DONALD EDWARD HEMMETT -

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DONALD EDWARD HEMMETT 1939 - 2002 On Sunday, June 30, 2002, as the result of a tragic highway accident, Donald was taken from his family and friends to abide with his Lord. His absence has left a terrible void in the lives of family and friends who knew him as "The Duck," "Uncle Duck," and even "Mr. Donald Duck." Donald was born in Winnipeg on April 28, 1939, and grew up in the Weston area of the city. After graduation from Daniel McIntyre High School he worked briefly for the Canadian Pacific Railway, then became an employee of CBC, where he worked until his retirement in the early 90s. He was predeceased by his father Edgar, and his mother Hazel. As a young man, Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially bowling; in his later years he took up oil painting. He also enjoyed sci-fi movies and Nintendo, but his favourite time of day was suppertime. The Duck was known to be a quiet man, with deep convictions and a strong Christian faith, but the true depth of his sensitive nature was recognized only after his death, when some poetry that he had written was discovered among his belongings. Donald was also a true "caregiver." During his parents final years he looked after their needs, and spent a year living with his two teenaged nephews, Jeff and Kelly, while their parents were overseas. A very special bond was formed at that time, which lasted until his unfortunate death, and continues still. As time went on nieces-in-law Cheryl and Kerri, along with great-nieces Carlynn and Katelynn, and great-nephews Connor and Devon were included in that bond. The love of Donalds life was "the lake," where he intended to spend his retirement years. While he did spend a lot of time at his cabin, when not there he shared the home of his brother Ken and sister-in-law Connie. He became more than a brother to both, but he was especially Kens companion and helpmate. The circle was truly complete, however, when younger brother Bruce came down from Thompson to spend a few days, and the family room became a sort of clubhouse for "Duck, Chuck, and Buck." The sound of their laughter still echoes. The shock of Donalds very sudden passing has also been felt particularly by Bruces children Brent and Lisa, along with their mother Shirley and Lisas husband David, all of Thompson, MB, as well as his dear Aunt June Martin and the Hemmetts "honorary" aunt Diane Blakeley. Furthermore, while Donald never married or had children, he was part of a very large extended "family," and the terrible accident that took his life has affected his many friends at Ingolf, and particularly those in "the Bay," who are devastated by the tragic loss of their good friend "Duck." In the midst of this time of great sorrow, there have been those who have helped to sustain Donalds family, and make things a little easier for them. Our deepest appreciation goes out to members of the RCMP in the Steinbach, Winnipeg, and Thompson detachments, and particularly to Constable Bill Berg of Steinbach as well as Lonni Cruickshank of the Chief Medical Examiners Office. Your thoughtful consideration and support will not soon be forgotten. It goes without saying, furthermore, that many other people deserve our thanks, including friends, family members, neighbours and colleaguesunfortunately too many to be mentioned individually here. Please know that you all have a place in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a contribution may be made to the Concordia Hospital Foundation, 1095 Concordia Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2K 3S8. Donations in Donalds memory will be earmarked for the Intensive Care Unit, in appreciation of the care he received there last year. Public viewing will take place on Sunday, July 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook St., and one-half hour prior to the service. Funeral service 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 8 at Bardal Funeral Home. Interment Brookside Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Hemmett, Bruce Hemmett, Bill Morham, Jim Martin, John Walden, and Hans Kolassa. Pallbearers, Jeff Hemmett, Kelly Hemmett, Brent Hemmett, Patrick Martin, Roger Desloges, Greg Kirsch. Email messages of sympathy may be sent to kenconniehemmett@canada.com BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2002