JOHN (JACK) DONETZ

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JOHN (JACK) DONETZ Peacefully, with family at his side, a good man and kind husband, father, and friend to all bid farewell to this world, on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Left behind to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 62 years Elsie, sons Neil and John (Marni), grandchildren Xan, Kate and Jane, brother George (Shona), and sisters Mary and Elsie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Alec. Jack liked to remind everyone that he was born in Pelly, Saskatchewan to Russian immigrants, and grew up in an era marked by the great depression and the Second World War. As soon as he was able, he left home to join the army in Shiloh, Manitoba, where he immediately enrolled in the paratrooper corps and was eventually deployed to Korea. He received his paratrooper and glider pilot ratings as part of the Princess Patricia Light Infantry in 1947. He proudly kept his paratrooper wings from that era for his entire life. Injured during duty, he met the nurse who was to become the love his life when a stay in the Deer Lodge hospital turned into a blind double date that started at the Charleswood bus stop. That chance event put Elsie Maria Schwartz in his life, and they were never apart after that time. They were married in Winnipeg on March 29, 1952, and lived variously in St. James, Elmwood and Thunder Bay, before they decided that the call of country life was what they wanted. They settled in Stony Mountain, and lived in the same house for 51 years. While the town grew and eventually encompassed all around them, they stayed secure in the house built by Elsie's brother Walter. Jack quickly became an integral part of the community. One of his first tasks was to attend hockey referee school in Saskatoon so that he could contribute to the local sports scene in Stony Mountain. He was a ref, a coach, and a supporter for all community activities. He was the first one to get a call if they needed someone for a task, whether cooking at the canteen or painting a dressing room, and he never said no. He was never too busy for people and could be counted on when called. He served as one of the founders of the Stony Mountain Community Club, and made sure that every kid who wanted to play a sport got the opportunity. Volunteering was a big part of Jack's life. He variously served on the Stonewall and District Health Care Board, various committees of the Royal Canadian Legion, taught Hunter Safety, became a St. John's Ambulance First Aid Responder, was a board member of the South Interlake Planning Board, and was a tireless fundraiser and volunteer for Ronald McDonald House. He belonged to the Eastern Star Chapter #28, the Portage Shrine Club, The Portage Shrine Motor Patrol, Stony Mountain Masonic Lodge #134, and the Khartoum Temple. Jack worked for more than thirty years at Tees & Persse Ltd. ending up as Sales Manager for the brokerage company. His job gave him a chance to travel, and he was known far and wide for his generosity, his kindness and his love of life. He enjoyed people most of all, and always had a cheerful word and a bright smile for everyone. Jack was lucky to be able to retire early, and was fortunate to be allocated almost 30 years to spend pursuing his dreams. He spent various parts of his retirement in Ainsworth, B.C., and Yuma Arizona. Everywhere was marked by new friends who became intricately woven into Jack's life. He loved fishing, golf, playing cards (especially crib), and getting together with family and friends. He loved music, and had a beautiful voice which could often be heard around the house while he worked. He loved life, and had a sense of humour that would turn the hardest frown into a smile. He took pride in the simple task of doing a job well, and he made sure that everything around him was neat and tidy. He seldom complained and was quick to change subjects if discussions started to get heated. He was one of those rare people who always put the feelings of others before his own. He was a gentle man, and he will be missed by all who knew him. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Stonewall hospital for all the kindness they showed Jack during his stay. Everyone, from the nurses, the dietary staff, the office and administration staff, the cleaning staff and the ambulance drivers took the time to get to know him and to fill his day with conversation. Special thanks to Dr. Belhaj for all his support and respect for Jack. Your kindness was noticed and much appreciated and for all you did we are grateful. Cremation has taken place, and there will be a memorial service at McKenzie Funeral Chapel in Stonewall, on Monday, September 22 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Stonewall Hospital Palliative Care facility or your favorite charity would be appreciated.
Publish Date: Sep 20, 2014

JOHN (JACK) DONETZ Peacefully, on Sunday, September 14, 2014 Jack Donetz aged 84 years passed away at the Stonewall Hospital. Memorial Service will be held on Monday September 22, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Mackenzie Funeral Chapel Stonewall. Longer obituary to follow in Saturday's Free Press. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall MB 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net
Publish Date: Sep 17, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 20, 2014