DONALD W. DIAKIW

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DONALD W. DIAKIW April 3, 1941 October 19, 2008 On Sunday, October 19, 2008, after a very pleasant day Donald passed into eternity. Husband, Father, Gido, Brother, Teacher, Storyteller, Friend, he will be greatly missed. Special thanks to Dan and Tony for their steadfast friendship and to all those who visited and called. Remaining to forever cherish Donald's memory are his wife Julia; daughters Carolyn and Christine; granddaughter Jasmine; brother Nick (wife Lesia); sisterinlaw Flo Dudar and extended families. He was predeceased by his mother Paulina and father William. Our thoughts of Don range: he was a gardener, bicycle adventurer, baseball umpire, storyteller. He loved to walk along the river with his dog and a fine cigar. aka Chico and the Man . Born and raised in the North End (Point Douglas), he honoured his Old Country parents by always doing his best, meeting responsibilities given throughout his childhood. He held on to the traditional values of his parents, honesty, hard work, high ethical standards, family respect and giving back in a charitable way. After working briefly at Underwood McMellan and Manitoba Hydro he then taught Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba for 33 years. He lectured first year students in descriptive geometry, design projects and survey and measurement. At his retirement in 1998 Associate Dean Doug Ruth pointed out that Donald had taught 14000 students over his career, many of whom came to thank Don for his support. Teaching is a noble calling and Donald was proud to have become one. To his former students remember the 1.2.3. system . Donald influenced us. His moral compass shone brightly and he elevated all those around him. His final request to all that knew him was not to be saddened, rather to choose a happy memory to have of him. He would tell you to take a sad song and make it better Donations appreciated to the charity of your choice or school or university. I can never lose one whom I have loved unto the end; one to whom my soul cleaves so firmly does not go away but only goes before. - St. Bernard of Clairvaux

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 02, 2008