DONALD RAY CARLSON

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DONALD RAY CARLSON On April 28, 2016, Don passed away peacefully. Don was predeceased by his parents Lillian and Fred Carlson, and by his loving wife of 67 years, Joan. He is survived by his daughter Catherine, son-in-law George Derwin, grandchildren Alexandra, Andrew and Brock Derwin, cousins Bruce Carlson and Nicky Kirkpatrick and family, nieces Jean Woolhouse (Tom) and Beverly Spencer (John Lambert), nephew Crawford Spencer (Sandra), by great-nieces and nephews, by great-great-nieces and nephews, and by many friends. Born in Fort William, Ontario, on August 7, 1927, Don moved with his parents to Winnipeg in 1931 when his father took a position with the Lake Shippers Clearance Association. He grew up in the Kildonans. Don worked for five summers as a young man for Canada Steamship Lines as a bell porter on the Noronic, a cruise ship that operated on the Great Lakes. He survived the tragic burning of the Noronic in 1949, and although he would never say so, he saved many passengers from perishing in that fire. The Great Lakes and his memories of working on the ships always held a special place in his heart. Don was a true adventurer, and spent his summers travelling between Winnipeg, Fort William and Duluth, happily hitchhiking and riding in box cars with his guitar. Don met the love of his life, Joan Crawford, in 1947 on a streetcar while travelling to the Puffin Ski Club in Winnipeg. Don and Joan were married on December 29, 1953. Don obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from United College and his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. After owning and operating his own driving school, and after several years of teaching, Don lobbied the Manitoba government to introduce a driver education program into Manitoba high schools. In 1966, that driver education program was started, and Don was Chief of Driver Education from that time until his retirement in 1992. Don and Joan enjoyed their travels (especially their trips to Hawaii and Britain), summers at their cottage (built by Don in 1957) at Moose Lake, and their many visits to Ruttger's Birchmont Resort in Bemidji over the last 30 years. They loved their first home on Niagara Street and then spent over 40 years in their "dream home" on Wellington Crescent. Don took up playing the bagpipes in his 50s and was a dedicated member of the ANAF Veterans Pipe Band, playing well into his 80s. He enjoyed his memberships in the Winnipeg West and St. James Rotary Clubs, and in the Probus Club. Six years ago, Don and Joan moved to Lindenwood Villa, where they made many new friends. Especially during this last difficult year, Don's Villa friends were so good to him and he valued them greatly. Don was above all else, a loving and supportive husband, father and grandfather. He was so proud of his three grandchildren. A service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Monday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. The family wishes to extend thanks to Don's family doctor, Dr. Marc Elkin, for his ongoing care, and to the doctors and staff at the Victoria Hospital for their care and compassion during Don's most recent hospitalization. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Hugh Taylor, staff at St. Boniface Hospital, the home care nurses and home care workers at the Villa, who worked to give Don quality of life during this last year. Flowers are gratefully declined. To commemorate Don's life, donations may be made to an organization of one's choice. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2016