DONALD PHILLIPS LOVE -

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DONALD PHILLIPS LOVE 1931 - 2010 In the wee hours of the morning on Saturday, December 4, 2010, with family by his side, the world lost an amazing, charismatic and funny man. He filled many roles in his lifetime: a caring husband to Myrna, a father to his daughter Laura (Jim Richardson), and to his four sons: Mike (Marijka), Shawn (Donalda), Tim and Kevin. He was a grandfather and (great-grandfather) to Scott (Mikayla, Madison and Marley), Janna (Kylee and Emma), Jeff and Janice, (Jorja and Jack); Curtis (Bailey), Monique and Ladi (Kaleah, Ava and Isaiah); Ryan and Ben. He was a good brother to his sister Nancy Hipperson (Don) in Regina, and his younger brother Mike (Jean) in Denver, as well as a brother-in-law to Shirley Marren of Calgary. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews scattered throughout western Canada and the United States. So many roles he acquired over the years, but none more powerful than that of a loving husband and father and an amazing friend to those lucky enough to be just that. Our father had a long and interesting career in the retail world....for some, he is a legend of the long ago travelling salesmen. He asked me not to list his career highlights because that was really a small part of who he was....and he said those that knew him, knew his history and those that didn't know him....wouldn't care to read about it. He was born and raised in Regina, and learned many valuable lessons from his parents Ivan and Nixie Love. He learned about charity and forgiveness, and loyalty of family, and he passed these lessons on to his five children. Just one day after his 13th birthday, he experienced the devastating loss of his older brother Larry during the Second World War. He was also predeceased by an infant sister, as well as an older brother Jim in 2005. For those of us who remain, we have a myriad of memories to pull from for comfort. Our father would break out into song at the dinner table without warning, and it was always entertaining! He was a true artist when it came to reciting limericks from his university days. He was a prankster of the highest calibre...and on occasion paid a high price for such antics, but it never deterred him from continuing on with another plan . He was an amazing father, a caring and loving husband, a loyal friend, and mentor to many. He lived his life with laughter and love and a very quick wit. Because of him we learned how to stand up for ourselves and live our lives with integrity. We learned about true gourmet dining, fine wine and how to appreciate an adult size of single malt. Our father was a 32nd degree Mason, an avid reader, and a class act to the end. He spent the last year of his life doing what he loved most - travelling to see family and friends. He was diagnosed with acute leukemia in July of this year and fought the good fight with dignity, courage, and of course his sense of humour. We would like to thank all the family members and friends who phoned and lifted his spirits, or sent amazingly powerful words in cards and letters. Thank you as well to all who were able to visit with him either when he was on his travels to Saskatchewan and Alberta this past year, or those who made the journey here to Winnipeg to say hello....and goodbye. Thank you to all the smiling faces at both CancerCare locations as well as Dr. Kumar and Dr. Dao and the palliative service team. Thank you to the Pharmacy girls at Shoppers Drug Mart on Point Road for their wealth of information and concerned inquiries as to his condition. Most importantly, special thanks to Dr. Crow, Dr. Ogaranko, and the compassionate Angels at Riverview Health Centre on 3-East. There will be a private gathering to celebrate our father's life at a later date. For those who wish, it would please our father immensely if donations were made to the Winnipeg Humane Society in his memory...for there were no bad dogs in his eyes....only ones in need. Flowers gratefully declined. Online condolences may be made at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2010