Douglas ZIEMER

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ZIEMER: Douglas Gordon Ziemer, January 26, 1947 - June 15, 2009. With love and fondest memories we announce the passing of Douglas Gordon Ziemer at the age of 62, after a courageous battle with Cancer. Doug is survived by his loving wife Angie Buternowski, daughter Kendell Ziemer-Buternowski (Andrew Mazer), son Zeanan Ziemer-Buternowski. Also from previous marriage daughters Tracey, Tiffany Ziemer and son Dean Ziemer. Three grandchildren; Dylan, Zachery and Taylor Ziemer. Doug is also survived by brothers; Erv (Brenda) Ziemer, Larry (Jane) Garrioch, Tom (Cheryl) Garrioch, brothers-in-law; Orest (Donna) Buternowski, Ron Buternowski, stepfather Lyall Garrioch. There are several nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by parents Molly Garrioch and Gordon Ziemer. Doug was born in Swan River, lived in Minitonas and years later moved to Lynn Lake. Learning at an early age that school and work were important family values. Another move to Flin Flon, where he was introduced to the family business Mel's Taxi. There were times when Doug would dispatch before and after school and made the gruelling walk during lunch to deliver the Flin Flon paper but only to make a pit stop at the local Flin Flon Bakery. Soon hockey would be a sport hegrew to love and play as a goalie up to midget and then in the summer it was baseball. He had saved his money and was proud to buy his own first car to drive taxi. The taxi office being the community lifeline had its definite ups and downs, but Doug seemed to find a way to push through it. Doug had so much determination in life and a huge heart who would give the shirt off his back to help anybody. Back in Lynn Lake he worked with his brother Larry at CNR for a few years. Then Doug and a friend Barry Sass would try several jobs like Diamond Drilling, trucking, and moving furniture. Entrepreneur was his calling, from owning and managing Ang's Diner (Benito), Queens Avenue Grocery (Brandon), Rapid City Lucky Dollar (Rapid City) and ABC Cabs. Each new business adventure had its challenges but was all very successful and more importantly to him he met a lot of wonderful people. When time permitted he would achieve numerous certifications, especially his coaching Level 3 where he then coached Midget hockey. In 1986 his team won the Championship. The birth of his children was his most precious moments. Tracey was very busy while managing her secondary schooling to get her business degree and raising Zachery. During the days of ABC Taxi, Doug and Dean would be making daily business decisions and giving each other views on hockey. Tiffany kept up with what had to be done around the office. He had so much to give in his gentle kind way. He was very much involved with the kid's extracurricular activities whether it was his son's hockey or his daughter's figure skating he was always there to give his many words of wisdom. Over the years Doug's interests were: camping with the family, being involved with the kids sports, exercising, walking, going for Tim Horton's coffee and Twisters for ice cream and just being outside and being around his family. The past two years of Doug's life was a huge emotional and physical battle. Although not for a second did he ever give up the fight and believed it was his family that got him through day by day. He was able tospend a wonderful two years at home with his family and made numerous trips to The Pas to watch his son play for the OCN Blizzard. He will be deeplymissed and always fondly remembered by his friends and family! Doug was cremated, and a memorial service was held Friday, June 19, 2009 at Memories Chapel. Donations in memory of Doug may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association Office B, 727 10th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4G7 or to CancerCareManitoba 675 McDermot Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0V9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 27, 2009