Donald KLEMICK

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KLEMICK: Donald John Klemick of Brandon, beloved husband of Glenda, passed away at Fairview Home with family and close friends by his side on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the age of 62 years. Don was born in Brandon on July 27th, 1946, second son of John and Margaret Klemick and grew up in the city’s East End. As a child he was adventurous and inquisitive, proving to be a challenging, but clever student. He was active in many sports, including baseball, hockey, football and judo. He played for the Brandon Krugers football team and earned a tryout with the Regina Rams until a knee injury cut his career short. Don’s childhood dream was to become a Mountie but his knee injuries were an obstacle. After graduating from grade 12, he attended Officers’ Training with the Air Force as a navigator. After one year, he moved on to enter Teachers’ Training. He began his teaching career in 1967 at Fleming, followed by Earl Oxford, then at New Era where he was vice-principal. Don was an excellent educator, possibly surprising many of his former teachers. Don’s involvement in education was one of his passions. He operated a gymnastics club, was involved with the Western Manitoba Science Fair, the Manitoba Teachers Society and coached volleyball and basketball. Don also worked selling vacuums, life insurance, and real estate. He was part of a construction company and loved planning and building dream homes. After leaving the Brandon School Division, Don taught for 7 1/2 years at Sioux Valley, and later at Birdtail School. Don’s marketing business was one of his passions and a big part of his life from 1980 until his death. It provided Don and Glenda an opportunity to work together and travel throughout Canada and the U.S. Their children were also able to join them on many of these trips. Don was known for his excellent teaching abilities and passed on many of his life lessons as he and Glenda were guest speakers at many seminars. Don married his high school sweetheart, Glenda, on July 29th, 1967. Together they raised six children who were a constant source of pride in Don’s life. He was always ready with a tale of one of their recent accomplishments and enjoyed watching their sports games, plays, and any other activity including coaching soccer and hockey teams. They provided the fuel for everything he did, including all the late nights, long distance drives, and working two and three jobs at a time so Glenda could stay home with them. Don’s grandchildren provided further joy in his later years as he took great pride in all their talents and abilities and loved to spend time with them. He enjoyed watching everything they did and was at their soccer, baseball and hockey games, and their school events and band concerts. Don’s children and grandchildren were fortunate enough to receive many of Don’s life lessons that took place outside of the classroom. Whether it was in sports, reading, card tricks or drawing, he never missed an opportunity to teach not only a skill, but also how to believe in yourself and to be the very best you can be. While they had many children, children-in-law and grandchildren, Don and Glenda loved to treat each child uniquely and paid attention to their particular desires and interests. Don came to faith in Jesus Christ in 1980 and allowed it to shape his character, life, identity and heart. He loved reading the bible and made it through cover- to-cover several times. He believed his family, business and other relationships gave him opportunity to live out his calling of helping and investing in his fellow man, always going the extra mile and putting others before himself. Don is survived by his loving wife, Glenda, and their six children: Kris (Brenda), Jordan (Kari-lyn), Kellie, Joel (Krista), Alanna (Ryan Wharf), and Sean (Jenn). Don adored his grandchildren, Brandon, Katherine, Jesse, Tanner, Konnor and Haylee, Evan and Lauren, Grace, Isaiah and Kerelo, and Ethan and Lennon Wharf. Lauren joined our family on Saturday, June 20th, 2009 and sadly, Don did not meet his new granddaughter as he passed away the following Tuesday. Don is also remembered by his sister-in-law Janice, her children Shawna, Darcy and Michelle as well as Don’s nephews Geoff and Trevor. Don was predeceased by his dad John in 1984, his mom Margaret in 1986, and brother Gary in 1999. A Celebration of Don’s Life was held at Grand Valley Community Church on Saturday, June 27th. Don’s son Joel was the presiding pastor and children Kris, Jordan, Kellie, Alanna and Sean gave the eulogy. Don’s nephew Darcy, grandson Brandon, and son-in-law Ryan Wharf joined his sons as pallbearers. Joel sang Closer To You as a tribute to his dad. Don's family is his greatest legacy. His love and knowledge will live on forever in the lives of his family. He will be forever missed, but never gone from our hearts.Donations in Don’s memory may be made to Fairview Home, 5th floor, 1351-13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4S6, attention Carol Vogt, or to Grand Valley Community Church, 1620 Braecrest Drive, Brandon, Manitoba, R7C 0B3.A heartfelt thanks go to Carol Vogt and the entire 5th floor staff for lovingly caring for Don on the last part of his journey. To place a message of condolence or to view the video tribute, please visit www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 04, 2009