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DONALD (DONNIE) LENCH
Date of Passing: Apr 10, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDONALD (DONNIE) LENCH
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald (Donnie) Lench, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 66 years.
A true Winnipegger through and through, Donnie grew up in Transcona and remained a proud ambassador of the city his entire life. He was the son of Pat and Don Lench Sr., and brother to Gord Lench.
Donnie was a man of immense intellect and unique character. Whether he was strategizing over a chess board, lining up a perfect shot at a billiards table, or cycling through downtown during a warm Winnipeg summer, he approached life with focus and spirit. He was famously talented in unexpected ways—even once claiming the title of an air guitar champion.
His heart was as big as his mind. Donnie spent years sharing his knowledge by teaching English to newcomers and was deeply proud of his time spent volunteering at Manitoba Harvest. He had a great appreciation for the beauty of life, from the smooth notes of a jazz record to the many meaningful relationships he built.
He will be deeply missed by his mother Pat Lench, his brother Gord Lench, his nephew, James Lench; his aunt, Jo-Anne Sutherland; his uncle Lewis Lavack Jr.; and his cousins, Jason and Joe Lavack, Dana and Lee Sutherland. He also leaves behind his great-niece, Scarlett Lench; and his very close friends Gladwyn, Larry, Guy, and Michael, along with a wide circle of friends from every corner of Winnipeg.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday April 22, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 920 Nairn Ave., Winnipeg.
Rest in peace, Donnie. We will think of you every time we hear a jazz set or see a cyclist catching the summer breeze.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2026
