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DONALD DELBERT RODGERS (DON)
Born: Apr 16, 1925
Date of Passing: Sep 14, 2021
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DONALD DELBERT RODGERS
April 16, 1925 - September 14, 2021
He leaves behind the love of his life, Sheila, and will be lovingly remembered by his son Glen (Roberta) of Cranbrook, daughter Kathryn (Steve) of Calgary, son Mark (Susan) of Lethbridge, and daughter Robyn (Ted) of Vermilion; grandchildren, Laura, Kevin, Rory, Brianne, Thea, Jordan and Jared. He was predeceased by brothers, Robert, and Jim; and his sisters, Kay, Grace, Eva and Marge. He also leaves to mourn his brother-in-law Gilbert (Bonnie) and many nieces and nephews.
Don was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the son of Evelyn Morrison and Alex Rodgers. He was born into a blended family. The household he grew up in was busy and stimulating as it included university student boarders as well. Don met Sheila Munroe when they were both attending United College (University of Winnipeg) and they married in November 1953. They had over 67 happy years together.
Don attended Gordon Bell High School and both the Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba. He initially earned degrees in Psychology and Education, followed by Medicine, and he became a Specialist in Psychiatry in 1962.
During his career, Don served as Clinical Director at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, Head of Psychiatry Child Guidance Clinic, and Coordinator of Psychiatric Services for the Jack A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit Community Health Services, University of Manitoba. He had considerable expertise in northern and community mental health, spending many years visiting remote communities in northern Manitoba and Nunavut. In the early 1960s Don pioneered the development of community mental health clinics in Manitoba. He was the first coordinator of the Walk-In Clinic for out-patient psychiatry at the Winnipeg General Hospital and gave over 25 years of dedicated service at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg. He received many awards for teaching and service, and was respected for his day-to-day work with people suffering from mental illness. Don was appointed the Chief Provincial Psychiatrist in Manitoba in 1988. He continued to contribute to the profession, including as a consultant, until his retirement at age 80.
Don and his family had many memorable camping trips, and enjoyed happy times at their cottage on Lake Winnipeg. Dad loved dogs, was an avid reader, enjoyed amateur movie-making, wine and bread making and was a certified beekeeper. Don and Sheila shared a lifelong love of music, and enjoyed symphony concerts and music in their home. The study and enjoyment of music was passed on to their children and grandchildren. In 2010, he and Sheila left Winnipeg to move to Vermilion, Alberta for a few years, before moving to Lethbridge in 2014. Don will be remembered for his positive attitude to life, his loving and caring nature and his ever-present sense of humour.
A memorial service will be held in Lethbridge, Alberta.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2021
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Don was one of my first clinical supervisors as a medical student and later a resident in the U of M psychiatry program. He was one of the most genuinely empathetic, respectful and kind clinicians I have know. He was a significant influence in my decision to become a psychiatrist and he became a role model, mentor and friend. I have fond memories of trips to Churchill with Don. His easy going manner and his infectious sense humor was always a delight. Although he had reason to be proud of his many professional accomplishments, He was never one to sing his own praises. My condolences go out to his family and friends. - Posted by: Stan Yaren (student, colleague, friend) on: Oct 09, 2021
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Dr. Rodgers was one of a kind. He supervised some of my psychiatry residency and was a first class human, teacher, and psychiatrist. He had common sense and was a food problem solver. And the stories of the north! I have done consulting work with First Nations in NW Ontario and consulted to several communities in Nunavut. Don Rodgers was an inspiration and the world would benefit from more people like him. - Posted by: Frances Edye (Former student and colleague ) on: Oct 07, 2021
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I am saddened to learn of the passing of our family's life-long friend Don Rogers. Don was a faithful friend of our Father's who was always invited along with his lovely wife Sheila to attend our many family gatherings. Don had a great sense of humour and a warm soft voice. We respected Don greatly for his dedicated profession. He was wonderful to be around at any time. We send loving Condolences to his devoted wife Sheila and their children and their families. We know that Don will be dearly missed by all of them. Our arms are around each of you at this time of saddeness. God Bless and bring everyone comfort. Pauline and John, Rhonda and Cynthia - Posted by: Pauline York (Long-Time Friend) on: Oct 03, 2021
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I am saddened to learn of the passing of our family's life-long friend Don Rogers. Don was a faithful friend of our Father's who was always invited along with his lovely wife Sheila to attend our many family gatherings. Don had a great sense of humour and a warm soft voice. We respected Don greatly for his dedicated profession. He was wonderful to be around at any time. We send loving Condolences to his devoted wife Sheila and their children and their families. We know that Don will be dearly missed by all of them. Our arms are around each of you at this time of sadness. God Bless and bring everyone comfort. Pauline and John, Rhonda and Cynthia - Posted by: Pauline York (Long-Time Friend) on: Oct 03, 2021
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My “Uncle Don“ was my Godfather. He and my Dad met in the army. Don and his dear wife Sheila were wonderful friends to the Melnick family over 70 years. I send most sincere condolences to “Aunty Sheila" and the Rogers family. John Melnick (Jr) - Posted by: John Melnick (Jr) (Godson) on: Oct 02, 2021
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My parents, John and Frieda Melnick, enjoyed a steadfast friendship with Don and Sheila Rodgers. Don and my Dad began their friendship in their army days of WW2. Their friendship lasted until the passing of my parents: Frieda in 2013 and John in 2016. I grew up knowing Don and Sheila as Uncle and Auntie. I remember drives out to the town of Selkirk to visit them on warm summer days. I was greeted warmly and allowed to run and play in the beautiful yard while the grown ups kept a lively conversation going. As I reached adulthood, I realized that Uncle Don was a very learned man, I heard from my parents from time to time of his accomplishments assisting many patients who struggled with mental illnesses. I was aware of his travels up North, continuing his efforts to organize treatment programs. When both couples had retired, there were regular phone calls and dinners shared in each others homes: sometimes including the children of each family. Reading the synopsis of Uncle Don's life, I am amazed at his contributions to the lives of so many. To me, I remember a fine, respectable man who was so easy to talk to. He did indeed have a lovely sense of humour. It was a pleasure to be in his company. I send my condolences to each member of his family, especially to dear Auntie Sheila. Huge hugs to all of you from Susan Melnick. - Posted by: Susan J Melnick (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2021
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I fondly remember Don with our association with the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society and the Clubhouse of Winnipeg. He always gave generously of his time when we visited high schools together educating young students and teachers about schizophrenia. He was also helpful as an original board member getting the the Clubhouse approved for funding by the Manitoba government. His energy, encouragement and commitment to these causes was an inspiration for me. I will always be so thankful for his unlimited support. - Posted by: Linda Zimerman (Friend and colleague) on: Oct 02, 2021