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Donald Andrew Hutniak

Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On June 27, 2017 @ 2:18 pm In Obituaries | 10 Comments

After a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, Donald Andrew Hutniak, aged 68, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at Riverview Health Centre.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Bonny (nee Kromley), his daughters Lisa (Joël) of Toronto, Sara (Chris) of Winnipeg, and his most recent pride and joy – granddaughter Liesl. He will also be dearly missed by his mother Mary, his brother David (Sandra), sister-in-law Heather, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and close family friends. Don was predeceased by his brother Myron and his father John.

Growing up in the rural settings of Dencross and Brokenhead, and being the eldest of three boys, Don quickly learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and pitching in to help his family. Like most boys his age, he also played numerous sports, loved exploring the outdoors, and having a good adventure like a true ‘prairie boy’ with longtime friends Jack and Allan. While Don did OK in school, it was his Uncle Bill, his mentor and a teacher himself, who convinced Don to skip the RCMP and instead take up teaching.

As a teacher for 40 years in the Lord Selkirk School Division, Don always strived to be the teacher he never had – his colleagues and the students he taught would all agree that he met that goal.  Until he retired in 2009, Don even joked that he spent his entire life stuck in school. And in many ways, he was also a lifelong student – asking endless questions, always curious, and happy to share a story.

Whether inside or outside the classroom, Don was an event organizer and it was a role he took seriously and delighted in. He would be the first to call together friends to explore a new restaurant downtown or introduce anyone to his busker pals at The Forks. Together with his best friend – Bonny – they attended festivals, concerts, theatre, and even ventured into trip planning and tour guiding.

Don was an outgoing guy. He was very sociable and people seemed to gravitate toward him and his personality. He liked to tell a good joke – although he usually blew the punch line – and was known for helping people in any way that he could. Most notably, Don always stood by his word as his word meant something to him and he didn’t promise anything he couldn’t accomplish.

While the last 10 years of Don’s life included many surgeries, and rounds of chemo and radiation, he refused to let cancer win. He was able to walk both his daughters down the aisle, welcome two son in-laws to the family, take fabulous trips with friends, enjoy every moment of his retirement with Bonny, and become a grandpa.

Don will be thoroughly missed by his family and always in their thoughts.

Finally, Don wanted to thank Dr. Ralph Wong, Dr. Bruce Kowaluk and the oncology team at CancerCare St. Boniface, who supported him throughout his battle. The family would also like to thank the nursing and doctor team at Riverview Health Centre for the compassionate palliative care that was given.

At Don’s request, a celebration of his life will be held at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue, Beausejour at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 30, 2017. The family kindly requests no flowers and instead asks that memorial donations be made to: Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church (Cemetery Upkeep) or Riverview Health Centre Foundation.

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Condolence from Bill and Darlene Wilkie on June 27th, 2017 9:40 pm

Words cannot express how sad I am. Donnie was a good husband, father, grandfather, son ,brother and cousin. I know he will be missed by all. A true gentleman who has left a legacy of his kindness to all .
He is at peace and will be missed by all.

Love always,

Bill and Darlene

Condolence from robert lanoway on June 27th, 2017 10:03 pm

Our deepest sympathy to you Bonny and your family on Don’s passing. May God carry you through the difficult seasons ahead and may wonderful memories sustain you, love Robert and Virginia Lanoway

Condolence from Cheryl Shaw on June 27th, 2017 11:13 pm

To Bonnie, Lisa and Sara and families:
Our sincere sympathies on the loss of you husband, father and grandfather, Don.
Your memories of good times spent together will keep Don close in your hearts.
Take care and hugs to all,

Bob and Cheryl Shaw,
Michelle, Todd and family
Stacey, Joel and family

Condolence from Sharon Richmond on June 28th, 2017 9:57 am

Dear Bonny, Sara, Lisa and families,

We are so sorry . It is hard to find comfort in words alone but may the memories of your shared life together sustain you through this difficult time and help to ease the pain of losing someone so loved.He will be missed. Take care.

Sincerely,
Sharon & Roy

Condolence from Garry Bauschke on June 28th, 2017 10:04 am

To Bonnie, Lisa, Sara and Mary (mother)
My deepest sympathies to all of you. I have many fond memories of Don through out his entire life that I will always cherish. He has always been a true and caring friend. He will be greatly missed.
Garry Bauschke

Condolence from Irene Stevenson on June 28th, 2017 11:39 pm

Dear Bonny,
I am a former colleague that worked with Don at St. Andrews School. I am so sorry to hear about Don. Don was a wonderful teacher and a great human being…..kind, helpful, and a true gentleman. My husband, Rob, and I share in your sorrow and loss during this very sad and difficult time. May God comfort you and your family and may your cherished memories of Don help to strengthen and heal your broken hearts. Bless all of you!
With love, friendship, and heartfelt sympathy,
Irene and Rob Stevenson

Condolence from James Kromley on June 29th, 2017 9:15 am

Dear Bonny and family.
No words may express your loss. My condolences to you and family. Don was a great person all round and surely missed.
Brother Jim

Vichnaya Pamyat

Condolence from Stephen and Jillian Flower on June 29th, 2017 5:02 pm

Dear Lisa and Joel,
We are so sorry for your tragic loss, please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts go out to you and your family during this very difficult time. We are sending you hugs, support and strength. OX

Stephen and Jillian

Condolence from Pamela Selch on June 29th, 2017 7:26 pm

Bonny and family.
I am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was a wonderful guy. Hugs to all.
Pam Selch

Condolence from Beverly Pope on July 1st, 2017 4:55 pm

Dear Bonnie and family,
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Beverly and Mark Pope

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