we talked for a while. He asked me what I was doing (retired) and I told him about volunteering for the Literacy Program for refugee teens at Grant Park High School. When I described what was involved, he said he might be interested in trying it as it would be something he would enjoy. I told him that many students needed a mentor like him and to give me a call. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts are with his family. - Posted by: Dirk Blevins (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2013

• I have such fond memories when Don and I attended Churchill High. We played on the same hockey team together and if I scored 3 goals, the next game Don made sure to score 4 goals. He was very competitive and we were the 2 top hockey players at the time. Don's father, Dr. Baizley, at that time drove a big blue/white Chrysler and would deliver and pick us up from all hockey games. I remained friends with Don throughout his wonderful career. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace my good friend. Our sincere condolences are extended to all of his dear family. Kenny Dusang and family. - Posted by: Kenneth Dusang (Long time friend) on: Jun 28, 2013

• Don was a man we had great admiration for and are proud to have known him and to have been one of his earliest clients. His passing at age 71 is far too soon but he accomplished so much and befriended so many that he lived a complete and full life by all standards.Y ou will be missed Don. Our deepest sympathy to Leslie and family. Ken and Gerry Stephanson - Posted by: Ken and Gerry Stephanson (Friend and client) on: Jun 28, 2013

• We can almost hear Don diving into the cool waters of WH and see him swim out into the lake and back...a daily sight when he was at the cottage. Reading and hearing what others have to say about him must give you such a feeling of pride. We should all have a Don Baizley in our lives as a true role model and mentor...someone who lived his life with such dignity and integrity...a best seller book called "A Life Lived Well." May you all find peace and comfort in your memories, the laughter as well as the tears. Our thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. The Fords - Posted by: Rick, Dee, James, Darren Ford and families (WHL-Star Sub. family) on: Jun 28, 2013

• Riverview School and Churchill High - Posted by: Kathy Brattston Rayner Vermeulen () on: Jun 28, 2013