DONALD WATSON BATCHELOR

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DONALD WATSON BATCHELOR Dad was born January 5, 1921 in Emerson, Man. and passed away peacefully November 11, 1999 following a long and tenacious battle with cancer. In true Don Batchelor fashion he faced his last battle head on refusing to give in until his resolve was completely exhausted. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife Gwen; mother and father Archie and Marnie; sister LaDelle; brothers, Norman, Glen and Allan. Left to mourn dads passing are his sons, Peter (Esther), Kimberley (Larry), Keith and great-grandchildren, Anthony, Jared and Owen of Dawson Creek, B.C.; Paul (Bonnie), Jason and Jordan of Winnipeg; Perry (Kim), Megan and Mazkenzie of Altona; daughters, Pam (Larry) Hammett, Jennifer and Erin of Prince Albert, Patricia (Henry) Hildebrandt, Stacy, Steven, Scott of Winnipeg; and Penny (John) Abrams, Chad of Winnipeg and (Gilbert Plains). Dad will also be remembered by his surviving sister and brothers, Joan Irvine of Winnipeg, Bill (Betty) of Richmond, B.C., Blake (Joy) of Winnipeg and Clair (Jacquie) of Summerside, PEI; brother-in-law Lorne Johnston; sisters-in-law, Lorraine, Gwen and Margaret Batchelor as well as a host of nieces, nephews and friends from Canada as well as England. Dad served his country with distinction during the Second World War as a member of 13th Field Battery Royal Canadian Artillery. No doubt the highlight of his time overseas was convincing mom to cross the pond from sunny old England to the bald prairie, along with a very young son, to begin a new life in Gretna where Dad very quickly commenced employment with Canada Customs and Excise. Dad retired from Customs and Excise in 1984 following many, many years of dedicated and loyal service throughout which he always displayed common sense, courtesy and perhaps most importantly, a no nonsense approach to the job at hand. Realizing the importance that stability plays in the raising of a family, he turned down numerous opportunities to move onto bigger and better things choosing instead to raise the six Ps in the town of Gretna. To ensure even safer streets be once took on the job as the Village policeman, hanging up his badge shortly after boredom set in. Although a very private person, Dad nevertheless had a number of close friends and we thank them for their support throughout his rather long period of illness. Dads community involvement included a few seasons as a baseball coach, avid curler as well as Club President, golfer and strong supporter of the Oakview Golf Course, as well as a BINGO caller (a real sacrifice given his disdain for the game). He was a staunch believer in the significance of Remembrance Day and was instrumental in the dedication of the Gretna Peace Bell. He took great pride and felt very honoured in being chosen to lead his fellow veterans on parade for numerous Remembrance Day services and was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch. No. 77. We should not be surprised that he chose November 11 as his last day on earth. A strong family man, Dad always put the needs of Gwen and their six Ps ahead of all else even to the point of working at extra jobs in order to afford that all important and thoroughly enjoyed summer holiday at the lake. Dads love of life, music and current affairs was surpassed only by his love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Always willing to offer advice, he reminded all of us of the importance of always greeting people with a strong handshake displaying common courtesy and decency. Although a very sad occasion we nevertheless take great comfort in knowing that Dad is now with our dear mom Gwen with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. We can only hope that he has found his seat around the Batchelor boys card table. A celebration of Dads life will be held Sunday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the Altona Mennonite Church, 267 8th Ave. N.E. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, would be very much appreciated. We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff of the Altona Memorial Health Centre for their genuine care, concern and compassion throughout this very trying time. It gave us great comfort in knowing that Dad was in such good hands and was receiving the best possible care. Wiebe Funeral Home, Altona in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 1999