DONALD EDWARD MARLOW

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Donald Edward Marlow. Beloved Husband, Son, Brother, Uncle, Coach, Farmer, Friend and so much more. Don passed away heroically, after a short battle with stomach cancer, on Saturday June 19, 2021. He was 52 years old. 

Don is fondly remembered by his many loved ones. Missing him are Don’s cherished wife Brigitte Marlow (née Nicolas); father Lynden Marlow; brother Tom Marlow (Heather); brother Frank Marlow (Roberta); brother Walt Marlow (Jackie); sister Lori Marlow (Domenic); father-in-law Léo Nicolas, sister-in-law Joanne Picton, brother-in-law Léo Jr. Nicolas (Michelle); nephews and nieces Ryan (Jesse), Erik, Lyle, Justin, Dawson, Alexis, Jordana, Brett Marlow, Cody and Kieran Picton, Mason Bueckert, Marie and Isabelle Nicolas; countless extended family and friends; and his faithful companion, Winnie, Don and Brigitte’s beloved Boston Terrier.   

Don was predeceased by his dear mother Helen Marlow (née Dyok) on January 15, 2011, and his loving mother-in-law Noëlla Nicolas (née Nolette) on October 24, 2015. As well as predeceased aunts and uncles.

Born on New Year’s Day in 1969 in The Pas, Manitoba to hard working parents Helen & Lynden Marlow, Don was the youngest of the four boys. He had a very happy childhood growing up on the family farm. Here is where he learned the value of hard work and commitment for which he carried throughout his life. In his spare time, he loved playing many sports and games with his siblings. He also enjoyed camping with extended family during summers.

Don completed all of his early year schooling in The Pas. After his high school graduation, he attended Brandon University, where he received his Bachelor of Education A.D. in 1993.  It is also here where Don developed some of his strongest and his longest lasting friendships.

The same year he graduated also coincided with his first battle with cancer. It was a devastating blow to a young man of only 24 years. Though a dark time in his life, he persevered then thrived, vowing to do all the things he wanted to do with gusto.  

After his university graduation, Don filled his time with other working opportunities. He gladly accepted the role as Campus Manitoba Center Coordinator in The Pas for Brandon University. He remained in this position for many years, providing guidance and support to many community members.

Always hard working, Don, his brothers and sister, took pride in looking after their family farm. Don was busy working at his job during the day and couldn't wait to race to the field to do what needed to be done. He called the lack of sleep during seeding and harvest as "the three rolls”; roll in bed, roll over then roll out.  Eventually, the boys combined all their resources to form Marlow Farms Incorporated, which was one of Don’s proudest moments in his life.     

When not at work, Don loved spending time with friends and family laughing, telling stories and reminiscing about his life experiences. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. His life was “like a movie” is how his wife Brigitte recalls.

Being active was always an important part of Don’s life. He enjoyed building things and had a sense of accomplishment. He had plans on completing their cottage at Clearwater Lake himself. Currently, he was in the process of restoring his father's old desk, already knowing where it would be located in the cottage. Other interests of Don’s included boating, snowmobiling, fishing, curling, and most importantly, coaching basketball.

A positive role model and dedicated Junior Varsity Basketball Coach, Don was awarded the Provincial Junior Varsity Male Coach of the Year in 2010.  He was also instrumental in coaching a young basketball team to a medal in the Manitoba Summer Games in 2008. It brought him the most joy and pride to see “his boys” do well in the game he dearly loved.  Don maintained these great relationships and was proud of the men they became.

Don also formed wonderful friendships during his time volunteering as a Rotarian and as a member of the Farmer’s Association.  His volunteering continued with the Cancer Society during their door to door campaign to raise funds for cancer research.  He also delivered Meals on Wheels, realizing that a smiling face and a conversation was just as important as a warm meal for these seniors. His ultimate goal was to help contribute to the growth and wellness of his community.

Don met the love of his life, Brigitte, in 2007.  Their relationship blossomed and they eventually married on July 25th 2009. There was no doubt of where they would start a life together. He loved The Valley. Don & Brigitte were a team. They always supported each other. Devoted Don was a rock during the hard times, in particular with the loss of Brigitte’s mother in 2015 and with her recent personal battle in 2020.

Don was Brigitte’s compass, her unwavering cheerleader and vocal supporter.  They cherished spending time together, along with their dog Winnie. His time with Winnie was special. Don always wanted a dog with which to play fetch. Many evenings he spent throwing a ball or frisbee around their backyard for his little Winnie. Time spent at Clearwater Lake was magical. Don, Brigitte and Winnie relaxed by going out on the water or just enjoying the view, sitting quietly on their dock. Doing nothing together was still a good time because they were together.

Travelling was a special time they had together. They went on some amazing trips, starting with their 2010 honeymoon in Los Cabos, Mexico. Of all destinations, his favorite place by far was always Hawaii. He always said that once he got off the plane, he felt himself completely relax. Don even organized a vow renewal ceremony in Honolulu in 2015 and they were looking forward to another one at the next opportunity.

He had a natural duty as an advocate for those who didn’t feel heard. Don told the truth at all costs and you knew where you stood with him. This may have offended some people but that wasn’t his intention. He was always looking out for the best interest of all.

Don fought bravely and was selfless right up until the end. Always considerate of others, he often minimized his own pain so as not to worry his loved ones. Don never missed an opportunity to say "I love you to the moon and back". Brigitte and family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to those who looked after Don with unbelievable concern and compassion at the Health Sciences Centre, in particular, charge nurse Rob. Don’s cousin Sheila was also instrumental in navigating his care and was a strong advocate for him and Brigitte. Lastly, Don appreciated his team of supporters for their love and encouragement during his rapid illness. 

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held in The Pas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Don to CancerCare Manitoba.      

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His Journey's Just Begun

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Don't think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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