Darren GUSDAL

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GUSDAL: Darren William Gusdal. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my partner of 36 years on June 21, 2014 at the Brandon Palliative Care Centre. Darren was born on December 16, 1960 to Leonard and Doris Gusdal. He was raised in Winnipeg, Brandon and Erickson, Manitoba. He was predeceased by his father Leonard in 2000. Darren's passion was sports. He started hockey at the late age of 10. Although many of his friends had skated at a much earlier age, Darren's speed on ice was something that amazed others and that he was extremely proud of. He played midget hockey in Minnedosa, where he met many of his lifelong friends. His hockey career progressed to the Brandon Travelers (1977) and the following season he joined the Brandon Wheat Kings (1978-1980). He was very proud that he was part of the Wheaties 1979 run to the Memorial Cup final. In 2007 the team was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. After the Wheat Kings Darren attended Brandon University and was a member of the university's hockey team (1980-1983) during that time the team advanced to the CIAU finals. He graduated from BU in 1984 with a Bachelor of Education and began his teaching career with the Rolling River School Division. Darren was a complete athlete. Besides hockey he loved baseball. In 1973 he represented Manitoba in the base running competition at the Montreal Olympic Stadium. In later years he won the 1983 senior batting title and rookie of the year awards with the Elphinstone Outlaws. In 1992 Darren sought a change from teaching and a new challenge presented itself, managing Riding Mountain Conference Centre and Camp Wannakumbac. Darren and Janet recently celebrated 20 years of management, something he was incredibly proud of. His life revolved around camp. During his years at camp he was able to add three new buildings while maintaining quality facilities for all camp clients. Darren had an impact on all that worked here especially during summer camp times. Many camp counselors, kitchen staff, medical staff, secretaries and maintenance workers came through over his 20 years. Many had a coffee with him, one of Darren's favourite things while sitting on the deck overlooking beautiful Clear Lake. One of Darren’s loves was boating and water skiing on Clear Lake. Darren took every opportunity to be out on the lake in his boat whenever he could. Darren’s winter passion was downhill skiing, a sport he enjoyed with his children. His last skiing adventure was just this past January with his brother in law and nephew in Jasper National Park. When he wanted to escape from the cold he looked to Maui to spend treasured times with both family and friends. Darren believed in community service. He actively participated on the Board of Directors for the Erickson Credit Union. Prior to that he was active member on the Onanole Community Recreation Centre board. Darren is survived by his wife Janet (Lewandoski) who he met in 1978 at Clear Lake and married on July 20, 1985. They have two children; Mitchell and Melissa. A private family service was held June 28. A memorial service to celebrate Darren's life will be held at Camp Wannakumbac on Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 pm. Donations in Darren’s memory can be made the Camp Wannakumbac Legacy Fund, Box 125, Onanole, MB. R0J1N0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 26, 2014