DONALD WAYNE SWEENEY

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DONALD WAYNE SWEENEY Donald Wayne Sweeney, born January 19, 1939, beloved husband of Marjorie Fraser, passed into the care of his Loving Heavenly Father on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at Stanton Territorial Hospital, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories after a long brave fight with liver disease and cancer. Wayne was born in Winnipeg and raised on the family farm south of Domain. He attended Domain School. Wayne enjoyed diverse occupations over the years - farmer, mechanic for Reimer Express, machinist for Flyer Industries, lay supply Minister and shop supervisor at the Kindale Occupational Centre. In retirement Wayne had time to pursue his love of woodworking and inventing new uses for the seemingly useless. Wayne enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve (Militia) 735 (Winnipeg) Communication Squadron April 1962, attaining the rank of Master Corporal. He was Honorably Released May 1974. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion since 1977. As a member of Toastmasters International since 1977, Wayne served as District 64 Sergeant-at-Arms from 1987 to 1991, receiving the Eric Stuhlmuller Award in 1990. Wayne was a member of the Avonlea United Church, an active member of the Steinbach United Church, Riverdale Baptist Church in Whitehorse and Calvary Community Church in Yellowknife. His love of children and caring interest was evident whether teaching Sunday School, coaching skating, leading Tumble Time, building toys or creating a Story Pole. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Marjorie Fraser; daughters, Laura of The Pas, Manitoba and Myra (Kevin) Wood of Abbotsford, British Columbia; beloved granddaughter Mary Wood; his mother Mildred Sweeney; sister Sherron Johnson of Domain, MB; and by his first wife Evelyn Fenniuk. Wayne was predeceased by his father Blake. Celebrations of Wayne's life will be held November 28 and 29 in Yellowknife. As Wayne requested, cremation has already occurred. In a private ceremony his daughters will carry out his wishes regarding his ashes. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Northern Arts and Culture Centre Fund in the Yellowknife Community Fund at P.O Box 120, 4918 50th Street, Yellowknife, NT X1A 2P2. McKenna Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2009