Donald Spitznagel

OCTOBER 23, 1964 – JUNE 13, 2012

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Geoffrey Spitznagel at St. Boniface Hospital on June 13, 2012.

Don will be sadly missed by his partner Angelena (Angie) Foley who was by his side everyday through his valiant battle with cancer, Angie's son Jordon, by his devoted parents, Leonard and Sophi, his brother David and the center of his universe, his loving son Jacob.

Don was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and moved to Winnipeg in 1980 with his parents and brother where he finished high school at Fort Richmond Collegiate and graduated from the Faculty of Engineering (Computer) at the University of Manitoba. Don had an incredible career as a software engineer, traveling to many countries around the world. His travels and exposure to other cultures made him sensitive to, and passionate about the plight of others around the globe.

Don will be remembered for his love of all things hockey (floor hockey, ice hockey, collecting hockey cards and pucks, and of course The Jets) which was marked by his ownership of Breakaway Cards with his dearest friends, Ken, Ray, and his brother David. Don was also a devoted fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and never missed watching a game on TV.

Those closest to Don admired his devotion to his son and his commitment to being the best father he could be. Don had endless patience and never missed an opportunity to give Jacob the greatest gift a father can give, his time. Don was happiest coaching Jacob and his Lightning teammates, biking in the park, or just doing whatever Jacob wanted to do. Don also loved spending time with Angie “puttering” in the yard, doing projects and making their house a home.

We would like to thank the many friends and family who rallied around Don in his battle with cancer, especially Angie’s family, Jan and Greg, and Judy and Joe who provided unending support while Angie and Don were in Los Angeles, her son Jordon, parents Rob and Joyce Gartner, and sister Cara and husband Robin.

Don is survived by aunts and uncles Bob and Judy Spitznagel, Anne and Doug Liscum, Wilf and Adele Betts, Emil and Heather Zapotoczny, Olga Buss and his cousins Cathy, Corrine, Tim, Cory (Jennifer), Melanie (Ravi), Rich, Randy (Michelle), Darlene, Cheryl, Mike, Noel (Carla), Nicole, Brian and Barry.

Special thanks to the Tuxedo Lightning Hockey family, management and staff at KORE, and the staff at St. Boniface Hospital. Don touched many peoples' lives and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada online at www.colorectal-cancer.ca, or by mail at 60 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 204, Toronto, Ontario.

Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at Thomson “In The Park” on Wednesday, June 20th at 2 PM.