DONALD MCLURE BROWNRIDGE

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DONALD MCLURE BROWNRIDGE Don passed away at the Portage General Hospital on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at the age of 88. Don enjoyed a lifetime of good health and many adventures that were cut short by a sudden stroke on September 9th as he prepared his cart for a golf tournament. Don was born in Portage la Prairie on August 29, 1919 to McClure (Mac) and Mary (Wishart). Don was predeceased by his parents and his only brother Irvine in 2001. Don farmed all his life at the family farm north of Portage. First with his father and then with his brother Irvine. Don's nephew Bob and his wife Ruth now farm the land which became a Century Farm in 2005. Don's family also raised Clydesdale Horses and showed them at many fairs across Manitoba and the Toronto Royal Winter Fair. Don was also very involved in competitive ploughing and was proud to represent Manitoba at the Canadian Ploughing Competitions three times. Don was passionate about sports. He loved to volunteer, participate and watch a variety of sports but he especially enjoyed curling and golf. In 1965 Don became the manager of the Portage Curling Club and remained in that position until 1986. For several years Don was Assistant Drawmaster at the Winnipeg Bonspiel where he was responsible for getting more than 450 teams on the right draw, at the right rink, at the right time at clubs across the city. In those days all draws and results were tabulated manually requiring special skills and mathematical genius. Don loved the game of curling and attended many Briers and World Curling Championships. His team won the club championship six times, won the senior zone seven times, and represented Manitoba at the Canadian Senior Curling Championships twice. One achievement Don was very proud of was his role in starting the Cash Spiel in Portage that was held this past weekend. Don also loved to play golf and made many friends on the golf course. He played in hundreds of tournaments around Manitoba and was instrumental in starting the Senior Golf Tournament and the Six Pack at the Portage Golf Club. This past summer Don golfed at least five times a week. Don's dedication to curling and golf has been recognized through Life Memberships to the Manitoba Curling Association, The Portage Curling Club as well as the Portage Golf Club. Don spent countless hours volunteering his time at tournaments, championships and even helping with the construction and manual labour at both the curling and golf club. Don also enjoyed camping and travelling across Canada, the United States, and the British Isles. Don and Jean spent many good times escaping the winter in Florida where they made lasting friendships and countless memories. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jean (married 31 years), his daughter Marvie (Ken) Gordon, granddaughters Becki and Brianna along with Jean's family, Gloria Grant and children Cory (Brenda), and Jamie, Judy (Arnie) Verwey and children Amanda and Scott, Dawn Maksymyk and children Chris, Shawn (Robyn) and Jenna, Lynn (Dennis) Heimpel and children Rick (Angie) and Michael (Kristin), Terri (Murray) Brown and children Alec and Zack, as well as seven great-grandchildren, his sister-in-law Ellen Brownridge, niece Susan Moss, and nephew Bob (Ruth) Brownridge. A celebration of Don's life will be held Friday, November 2, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Church in Portage la Prairie. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the McKenzie Church Memorial Fund or the charity of one's choice. Arrangements by: Ronald Moffit Memorial Services (204) 856-3487

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2007