DON DUGUID, C.M., O.M.

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DON DUGUID, C.M., O.M.

It is with great sadness that the family of Don Duguid announces his peaceful passing on July 15, 2026, at the age of 90 years.

Don Duguid was raised in Winnipeg's West End where his father, newly arrived from Scotland, worked at the CPR Weston Yards by day and served as the icemaker at the Victoria Curling Club by night.

From the age of 10, Don helped his father clean and pebble the ice before league play. In many ways, he literally grew up at the curling club. It was there that his lifelong love of curling took root and where the skills that would one day make him a world champion were first developed.

Away from the rink, Don raised a family, established a successful career in sales and was a talented small businessman. He later built a broadcasting career that would span more than three decades.

For nearly half a century, from his first Manitoba championship appearance in 1955 to his final Masters championship in 2001, Don Duguid was one of the defining figures in Manitoba and Canadian curling.

His first Canadian championship came in 1965, playing third for skip Terry Braunstein's rink, which captured the Brier title and finished as runner-up at the World Championship.

Don's greatest competitive success came with teammates Rod Hunter, Jim Pettapiece and Bryan Wood. Together they captured back-to-back Manitoba, Canadian and World Championships in 1970 and 1971, earning a place among the greatest teams in curling history.

Over his remarkable career, Don won four Manitoba men's championships, three Canadian Brier championships, two World Curling Championships, three Manitoba Senior championships and a Canadian Masters championship.

Beyond his own accomplishments on the ice, Don helped shape the modern game. Along with Ray Turnbull and Wally Ursuliak, he established Canada's first organized curling schools, introducing thousands to the sport. His broadcasting career included covering five Olympic Winter Games, making him one of curling's most respected television analysts and ambassadors.

His extraordinary contributions were recognized through induction into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame, the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame, Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and the World Curling Federation Hall of Fame. He was appointed to the Order of Manitoba in 2014 and to the Order of Canada in 2020.

Don is survived by his beloved wife Barb, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don loved hosting family gatherings that brought everyone together for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other special occasions. The Keg, Paradise, and Ray & Jerry's were favourite restaurants where stories were shared, laughter came easily and lasting memories were made.

Summers were spent at the cottage at Laclu, Ontario. Although he never hesitated to grumble about cutting the grass or keeping up the property, he loved spending time at the lake with Barb and family.

Many liked to joke that Don loved golf even more than curling. A life member of the St. Boniface Golf Club, he remained an enthusiastic golfer for decades and was a familiar face at the Golf Dome. To keep fit he did a regular early morning shift at the Rady Centre where he worked out with good friends.

The Granite Curling Club remained a special place throughout Don's life. A life member, he cherished the many friendships he built there over the decades. Whether enjoying a spirited game of cards or simply sharing stories after a game, the Granite was a gathering place where laughter, camaraderie and lifelong friendships flourished. He was touched and honoured when the club's street was given the honourary name Team Duguid Way by the City of Winnipeg.

While Don will forever be remembered for his remarkable accomplishments on the ice, those who knew him best will remember a man whose confidence, competitive spirit, humour, generosity and outgoing nature enriched the lives of so many.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the physicians, nurses and staff at Grace Hospital for the exceptional care, compassion and kindness shown to Don and to our family during his final days.

A celebration of Don's life will be announced at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2026