On February 4, of this year, Don passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Center.

 

He was predeceased by his wife, step-mom, father and mother.

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Don was born and grew up in Toronto, Ontario.  He joined the Armed Forces and actively served overseas in France, Holland and Germany until he received an honorable discharge on February 8, 1952.

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After serving in the Canadian military he moved to Winnipeg to be with his dad and step mom and was employed by Standard Aero until he retired.  In retirement he stayed busy and enjoyed volunteering at the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, as well as painting and coloring nature scenes, and building intricate military models.  Over the years his collection grew and soon he was the proud curator of his own military museum of models and replicas from his time in the service.  He also enjoyed gardening and could always be found puttering outside enjoying his days while visiting with his neighbors.

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In 2006 he sold his house and moved to Westhaven retirement home where he enjoyed the company of many and met and married his wife Beryl.  Although their time together was not as long as either would have liked, Don couldn’t have been happier to have been married!

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Much gratitude and love goes out to the staff of T5 and all the support staff who cared for Don during his time at Deer Lodge.  A very special thanks to nurse Carolyn for being there for him during his final days.  I would like to thank my sister in law Lucy for being there for both of us, along with all of Don’s neighbors who spent time with him over all the years.

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In the last days, people shared with me that he thought of me as his daughter and he was very grateful for all I did for him in simply being there to share part of his day.  I take a great deal of comfort in the thought that was so kindly passed on to me and I would like everyone to know that if he thought of me as his daughter then he was the best father figure a girl could have!!!

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I trust that you are safely in the arms of the angels and your loved ones were there to safely guide you home …

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Till we meet again... Love Donna Tarko