Donald Joseph Smith

Smith, age 87, at Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, MB, on July 20, 2017.

Don was born in 1930 and raised in East Kildonan, Winnipeg. He had a successful 43 year

career with the North West Company as Director, Store Planning, for their Northern Stores

Division( formerly part of the Hudson’s Bay Co.). It was at work that Don met his beloved wife

to be, Donaleen.

Don and Donaleen were married in 1960 and created a loving home in Fort Garry where they

encouraged hard work, school and sports for their children, Shelleen and Chad. Don worked

long hours but also put much effort into his family, including sports and home design. He was

very involved with tennis, including the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club, for many years. Don also

had a passion for downhill skiing. He shared this passion with his family through annual trips to

the mountains and weekend trips to their wonderful “ski shack” at what was Mount Agassiz

ski resort, near McCreary MB.

In October 2004, Donaleen and Don started a new chapter when they sold their home in Fort

Garry and moved to their Condo on Wellington Crescent. Don was in his element, creating a

new beautiful space for them to enjoy for another 10 years.

Health challenges brought Donaleen and Don to Riverwood Square for 2 years of assisted

living, before moving to Steinbach, MB, in December of 2016. In late February 2017, Don was

admitted to Bethesda Regional Hospital, where the family appreciates how graciously and

wonderfully he was cared for. The family’s gratitude also extends to the team at Rest Haven

Nursing Home who supported the entire family (not just Dad) through the last two weeks of his life.

Don is pre-deceased by his elder brother, Gordon Smith, and his son-in-law, Keith Van

Iderstine. Don is survived by his loving wife, Donaleen, daughter Shelleen (Eldon) Stoesz, son

Chad, Eldon’s daughter Kali (Chip) Martens, grand-son Connor Stoesz and great granddaughter

Olive Martens.

Don’s internment will be a private function, but if you wish to share your thoughts or contact

the family, please do so at www.klassenfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, any donations to the Canadian

Cancer Society would be welcomed.