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Don Duncan

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DONALD (DON) DUNCAN

December 6, 1960 – July 15, 2025

It is with deep sadness we announce Don’s passing on July 15th 2025, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and the very best grandpa.


He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 43 years, Janis; son Derek (Chantal); daughter Ashley (Dallas); six grandsons, Dominic, Alexandre, Zachary, Dax, Milo, and Reeve; his sisters, Beverly and Barbara (Al); sister-in-law Wendy (Harvey); mother-in-law Beverley (Bob); and his many nieces and nephews, as well as many friends.


He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Jean; brother Edward; and brother-in-law Brian.


Don was born in Winnipeg where he spent his whole life. He attended Principal Sparling School and then Daniel McIntyre where he made lifelong friends.


Sports were a big part of Don’s life with hockey taking the forefront. From having his skates tied by his dad (coach) at a young age to working his way to playing Major Junior for Midland Centennials, hockey was his greatest love, until he met Janis, who could be seen in the stands at every game. When his Major Junior days were over, he continued playing with friends on the Shooters. When the hockey skates were hung up, the gang moved on to fishing and golf. Don coached Derek in hockey for many years. When hockey season ended, Don could be seen at the soccer field coaching Ashley’s team. In the past several years he has been the best skate tier, quiet coach and biggest fan to his grandsons.


In 1982 he began his long career in the welding industry driving the truck for CANOX (later BOC). He moved into sales, and in 2007 moved to ITW Welding North America as their District Manager Manitoba/ Saskatchewan. Don was well respected by those he did business with and made many friends over the years.


Don and Janis shared a passion for travel, often accompanied by friends or family. Some of these trips involved golfing which Don and Janis loved to do together. There was never a time when music was not being played, whether it was at the beach, bonfire or throughout the house as Don enjoyed every genre of music. Often these turned into dance parties with the grandkids.


Don’s easy demeanor and soft spokenness is what endeared him to those who shared his life and the family would like for you to share in a celebration of Don’s life which will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st at Notre Dame Arena - 271 Cathedrale Avenue, St. Boniface.


Don spent all his life enjoying the family cottage at Matlock built by his dad. It became even more special when it was filled with love and laughter with the family Don and Janis created together. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Don’s memory can be made to Lake Winnipeg Foundation.


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.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Ilie Irinici

September 26, 2025 at 11:43 AM

Hello again Jan & Familly

on the previous coments I made few gram. Errors ... I was working at Acklands Saskatoon , in the welding department... that's why I knew Don for many years .. again .. My Condoleances !😢

Ilie Irinici

September 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM

Hello Janis and Familly

Inhear about Don passing ( Phoned Kelsey in Edmonton... ) 'cause Don any myself we talked often .. despite me Retired from Acola da in Saskatoon in 2018 ... what a shock I had ... Don was a great friend thru the years we did worked toghether ... what a NICE person , fromIrinici family ( My wife Roberta ( Robbie ) also got taken from us this year in March ... young also ) we wish you Pace ... and Our Sincere Condoleanceas !! May GOD give him a Nice Place in Heaven !!

Eileen Perillo

July 31, 2025 at 1:40 PM

 

My heart goes out to Janis and family at this time of sorrow. Don truly was a kind person with a gentle demeanour. His passing will be equally hard to many of his lifelong friends. My deepest condolences.

 

 

Ernie Kreker

July 31, 2025 at 8:16 AM

Don was one of those lifelong friends that you looked forward to seeing and wanted in your circle. His quick wit and humour delivered with a calm demeanor was always entertaining. A lot of us enjoyed and will miss the golf weekend outings with his hockey buddies which quite often ended with an overnight stay at his cabin enjoying a few cocktails and many laughs. Knowing how happy and proud Don was of his family and grandkids makes the loss even harder to accept. Our condolences to Janis & Family.

Ernie & Donna Kreker

Tim Riddoch

July 24, 2025 at 9:17 AM

My deepest condolences to the Duncan family on Don's passing. I do hope you find comfort in the many memories you shared as a family.

This is not a caliche, Don was seriously one of the good guys.

Rest in peace.

Max Ceron

July 21, 2025 at 12:29 PM

Don will be remembered fondly by the Regina welding community. He was a supporter of the local chapter, did amazing work with colleges and schools, and was always there with his wit and intelligence to help out. RIP Don

Blake Kalturnyk

July 20, 2025 at 1:56 PM

Don and I have been friends since we were 11 years old. We played hockey together for years. We almost won the city championship when we were 12. Don was our star player and the main reason we did so well. We were close friends ever since. In our teen years we spent a lot of time together, had a lot of fun and got into our share of trouble. Sometimes I feel lucky we survived those years. But we did and Don went on to have a very successful life. He excelled at the most important things in life; being a great Dad, grandpa, husband and friend. He was what we all should be; a good person. I looked forward to spending more time with Don in our retirement years. We had a lot of laughs when we were together, often related to old experiences that no one else understood. I'm going to miss him a lot. I feel very lucky to have had him as a friend for so long. He was one of a kind. Goodbye Don.

Charmaine Hartt

July 19, 2025 at 11:18 PM

I met Don through the CWBA. He came to our Regina Chapter many times. Always a joy to be around him. My condolences to the entire Duncan family and friends. He will be missed by all. RIP my friend. Until we meet again.

Claude Fredette and Charlene Johnson

July 19, 2025 at 8:08 AM

Don is one of the nicest gentleman I have had the pleasure to be around. Always generous in so many ways.

We will surely miss him.

Our thoughts go out to Jan,family and friends.

Erin Smithson

July 19, 2025 at 12:54 AM

Don and I were born on the same day, on the same ward, just hours apart, both to moms named Jean. We grew up a few blocks from each other, attending the same schools from K to grade 12. We maintained this special bond for 59 years, speaking often and always on our birthday. Such a lifelong friendship is a rarity several of us are fortunate to share and Don is forever centred in our cherished circle.

‘Til we meet again my beloved brother from another mother Jean.

Garret & Madi Wilkinson

July 19, 2025 at 12:26 AM

Anyone who met Don was left a better person because of it. People Like Don are such a rare gift and was privileged to have spent many nights enjoying his company. He will be greatly missed.

Grant Cockshott, Innovair Group

July 18, 2025 at 8:16 PM

Janis, and the entire Duncan family, were so sorry to learn of Don's passing. Don worked with many of the team members at Innovair over the years, representing ITW Miller.

The legacy Don leaves in our industry will remain his integrity, professionalism, and sincerity.

But my last conversation with Don had absolutely nothing to do with our work - it's was all about our families.

To Don, his family was everything and you should all know how proud he was of all of you.

Marie &Russ

July 18, 2025 at 6:59 PM

Dear Jan and Family.

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. Don’s passing is a profound one, felt by all who had the privilege to know him, even from a distance. Reading about his life, it’s clear that he was not only a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, but also someone who brought warmth, quiet strength, and joy to every space he entered.

Wishing you moments of peace, the support of loved ones, and the gentle healing that comes with time.

With heartfelt sympathy,

 

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