Donald McCANNELL

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McCANNELL: Donald (Don) Richard McCannell, of 91 years, peacefully passed on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the Melita Personal Care Home surrounded by his loved ones. Don is predeceased by his parents (Malcolm and Catherine), wife Laverne (nee McDermit) of Pierson, and sister Margaret of Elva. He is survived by his sister Elsie of Winnipeg, brother John (Frances) of Elva and family. As well, he is survived by his three children and spouses, Daryle (Jane) of Brandon, Brent (Barb) of Winnipeg, and Holly Cumming (Jim) of Winnipeg. He is also lovingly remembered and cherished by his 9 grandchildren and their spouses, and 12 great grandchildren with two more on the way this summer. Don was born in 1925 in Elva at Mrs. Mainland’s nursing home, second child of Catherine (nee Skelton) and Malcolm. He grew up on the farm 5 miles from Elva just south of Highway #3. When Don’s father (Malcolm) passed away in 1938, he, along with his siblings, his mother and uncle Tom Calder, worked hard to keep the farm. He was married in 1947 to Laverne McDermit of Pierson, daughter of Roxie (nee Drier) and Patrick. After spending their first winter in Winnipeg, they returned to Pierson living in a small apartment above Phair’s Hardware Store. During the next two years, Don worked in a local garage owned by Orie Shannon. At the end of that second year, he returned to farming in the Elva area, living at the corner of the Elva road and #3 highway. In 1957, Don and Laverne moved into Elva (old Wyatt farm on edge of the village). Don continued farming until retirement in 1999. His wife and loving companion Laverne, of 54 years of marriage, passed away in 2001, after a few months of living in their retirement home in Melita. Don and Laverne poured much love and care into renovations of the Melita home, which the family have thoroughly enjoyed ever since. We are thankful for the many special memories of Dad; horse, sleigh and wagon rides, card games, playing pool, dancing, going for crop checks, deer counts before sunset, golfing and curling, annual trips to Brandon Winter Fair, and far away trips to Brazil, Scotland, Kelowna, Nova Scotia, and Alaska, and most recently sitting side by side sharing a toddy together. The family would like to thank all the staff from the Melita Home Care Services, Melita Health Center and most recently the Melita Personal Care Home, who gave Dad such loving care. Please join us in a celebration of Dad’s life on Saturday, April 23, 2016 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Melita Curling Club, Melita, MB. Donations may be given to the Melita Personal Care Home, Box 459 Melita, Manitoba R0M 1L0 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home Melita 522-3361. To send condolences to the family, please visit: www.redpathfuneralhome.comYou are not forgotten dad, not ever shall you be.As long as there are feet to dance and horses to ride,we will always remember thee.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 05, 2016