JOHN LEO DATZKIW

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JOHN LEO DATZKIW January 21, 1928 - April 12, 2018 John passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years. He had been a resident at the Golden West Centennial Lodge, in Winnipeg, for the past nine years. Left to survive John are his loving wife of 63 years, Myrtle (nee McMillan) and their three children, son Conrad (Theresa), daughter Debbie and son Ken (Linda); as well as his eight grandchildren, Lauren, Holly, Noelle, David, Yvonne, Jacob, Kaelan and Benjamin. John had a lifelong passion for aviation, working 33 years as an air traffic controller and instructor, starting in Thompson, MB and Regina, SK, before serving the bulk of his career in Winnipeg, MB, until he retired in 1984. As well, he held a private and commercial pilot's licence and kept busy as a tow pilot for the Winnipeg Gliding Club, and volunteering with the Western Canadian Aviation Museum - where he was honoured with the award of a lifetime membership for his years of dedicated service. John was one of the founding members of Sport Air and rarely was there a family vacation taken without checking out the local airport. In addition to John's aviation pursuits, he was a concert violinist and played with the Regina Symphony. Both John and Myrtle enjoyed being volunteer ushers at the Manitoba Theatre Centre. In between flying and volunteering, he spent family time at the cabins in Ontario, travelling to Mexico and Hawaii and keeping everyone on their toes with his rapier wit. John was a force to be reckoned with and his family are blessed to have had him in their lives. In compliance with John's wishes, no Funeral Service will be held. Many thanks go to the staff of Golden West Lodge, for their compassionate and professional care and the support shown to our family, at this time of loss. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Western Canadian Aviation Museum. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2018