DONALD JOHN STEINTHORSON

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DONALD JOHN STEINTHORSON July 7, 1964 - December 17, 2006 IN HONOUR OF MY HUSBAND, OUR FATHER, SON, BROTHER, AND FRIEND How do you even start to explain the loss of someone so truly special? Donnie's memories will be cherished forever as a person of his magnitude can never be forgotten. He was born in Winnipeg, and although his family moved a couple of times during his younger years, they eventually settled on his father's farm in Vogar, Manitoba. His middle through teenage years were spent farming with his parents and his brothers. They worked hard as a family, always together, but also played hard together. Weekends were always reserved for their special activities - rodeos. Donnie's great love for animals started at a very young age. At around six years old he left home riding one horse, went to a special neighbour's place and came home with a different one, having traded for his lifelong pal, Prince . Donnie spent countless time loving this horse and I'm sure people from the community remember the times he spent entertaining and competing at rodeos everywhere on Prince's back. These times were filled with laughter, spirit and created family ties that will never be forgotten. I, Diane, his wife, met Donnie when we were both attending post-secondary school in Winnipeg on December 22, 1984. Although young, from that day on we both knew we were soulmates. Almost two years later, on December 20, 1986, we were married, 20 years ago. I often asked Donnie why he picked me and he always answered, I didn't, my heart did. Two of the dearest people in Donnie's life were his parents, Donna and Lorne Steinthorson. Their grief of losing a son so dear cannot be put into words. Their loving and caring ways have always been held in the highest respect and he cherished them in every way possible. I was asked by Donnie to again tell his parents that his love for them held no boundaries and never floundered. He also leaves behind two special brothers, his older brother David, and his younger brother Russell. Donnie's bond and stories of the years and times spent with his brothers were very dear to him and the memories will be always held closely in David and Russell's hearts, as they were in Donnie's. Donnie also had a very special nephew, Shawn, that he loved so much and considered as an extra little brother . Shawn, he knew you'd treasure the times spent together forever. His Beloved Children: He was so very proud and felt blessed to have been given his son, Shayn, and his two very special daughters, Paige and Ginger - his Bud Shayn, his Princess Paige and his exceptional gift, his soft-spoken, gentle and caring Ginger . He was also privileged to still have his grandmother, Emma Russell, of Prince George, BC, in his life at the age of 94. Although she lives farther away, her life and presence were always endeared in Donnie's heart and thoughts. Donnie has now joined his grandfather, Don Russell, as well as his grandparents on his father's side, John and Ingunn Steinthorson. His mother and father-in-law, George and Evelyn Sabot also left us several years ago. All these loved ones had often been thought of and remembered by bonds that could never be forgotten. Have fun telling jokes and playing cards up there! There are also several special lifelong friends that I'm sure he's glad to be with again. Not everyone is lucky enough to not only have immediate family that are so valued, but some are fortunate to also have in-law family ties that run deep. Remembering Donnie with much love are his sister-in-law and his many brothers-in-law, as well as his so very many special nieces and nephews. You all know who you are. I was asked by Donnie to send his sincere gratitude your way, not only for the love you showed him throughout the years and the people you are, but for fixing up our cabin on the river so he could enjoy it the way he did for his last summer here. There was no measuring the peacefulness this brought to him. He also was grateful for the short, but meaningful friendships he developed with our new neighbours. Another very special person was Donnie's nephew, Chase, who lives in Calgary. Although you couldn't be together, he passed a lot of time remembering happy yesterdays spent with you and wanted you to know he treasured those memories. Living life on the edge and to the fullest - this describes his personality best. Although he was always the hardest working, dedicated and strong-willed man who always pushed to the limits, you would never find a more true, honest or reliable person. His laughter and sense of humour was comparable to none and he always had an instant smile for his people. His presence lit up any room when he walked in and people always seemed to come together when he was around, creating happy gatherings. Our home was always filled with our children's friends who came to visit with Donnie and they were important to him. He spent hours talking to them, pulling them around on tubes behind the watercraft, sledding with them, riding dirt bikes and ATV's through the trails and mud with them. Time was spent joking, laughing or just watching T.V. with them and he loved every minute. Also, many years were spent watching his son and his teammates play hockey - guys he thought the world of you! Donnie himself enjoyed reading, riding his Harley, bungee jumping, having friends over, and he loved anything to do with flying airplanes. He loved his faithful companion, his dog, Destiny. He enjoyed any outdoor activities, travelling, boating, and his latest addition of thrill fulfillment which he had started last summer, skydiving. Through all his pastimes, it was still his love and concern for his family and friends that always came first. Donnie had a remarkable wide circle of friends, young and old, and he cherished them all. He did not take the word friend lightly. He had old friendships that he cherished that were built over a lifetime, as well as extremely special ones that had only been reunited or formed in his more recent years. With Donnie you always knew you had a friend through thick and thin. He always earned people's trust, loyalty and respect and felt honoured and privileged for these friendships. (continued next column)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2006