DONALD ROSS GOTHARD

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DONALD ROSS GOTHARD Donald Ross Gothard of Brandon, formerly of Winnipeg, beloved husband of Janice and father of Tyson, passed away in Brandon on Tuesday, February 1, 2000. Don was born in St. Boniface on December 28, 1954. His elementary schooling was completed at Sir Isaac Brock School. In 1967, his family moved to Transcona where he attended John W. Gunn Junior High and graduated from Transcona Collegiate Institute in 1973. Don attended the University of Winnipeg for three years in the Faculty of Education before turning to a career in business. In 1981, Don transferred to Brandon with Peoples Jewellers. He not only enjoyed the jewellery business but also liked the challenge of setting up this enterprise in a new location. Throughout the ensuing years, he held various retail management positions with Marks Work Wearhouse, Narveys Clothes for Men, the Brandon Restore, and finally Eatons Department Store. As a youth, Don was a Cub Scout and later, as a teen became active in Scouting as a member of the First Transcona Rover Crew. In his young years, Don developed interests and skills in swimming, curling, golfing, boating, and sailing, which would remain lifelong pursuits. In swimming, he earned his Bronze Medallion, Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, Royal Lifesaving Instructor, and National Lifeguard Service Award. While attending school, Don worked as an Instructor and Lifeguard at the Transcona Kinsmen Centennial Pool. Later in life, Don acquired interests in photography, cooking, gardening, and basket weaving. Upon coming to Brandon, Don joined the Brandon & District Jaycee Unit, holding the positions of Secretary and Vice President. While a member, he participated in many activities, including the Effective Speaking competition. In 1987, he won the Jaycee provincial competition and, that same year, competed at the national level representing Manitoba. Don felt strongly about the importance of volunteerism. During his lifetime, he gave of his time and talents to a variety of organizations, including the Transcona Guide-Scout Water Safety Program, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Planned Parenthood, the Brandon University Mens Bobcats Basketball team, the Assiniboine Centre Day Program, the Samaritan House Literacy Program, and Scouts Canada as a Beaver Leader and later as a Cub Leader. Most recently he assisted the Brandon Literacy Council both as a tutor and board member. In 1999, Don was nominated for the Margaret Laurence Award of Excellence for Volunteer Tutors and received an Honourable Mention in recognition of his contribution to literacy in Brandon. Don valued and appreciated life. He fought a long, courageous battle with diabetes and its complications, including renal failure, necessitating peritoneal dialysis treatment. He conducted his battle with dignity and selflessness. He will be remembered for his sensitivity, sense of humour, compassion for others, his generous nature, and enjoyment of lively conversations on a great variety of topics. Don is survived by his wife of 18 years, Janice; son Tyson; parents, Jessie and Dennis Gothard; uncle and aunt, Larry and Marion Osborne of Kelowna; parents-in-law, Betty and James Stewart; sister-in-law Theresa Stewart (Les Douglas) niece and nephew, Daria and David Douglas of Pigeon Lake, AB; and brother-in-law Kevin Stewart of Calgary. A ceremony to celebrate Dons life was held at Memories Chapel, Brandon, on Saturday, February 5, with Mona Franklin officiating. Neil Williams was the urn bearer. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery. A reception was held at St. Augustines Square. Lunch was provided by the C.W.L. Donations in memory of Don may be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, 727B - 10th St., Brandon, MB R7A 4G7 or to a charity of choice. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon, 727-0330.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 09, 2000