DONALD RICHARD MIKITA

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DONALD RICHARD MIKITA After a brief illness, Don passed away on March 6, 2014 at the age of 65 surrounded by loving family. Don is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Jennifer (Bryan and grandson Rylan), son Ian, sister Carol, and brother Bill. Don grew up in Winnipeg's North End. His own father died when Don was only ten years old, and the need to help out at home after this loss created a strong work ethic in Don that never left him. Supporting his family was essential to his sense of himself. To his firstborn, his daughter Jennifer, he passed on that work ethic. They were also two peas in a pod when it came to bargain-hunting. His son Ian was born needing to know how things worked, and just like his dad, he could fix and build anything. Don was so proud of both of them. Don's best-loved job (in his mid-teens) was at a now long-defunct coffee house called the Fourth Dimension. He told great stories of the famous musicians who performed there in the 1960s - people like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young before they were big recording stars. Don worked there as a sandwich-maker, cappuccino maestro and occasional vermin exterminator. Sadly, the health board eventually closed the place down. As an adult, Don found his way to Xerox, where he kept on fixing everything. He was proud of his nearly 30 year career there. When he took early retirement in his mid-50s, Don finally had some time to play. Like a lot of boys, he chose motorcycles, guitars and rock and roll. His greatest love in those years was his Norton motorcycle. Don loved her despite the fact that she was impossible to start, uncomfortable to ride and demanded constant attention. She gave him status. Other bikes followed, but they could never compete with Norton. During those years of relative freedom, Don's friend Tim meant a lot to him. They had similar passions for bikes and music and shared many adventures. Don's last job as a term employee for Revenue Canada was another happy adventure for him. He was everyone's go-to guy there. The people he worked with were supportive and like a family to him. Having to walk away from that job when he became ill was very hard for him. Throughout his life, Don was proud to take care of his family and his home. He could fix an air conditioner, install a car seat or repair your computer. He had the care and patience to build a guitar from scratch or teach his children how to drive. We will miss his dry sense of humour and his endless expertise. At Don's request, there will be no service. Cremation has taken place. We ask that you all remember Don in your own way. Donations can be made in Don's name to Craig Street Cats, 489 Madison St., Winnipeg, MB R3J 1J2, or Winnipeg Harvest, 1085 Winnipeg Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0S2. FRIENDS FUNERAL SERVICE, 339-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2014