DONALD (DON) CHARLES DYER

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DONALD (DON) CHARLES DYER Peacefully, on Sunday, January 4, 2009, Donald died at the Deer Lodge Centre, Tower 5, surrounded by family, at the age of 91 years. Remaining to forever cherish his memory are his special friend Ruby Fife; his two daughters, Donna (Don) Huber, of Lemburg, Saskatchewan, Patricia Allan, of Winnipeg; his five grandchildren, Jeff (Shannon) Huber, of Pine Falls, Manitoba, Scott Huber, of Regina, Saskatchewan, Marlee Sales, of Comox, British Columbia, Tricia Paterson, of San Antonio, Texas, Will (Marnie) Paterson, of Niverville, Manitoba; and four great-grandchildren, Courtney and Morgan Sales, Noelle and William Paterson; five sisters, Betty McLaughlin, Thelma (Syd) Carroll, Norma Hussey, Lorraine (Willy) Williamson, all of who are from British Columbia, Roberta Cramer, of Morden, Manitoba; sister-in-law Iris Dyer, of Marathon, Ontario; plus numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his granddaughter Donna Lee Huber; son-in-law Perry Lynn Allan; brothers, Thomas, Victor and Gordon; as well as, brothers-in-law, Ernie McLaughlin and Bill Cramer; sisters-in-law, Edythe and Kay. Don was born the eldest of nine children, to Alexander (Sandy) Dyer and Maud Jane Paris, in Folkstone, Kent, England; where Sandy and Maud met during the First World War. Arriving in Canada, at the age of three, with his parents and sister Betty, Don settled in Poplar Point, Manitoba, where Sandy joined his brother John in his Blacksmith shop. In 1928, Sandy moved his family to Kisbey, Saskatchewan, where he became manager of a Fur Ranch. Don's roaming the hills and trapping with his dad began his lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. As the Depression began, the family moved to Portage la Prairie, after which Don ventured out to work on his own looking for work anywhere! He rode the rails into Ontario, picking tobacco, cooking in bush camps, selling pots n' pans, then returned home with many humorous stories. In 1933, Don joined the Non-Permanent Active Militia until signing up for active duty in September 1939. He saw active service from 1939 1945, as a member of the 8th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery Self-Propelled 71st and 61st Battery. Serving Theatres of active duty in England, North Africa and Italy, his rank was Battery SGT Major Warrant Officer II. Don returned home after being wounded in a land mine explosion in Italy. He served as RSM in the 26th Field Regiment RCA Militia, in Portage la Prairie, from 1946 until 1956, when he moved his family to British Columbia. Typical of the Dyer men, Don was talented and creative, complimented with a quick wit. His natural ability enabled him to become a sign-writer and gifted artist. An avid outdoorsman, he was a good marksman who frequented the Delta Marsh, as a hunter and guide, although his true love was fishing. Post-war employment began at the Correctional Home for Boys in Portage la Prairie, as Cottage Supervisor, then to British Columbia Forestry Services, in Nelson, construction worker in Churchill, Manitoba and Resolute Bay, NWT, owner of Don's Signs, in Portage la Prairie and finally, an orderly at Winnipeg Rehab Hospital, until retirement. Don was a proud Canadian and patriot through and through. A man of simple pleasures with an optimistic outlook and a great sense of humour. Never one to judge, he aged like a fine wine and grew sweeter over time. His later years were a gift to us all. Don was grateful to have lived a healthy long life filled with many colorful memories. He expressed anticipation of being reunited with family, loved ones and friends, who have gone on before him. Rest old soldier.Peace in thine. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Griggs, Leanne and the nursing staff of Tower 5, as well as, all areas of Deer Lodge Centre, (especially the wonderful cafeteria ladies), for your kindness and caring. May God bless you always. Interment will take place in Hillside Cemetery, in Portage la Prairie, in the family plot. A celebration of Don's life is planned for friends and family at a warmer date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2009