DONOVAN ARTHUR (D.A.) LYNCH

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DONOVAN ARTHUR (D.A.) LYNCH August 19, 1913 - February 17, 2001 Peacefully, on February 17, 2001, at Tuxedo Villa, Donovan Arthur Lynch left this world to join Marion, his beloved wife of 55 years. He will always be remembered by those he leaves in passing, sons, Bob (Eleanor), Tom; daughters, Jerilynn (Dale) and Karen (Bailey). He will also be missed by his grandchildren, Justin Lynch, Andrea, Scott and Karla McKenzie, Lindsay and Mika Rayter and his two sisters, Hester (Shulver) and Norma (Bostock). Donovan was predeceased by his beloved wife Marion, parents, Timothy and Elizabeth and younger brother Allan. He was born in Streator, Illinois moving to rural Saskatchewan at an early age, where he spent his formative years. He and Marion were married in 1938 in Regina, Saskatchewan where all four of their children were born, remaining there until 1952 when the family moved to Winnipeg. During his career, dad worked in several jobs, the Post Office, Firefighter, Service Station Management and the Canadian Army, before settling into his final career choice, the Meat Packing Industry. He spent 31 years at Canada Packers, most of it managing the poultry and dairy operation for the Winnipeg plant. During that time, he developed a well earned reputation for business acumen and consistently managed a profitable operation for the company. In 1970, he was approached by a local company, MANCO, which had run into some financial difficulties. He left Canada Packers and was able to turn the company around within two years. In 1977, dad was approached by a similar operation in British Columbia and was able to improve that companys fortunes, as well. He was very involved in the curling scene at the Winnipeg Pembina Curling Club, both as a participant and a teacher. He ran one of the early junior curling programs in Winnipeg. As a result of his passion for curling most of his family also became involved in the roaring game, as well. Dads other sports passion was golf. He started to golf at a later age, joining the Southwood Golf and Country Club. In spite of the late start he, nevertheless, approached it with his customary zeal. He soon organized a regular group of fellow golfers for their Saturday morning golf games, enjoyed by all. On a more cerebral note, both dad and mom were very active in bridge, both as participants and as teachers. There were many nights when they played not only more casual bridge with friends, but organized tournaments, which often became quite spirited as the competition heightened. In 1977, Donovan and Marion moved to Victoria, B.C. to enjoyed their retirement. At their home, dad became very involved in gardening. His pride and joy was the produce grown in his garden and the many fruit trees, which were the envy of the neighborhood. In September 1991, they decided to returned to Winnipeg to be closer to three of the children who lived there. Shortly after their return, dad suffered a major stroke. In December, he was moved to Tuxedo Villa and remained there until his passing on February 17, 2001. After cremation, memorial services were held on Thursday, February 22, at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley Street, with the Reverend Gordon Fulford officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined and donations may be made to the Dale Rayter Nursing Education Trust Fund at the Health Sciences Center or a charity of choice. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff on station three at Tuxedo Villa for the comfort and support they provided to Donovan. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street, 949-4860

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2001