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Don Cymbaluk

DONALD LEONARD CYMBALUK
April 15, 1937 - August 1, 2025
Peacefully, Don passed away at the St Boniface hospital surrounded by his family at the age of 88.
Predeceased by his parents, Anastazia and Dmytro Cymbaluk.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Anita; Children; Kim (Vic), Kevin (Carm), Kathy (Glen); Grandchildren; Cortney, Dayna, Tim, Chris, Jessica, Travis and Samantha; Along with his pride and joy, the “fourth generation”, his great grandchildren; Nathaniel and Emma.
Dad grew up in Point Douglas where he made many lifelong friends. He was an amazing basketball player for the Norquay Community and St. John’s High School. Dad loved pulling out his old year book to show us his photos and tell us stories about his school days. He also gave back by coaching at the Mission (1956 - 1957) and little did we know he was a pretty good football player as well. He followed his dream of becoming a refrigeration mechanic and was one of the best in his field. While working at Coldstream he met the love of his life, Anita. They were married on June 11, 1960, and the 3 children followed a few years later.
Growing up, we heard many stories of Dad’s childhood. He would always make us laugh at the crazy things he did with his friends. We always knew when he would bump into an old buddy as they would call him “Donnie”. Dad was always willing to help out friends and family when their fridge or air conditioner needed repair. He spent many weekends and evenings helping others.
After a debilitating illness in 1979, Dad continued to show his strength and resilience. Once Mom retired, they moved to Belair Manitoba where they lived for many years enjoying the outdoors. Dad joined the Victoria Beach senior centre, which kept him busy with friends and activities he loved.
He enjoyed many vacations with Mom including Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Barbados, and Dominican Republic.
A trip to the casino was always a fun time and Dad was pretty lucky when it came to the slot machines. An avid Bomber fan his whole life. Dad loved to tell us the story of when he was 5 and his big brother took him to his first game. Now he will be cheering from above.
Special thanks to the staff at 5A South and Palliative Care at St Boniface Hospital.
As per Don’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral. A private celebration of life will be held with his family.
Don’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
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Memories, Stories and Condolences
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Walter E Lehmann
August 12, 2025 at 11:35 PM
i was so fortunate to have Don as my mentor while learning the refrigeration trade as an apprentice working for Fleming Pedler. While I worked under many different journeymen at Fleming Pedler I always looked forward to working with Don, not only enjoying the knowledge that he was more than willing to share but also the endless stories that he would tell and his ever amazing sense of humor was always something to look forward to!
Don was a fantastic refrigeration technician, quick witted and always a pleasure to work with. I will always remember his passion for the industry and the many friends he made along the way. Anyone that had the opportunity to work with Don will agree he was one of the most gifted techs in the industry .
Don shared his knowledge with so many and contributed to so many of our successes within the industry.
We will miss you Don!
My sincere condolences go out to the Cymbaluk Family and their many friends.
Rest in peace!

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Dave Derksen
August 11, 2025 at 12:54 AM
I had the privilege and good fortune of working with Don early in my apprenticiship. Always willing to help us learn, Don was extremely knowledgeable, a great mentor, and someone we all looked up to. Condolences to the family.

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Anita Basic
August 10, 2025 at 1:11 PM
So many great memories of our families and other neighbors getting together to celebrate holidays, summer backyard parties, and even birthdays for the dogs Patches, Fluffy and PJ! Don was a great man and I have so many great memories of Don and Anita! His bravery and continued love for life after illness was and is inspiring even to this day. My sincere condolences for your loss and wishing all the best for your family in this difficult time.

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Tracy Paachke-Johannes
August 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Sending our love from Ohio and giving thanks for Don's life. I have fond memories of Anita and Don coming to Indiana in 2002 for our thanksgiving as a newlywed couple. And of being a flower girl in his son's wedding. He was a kind man-

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Ray Stasuik
August 10, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Started my apprenticeship at Fleming Pedlar. I learned from Don . Willing to help everyone with there problems after work..Breakfast and Christmas party were highlights(company).. He was a great guy.. Ray Stasuik

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Caron Garvey nee Lutz
August 9, 2025 at 8:26 PM
I don't remember Don personally but I surely recognized his name. On behalf of my dear parents, now deceased and my brother Gary, Dave and myself Caron Garvey nee: Lutz I offer our condolences. I do remember you Anita and of course Kim who I spent many hours playing and swimming at our Matlock cottages.❤️

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Kathy & Randy Paracholski
August 9, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Sending our deepest sympathies to his famil.y. I remember Don had a great sense of humour and always made me feel welcomed when I visited his daughter Kim. I especially liked going in the walk-in cooler they had when they lived on Semple with all the ice cream. Kim's dad also gave me tips on how I could be better at getting rebounds in basketbal which I greatly appreciated. He also worked with my dad at Coldstream who said he was the best person at refrigeration. This skill was passed on to his son Kevin.

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Mary and Jack Aspin
August 9, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Don and I sat next to each other at a Seniors Club in Victoria Beach that my wife called Daddy Day Care. We had some good times there. Sorry for your loss Anita. Mary and Jack Aspin

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Tony Lucki
August 9, 2025 at 9:37 AM
I will always treasure the memories we shared together growing up.Rest in peace my friend.

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Mike and Mary Basic
August 6, 2025 at 5:42 PM
So sorry to learn of Don's passing,our deepest sympathy to his family. We will always cherish the memories of the fun times we had as neighbors and friends. A wonderful man,may he rest in peace

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