DONALD VANELSLANDER

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DONALD VANELSLANDER After a short illness, with his loving family by his side, Don passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at Riverview Health Centre. Dad was predeceased by his mother Nellie, father Alec and father-in-law Maurice Gillis. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 56 years Janet; his mother-in-law Jay Gillis; daughter Debra (Ray) Bouchard; son Gary (Cheryl); son Randy (Laurie); daughter Cindy (James Kulas); grandchildren: Rori, Ashley, Jonathan and Hailey; brother Norm (Peggy) as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and many good friends. Dad was born in St. Boniface on January 1, 1932. After achieving his journeyman electrician license in the 50s Dad and Mom opened Belgian Electric on Provencher Blvd. and owned a laundromat in St. James. From there, switching professions, together they ran the restaurant and banquet halls for Grandpa Gillis at the Windsorian Motor Inn. When the Windsorian sold in the late 60s Mom and Dad moved the family west, purchasing Gondola Pizza restaurants in Regina, SK and Kamloops, BC. After several years out west, the pull back to friends and family in Winnipeg as well as the family cottage at Twin Lakes Beach became too strong. With a move back to Winnipeg in the mid 70s Dad reverted back to his electrical and maintenance background, taking a job with European Health Spas as their maintenance supervisor for the next ten years. Mom and Dad's last business venture was purchasing the Hartney Hotel in southwest MB which they sold in 1996. These last many years of retirement were spent mostly at the Twin Lakes Beach cottage; unless, Mom was able to drag him back to the city for a couple of days for an important event. Winters were mostly spent with Mom in Florida, Hawaii with Uncle Norm and Auntie Peggy and family vacations in Mexico. Dad was always happiest at his cottage watching his grandchildren swim and play. He loved to plant trees, feed the birds and watch his garden and flowers grow. Our family would like to thank Dr. Pham and all the wonderful staff at St. Boniface Emergency; Dr. Fewer and his incredible team at Health Sciences Centre for twice performing procedures that enabled us to enjoy two bonus weekends at the lake; the sincere and caring health care professionals on GA5 at Health Sciences Centre that provided such exceptional care for our dad this past month; as well as the special people that cared for our whole family that last day at Riverview Health Centre. Because of his love for the Interlake, if friends so desire, donations in Dad's memory may be made to Friends of Delta Marsh (Field Station), c/o Department of Development and Advancement Services, 179 Extended Education Complex, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2. In keeping with Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, August 18 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Timothy Parish, 135 John Forsyth Rd. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 14, 2010