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DONALD IRVING CLEGHORN
Born: Jul 16, 1928
Date of Passing: Dec 25, 2024
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
DONALD IRVING CLEGHORN
Peacefully, surrounded by his family in Arizona, at the age of 96.
Donald is survived by his wife Berna, daughter Arla (William), and grandson Dion. He is predeceased by his sons, Dwight, and Blake.
Born and raised in Baldur, Manitoba, Don had an unconventional upbringing; living with his beloved grandmother, while enjoying visits to his mother in Detroit, and hunting and fishing with his dad who lived in town.
As a boy, he maintained his grandma’s home while she travelled south in the winters and helped in his dad’s drugstore. Forging skills of resilience, these attributes carried him into his senior years, fiercely independent to the end. He played hockey and curled in his youth, casting the mold for his lifelong love of sports.
Moving to Winnipeg, he attended college, then became a trainman at CN Rail, which he enjoyed until retirement at age 55. On a fateful trip back to Baldur, he met Berna Gardiner at a local dance. For 72 years he was her devoted husband, caring for her in the latter years.
With a passion for literature and poetry, Donald was an avid reader, and still recited poetry by heart at the age of 96. He was determined to keep up with technology through texting, Facebook, and video chat, enjoying daily chapter readings of the classics, face to face with his daughter. A lifelong learner, he looked forward to the challenge of his favourite show, Jeopardy.
Don was a generous and positive man, finding joy in the simple things like a good cup of tea. An exceptional grandpa to Dion, distance did not stop him. From traveling the galaxy together in their rocket ships, to sharing calls as adults, they bonded by phone between physical visits.
Intent on retaining his independence, which was so important to him, he declined many offers of help, but when needed, he accepted with effusive gratitude. He was deeply grateful for his thoughtful neighbours.
Many thanks to Barry and Betty for their help and friendship. And to his extra daughter Sue, for her help whenever needed, he referred to her as an “angel”.
At Don’s request, a shared memorial will be held with his son Dwight, who passed during the pandemic; details to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to The Winnipeg Humane Society or animal shelter of your choice.
Publish Date: Jan 25, 2025
DONALD IRVING CLEGHORN
With great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather.
Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jan 4, 2025 Make a donation to
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2025, Jan 25, 2025
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Hi Arla, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. What a great life he lived. My thoughts are with you 🙏 - Posted by: Jackie Free (Friend) on: Jan 26, 2025
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I recently read that if you know someone for more than 7 years it’s more than a friendship it’s family. Don was a part of my life for more than 69 years. I have so many loving memories of Don, Berna and family throughout the years. I am so glad I got a chance to talk to Don and thank him for being there and how much he meant to me. Berna, Arla, William and Dion my heart goes out to you. Don was loved very much and he will be missed - Posted by: Nadine Mitchell (Family friend) on: Jan 25, 2025
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My deepest condolences Berna, Arla, William and Dion. Don (Donny) was a cherished friend of my family. Donny and Berna were a constant source of support and deep friendship to my parents (Henry and Effie Isford). Over the years, we shared wonderful get togethers. Don’s brilliant smile never failed to light up our hearts. My heartfelt gratitude to Don for his unwavering support and friendship to my parents, especially my Mom in her final years. Don epitomized what true friendship means. I will forever hold cherished memories of Don near and dear to my heart. Hugs to you especially Arla. You took such loving care of your Dad. He loved you so. Rest in Peace dear Donny. My parents have no doubt welcomed you with open arms. - Posted by: Louise Isford Horst (Family Friend) on: Jan 25, 2025
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My condolences to Arla and the family. When I think of Don I remember him for being kind, benevolent and wise. In the latter years my sister Louise did most of the phone calls and the odd visit with Don and kept him in the loop with our Mother Effie while she was in her declining years. It meant a lot to our Mother and Don as well as their friendship went back many many years… in fact back to the years Louise and I were born. .. longer if you count in the years our dad Henry and Don were pals. A lot of our pictures as children have Don and Berna in them. .. and always there is smiles and laughter. “friendship is a golden chain, the links are friends so dear, and like a rare and precious jewel, it’s treasured more each year”. - Posted by: lois isfjord (Friend of the family) on: Jan 25, 2025