DONALD HUGH APPLEYARD

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DONALD HUGH APPLEYARD Peacefully, with his family, at the Stonewall Hospital on April 28, 2006 Don Appleyard passed away at the age of 81. Don was born at Stonewall, MB January 28, 1925. Don lived in Stonewall all his life, attended school there, and graduated from high school in 1943. Like many other boys his age Don joined the army after graduation and took his basic training at Shilo, MB. Passing his signal man course, he was posted overseas with the 12th Field Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery. During those trying times Don was in Scotland, England, Holland and later on in Germany. When the war was over Don returned to Stonewall, and moved temporarily to Winnipeg to attend the University of Manitoba where he graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy in 1950. That year he, with the help of his father, built and began to operate Stonewall Pharmacy, a business he operated for some 40 years, before his retirement when he sold the business to his son Vern who operates it today. In 1977, Don along with his five sons built a new pharmacy in Stonewall in conjunction with the Westside Plaza near the original pharmacy site and property owned by his father's farm machinery dealership. Don was, through the years, very active in Stonewall and surrounding community. He was a charter member of the Kinsmen Club of Stonewall, a 50 year member of the Stonewall Masonic Lodge, a 55 year member of the Stonewall Odd Fellows, where he spent two terms as Noble Grand and also served for a time as secretary treasurer. When Don returned from the war, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion, and was a proud member for 55 years, during that time also acting as secretary for a period of time. Don was a long time member of the Stonewall District Chamber of Commerce serving on the executive for some of those years. Don was awarded the Stonewal Chamber of Commerce Business Honorarium and Lifetime Achievement Award. In the year 2000, Don was awarded with the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association 50 year membership pin. Don was a member of the Stonewall Hospital Board, during which time the Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall was built. Don served five years on the Memorial Eye Foundation acting as treasurer. He was passionate about charities and organizations that helped the less fortunate and sick. Don was a determined volunteer canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Foundation persistently going to the businesses in Stonewall year after year. He was proud of the fact that Stonewall businesses over the years gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to the fight against cancer, and was relentless in his goal to raise every dollar. Don gave blood to the Red Cross for 50 years, and was given recognition for his constant contributions. Don's greatest love was his church. He was an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church in Stonewall all his life during which time he acted as Sunday School superintendent, Clerk of Session and choir member. He acted as the treasurer of the board for over 20 years. Don was an avid gardener, who along with his wife Pat have taken great pride in their beautiful yard in Stonewall. His stress release was his garden. Don and Pat raised five sons in their home in Stonewall, where he lived till his passing. Don was predeceased by his parents, Hugh Henry Appleyard in 1973 and Edna Mae Appleyard in 1985 and an infant brother Roy in 1927. He was also predeceased by an infant son Keith in 1962 and an adult son Lyn in 1993. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 51 years, Pat and sons, Wayne (Cyndi) and their boys, Bryan and Myles; Larry (Lindy) and their boys, Nevin and Brett; Vern (Darlene) and their boys, Curtis and Tyler, and Kevin (Ali) and their boys, Conner and Dru. Don was a man of business, who saw a job and got it done. He always said someone had to step up. Don had a one line sense of humour that never changed right to the end. He was proud of his sons and his grandsons and loved it when the family got together. He was equally proud of his daughters-in-law. A prayer service will be held Tuesday, May 2 at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel in Stonewall at 8:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 3 at 1:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, 433 Main Street, Stonewall with Rev. James Ko officiating. Reception to follow at the Odd Fellows Hall, 374 - First Street West, Stonewall. Pallbearers will be his six grandsons whom he dearly loved and followed, Nevin, Bryan, Conner, Dru, Myles and Brett Appleyard. Honorary Pallbearers are, Charlie and Betty Lindsay, Shirley King, Gerald and Irene Coleman, Murray Stewart, Art and Audrey McFee, Ron and Edith McFee, Keith McFee, Jack and Helen Campbell, Ted and Donna Ward, Don and Elaine Watts, Chuck and Val McClure, Jack and Eileen Bouskill, Edna Irwin. The family would also like to include with honor the late Frank McElroy, Ruby Stewart and Ron King. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Stonewall Hospital who cared for Dad. Also sincere thanks to Dr. Kirstjanson at Seven Oaks Hospital along with Dr. Johnston and Dr. Czaykowski and the nurses and staff at Cancer Care Manitoba. Your compassion and caring will never be forgotten by our family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's memory to Knox Presbyterian Church Stonewall Memorial Fund. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 01, 2006