DONALD JOSEPH LUGTIG

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DONALD JOSEPH LUGTIG Donald Joseph Lugtig, B.A., B.S.W., M.S.W. October 9, 1928 (Rochester, New York) - April 25, 2007 (Winnipeg, MB) Donald passed away on April 25, 2007, at the age of 78. He will be lovingly remembered by his dear wife of 54 years, Shelley; his daughters, Susan, Joni, and Sarah; his grandchildren, Daniel, Tanya, Noel and Tobin; and his great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Jack. His many adoring nieces and nephews will continue to hold him close in their hearts. Don was predeceased by his parents, Jake and Fanny Fishbaugh, his mother Wilhelmina Lugtig, and his beloved daughter Lisa. Don was a child of foster care. It was his beginning and his legacy. While he experienced a variety of careers as a young man such as teacher, journalist, and grief counsellor during the Korean Conflict, he settled into his life work as a social worker in his mid-20's. He worked as a school social worker, at all levels of the Child Welfare system, in both the United States and Canada, and devoted a number of years to the Children's Aid Society of Eastern Manitoba, serving as Executive Director. In mid-life, he returned to his roots, teaching at the Faculty of Social Work where he continued to mentor students until February 2007. He gave selflessly of his time, energy and ability to see strengths in all. His acceptance and appreciation of all peoples, their beliefs and values, often led him to see situations and solve problems in new and different ways. He was a pioneer in his field as evidenced in his early efforts to keep children in their communities, develop the first Family Resource Centres in neighbourhoods, and recognize and support natural helpers within families, communities and other systems. At work, at home, and in the community, Don exemplified integrity, ethics and service to others. His deep and abiding commitment to social justice, equality, and human rights lives on in his children, grandchildren, students and in the many lives he touched as a social worker. He had a great capacity for learning, valued education highly, and displayed a great curiosity for the world around him that remained unabated to the end. His sense of humour was warm and wonderful, often serving to break the ice, allow people to see outside themselves and come to a better understanding of some issue or question, or just have fun together. Of special note, Don was the recipient of a heart transplant, adding to his life and the lives of others by 22 years. The family is ever grateful to his donor, her family and the high level of care given by Dr. Rush and the transplant clinic over the years. Special thanks are also extended to the many caregivers at the Health Sciences Centre and Riverview Health Centre for helping to ease his suffering in the last few weeks. A memorial service will be held at St. Augustine United Church, 444 River Avenue, Winnipeg, MB on Thursday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m. Please allow time for parking. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to donate your time, talents and/or resources to an organization or charity of your own choosing that benefits families and children. Anyone thinking of fostering or adopting a child, is asked to consider an older child or teen or a child with special needs. Please also consider signing an organ donor card so that others may live. Thomson Funeral Home 669 Broadway 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 28, 2007