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Don Lussier

Obituary Photo

DONALD (DON) LUSSIER

July 25, 1947 - December 30, 2025

It is with broken hearts that after a sudden and rapidly progressing illness we announce the passing of our much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend, on December 30, 2025.


Don was predeceased by his parents, Rosario and Mary (Kinahan) Lussier; and his brother Rick (Stephanie Casey). 


He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Joy; his beloved daughters, Stephanie Lussier (John), Claire Lussier, Aimee Watt (Ryan); grandchildren, Jordan and Katelyn Creelman, and Lilah and Hector Watt; along with sisters and brothers in law and nieces and nephews.


Don was thankful to God and grateful for a “wonderful life.”


He was, to a fault, a loving, generous, welcoming, and loyal man (unless you pulled his trigger - watch out!) He held no grudges.


Don loved sports and played everything except hockey, and he watched that on TV along with attending the hockey and ringette games of his grandchildren.


The great outdoors and nature held a special place in Don’s heart. He loved to camp with his family, and we crossed this country with our three children throughout their growing years.


Of his many accomplishments, Don was probably most proud of being named President and CEO of the MLCC. Under his leadership, this organization secured a spot on the top 100 employers of Manitoba. He was well respected in the liquor industry.


Don’s family was the world to him. He was a great supporter of equal rights for women and justice for all people, and instilled in his daughters that sense of confidence in their abilities and the importance of hard work.


Don was serene and accepting of his diagnosis. He lived his last days with dignity, humour, faith, and much love, surrounded by his family and friends. He was the epitome of love, laughter, and loyalty.


“One who has seen so many springs does not regret a winter’s coming. A life progressed so competently up to its end stand ready to encompass death.”

-Harry Chapin


No flowers please. Donations to Pancreatic Cancer research, Riverview Palliative Care, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. A grateful thank you to the staff of palliative care at Riverview for all your caring and concern. Don really appreciated your care, as did we, his family.


Mass of Christian Burial:


12:00 p.m. Noon

January 14, 2026

at St Ignatius RC Church

255 Stafford Street, Winnipeg, MB


Celebrant: Fr. Con Mulvihill S.J.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Ian Malcolm Kingston, Ontario.

February 9, 2026 at 4:57 PM

Rosalind and I remember Don from the days in Ottawa in 1969-70 when he and she were participants in the federal government's Administrative Trainee program for University graduates. We remember Don's energetic good humour, his zest for the social activities that bound all the Trainee group together, and his decision to return to his beloved Winnipeg. We send condolences to his family, and salute his memory.

Pierre Cyr and Elaine

January 23, 2026 at 3:38 PM

Dear Joy. Elaine and I send you our most sincere condolence. I enjoyed working with Don on the CAA board. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

 

 

Linda Holden Clode

January 21, 2026 at 8:33 PM

I am so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a lovely man and I enjoyed the happy hours we had together with dear Joy and other friends at 342 and 904 in our beautiful Sandpioers. May your wonderful memories sustain you now, Joy.

Nancy Gates

January 16, 2026 at 7:01 PM

We have such wonderful memories of the Lussier Family on Brock St when our children were young. We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing..a really special man.

Thinking of you all

Nancy Gates, Rob Gates, Cathy Dear (Gates)

Barbara Clubb, SMA Student Body President 1964-65.

January 16, 2026 at 12:58 PM

Dear Joy and your wonderful family. It is with great sadness that I write on behalf of our 1965 St Mary's Academy graduating class that included you as a member. Please be assured of our prayers and sympathy on the loss of your husband Don. While we SMA girls shared many menories at our recent 60th anniversary celebrations, Don's beautiful obituary gave us all a look into the very special life that you and Don shared and the family you created. May you take comfort in those memories and your loving family surrounding you.

Gill Norgate

January 15, 2026 at 12:01 PM

Bill and I met Don and Joy at Southwood Golf Club. The four of us clicked immediately and we became close and good friends. We enjoyed golfing together on most Sundays and spent many fun dinners in Winnipeg and Palm Desert. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together. With deepest sympathy.

 

 

Marcel & Margaret Cherewyk

January 13, 2026 at 8:01 PM

We are very sad for your loss & send our deepest condolences to Joy, Stephanie, Claire & Aimee & their families. Don's illness & passing was a shock to everyone but true to your principles you coped with grace & dignity. Don rest in peace. You will be remembered with a smile on your face.

Marcel & Christine Girardin

January 13, 2026 at 10:18 AM

We are so sorry to hear about Don.

We both have wonderful memories of Don and working alongside him at the MLCC.

Sending comfort and love to Joy and all the family during this time.

 

Patrick Downey

January 12, 2026 at 5:10 PM

I met Don at St. Paul's High School and we then spent 4 years at the Commerce faculty at the University of Manitoba.. Don was always outgoing, welcoming, kind and a fun person.. When I left Winnipeg a few years later and came back to visit my parents and family we always got together to catch up with a few of the high school and college "boys". During our later years it was great every winter to meet for dinner and a few rounds of golf in Palm Springs. Don never lost the sparkle in his eye nor his engaging personality. My deepest condolences to Joy and his family, Don will be missed by many.

Lesley McCombs

January 12, 2026 at 3:24 PM

My deepest condolences to all of Don's family. I worked for him and he was one of the best in charge. He will be missed By so many.

Dave Hudson and Bonnie Lovelace

January 12, 2026 at 9:51 AM

Bonnie and I met Don at the U of M in Commerce 60 years ago. From there, we carried on into Ottawa, part of a great group who worked, partied and skiied together at Mont Ste. Marie, billeting at Mme. Debout's for $2 a night including dinner, learning to ski and to speak French. Our ways parted after that, Don returning to Winnipeg with Joy to build his career and family. For years, Don and I met up annually at the infamous Box Bowl at Christmas in Winnipeg, where longtime friends split into two crazy groups, Don and the Catholics and myself and the Protestants, and played football outdoors on a usually frigid Boxing Day, undeterred by the weather and followed up by a great buffet at someone's house. In the last few years, we reconnected whenever I was in The Peg, where Don and I attended "old boys'" lunches, and many stories were told, our last one was just a few months ago. Don valued those long term relationships. A wonderful guy, and we send our deepest sympathy to Joy and the family, he will live on in many great memories.

Jane Reid and Kurt Moench

January 11, 2026 at 10:54 PM

We were so sad to hear of Don's illness and death! I met Joy and Don when we were all teenagers in Winnipeg and have known them for over 60 years; Kurt has known them for nearly 50 years.

Don's obituary is beautifully written and describes Don perfectly.

His love for Joy, their children, in-laws and grandchildren has always been a focus of their lives and this could be felt in the obituary, Don was a lovely man who was so easy to talk to. As my brothers best friend I saw Don often and loved hearing the tales of their adventures. It seemed only natural that Joy and Don would marry and have such a good life together! We know that all of you (Joy and family) will miss Don so much but hope over time that the many memories you have will be a comfort to you and bring you laughter and a sustained sense of his presence.

Barry and Shirley Cannon

January 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM

Don and Joy have been special friends of ours for many years. We spent a great deal of time together sharing dinners, wine, events, kids meeting kids and lots of golf, among other things. Joyous times, wonderful memories.

Don was a very special lovely man, a true generous friend. The obituary says it all. We are bereft and miss him dreadfully.

Dear Joy, Stephanie, Claire, Aimee, and families, all who are dear friends, we wish you joyful wonderful memories of a loving husband, father and grandfather, and all around guy. We love you all.

 

 

Randie Kushnier

January 11, 2026 at 12:46 PM

My friendship with Don deepened after Jan and I spent extended times with Don and Joy at their condo in Palm Desert and when we all travelled together to China. Since then, I have enjoyed many times with Don sharing conversations over some food and a glass or two of wine. I am inspired by how Don lived his life to the fullest with joy, laughter and love right to the end of his days. Don was a special friend to me over many years. I dearly miss him.

To Joy, Stephanie, Claire, Aimee and all of your family, may your memories of Don help you all heal from this loss.

John Cheyne

January 11, 2026 at 9:38 AM

Don was a good friend when we were together at St. Paul's. He was a fine athlete and a person you wanted on your team. I have wonderful memories of our time together.

 

Glenys Acland

January 10, 2026 at 8:37 PM

Don was always positive and fun to be with! I remember with great fondness the bridge games of long ago. My heart goes out to you Joy, your family and friends.

Sincere Condolences,

Glenys

Pat Reid

January 10, 2026 at 5:03 PM

So sorry to hear about Don

Elaine & Patrick LaMonica

January 10, 2026 at 3:56 PM

Our deepest condolences to Joy and family. Don was a true Gentleman and always greeted you with that big smile.

 

Southwood Golf & Country Club 'Niners'

January 10, 2026 at 2:26 PM

We mourn with Joy, our leader, the loss of Don, her wonderful husband and best friend. May your fondest memories of him sustain you and the family during this very difficult time.

 

Ebba and Ken Troschuk

January 10, 2026 at 1:57 PM

Our deepest condolences to Joy and the Lussier family. We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing.

We have had the pleasure of knowing Don for well over 30 years with the MLCC and have many great memories of him and our times spent together.

 

The Smith Cousins

January 10, 2026 at 12:58 PM

Our deepest condolences and love to the Lussier/Casey families on such a deep and sudden loss. Don was loved and admired by all who came into his life and will forever live on in our memories.

Linda Klein

January 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM

It is with great sadness to hear that such a good friend has passed away. Having known Don and Joy and the girls for many many years, I know how sad it is for a family to say say goodbye to such a great husband, father, and grandfather. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May time help to make your heart hurt less, and the good memories become stronger.

Hugs

 

Brent and Barbara Fraser

January 10, 2026 at 10:21 AM

We are so very sorry for your loss. We will miss Don and his warmth and laughter. Our deepest condolences to the family.

Bill Gould

January 10, 2026 at 10:10 AM

Our thoughts and prayers are with Joy and the family. Don was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. Lots of terrific memories of the years working alongside Don in the beverage alcohol industry. He was always professional and a pleasure to deal with. He moved the industry forward through his leadership.

Bob Coughlin

January 10, 2026 at 8:03 AM

Our condolences to the Lussier family. Lots of love, Bob, Matthew, Anne, Jane, John.

Angus Reid

January 9, 2026 at 6:15 PM

Don was one of my closest friends for many years. He was the best man at my wedding - 57 years ago! Don was an amazingly dedicated friend and father who was both competitive and caring. Had a great sense of humour, and, along with Joy, put on many memorable dinner parties. He filled the room with his engaging personality wherever he went. His was an indomitable spirit that will echo in there hearts of those who knew him for many decades to come.

Jim Potvin

January 9, 2026 at 2:28 PM

It was with sadness I read about Don's passing. I met him at St. Paul's High School and we became very good friends. We shared many experiences together such as fishing, tennis at Sargeant Park Community Club, football and just hanging out together. After university we lost touch with each other as my wife and I moved around Canada with my job. But I never forgot him or our time together. He was very important to me in those formative years. I wish his family my condolences on their loss.

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