DR. DONALD L. GEMMILL,

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DR. DONALD L. GEMMILL, Bsc, MDCM, DPH December 1, 1924 - August 28, 2002 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Donald Lawrence Gemmill. Don peacefully left this world on August 28, 2002, at the Grace General Hospital, surrounded by the love of his wife and family. Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorene; daughter Marj (Holloway) and husband David and children Heather, (Jetsun) and son, Douglas, Chirstine, (Trevor) and Lindsey; son, Don and wife Debbie and children, Amanda, Bill, Bonnie, Mike; daughter Heather (Heslop) and husband Russ and children Dan and Bryan; son Bill and wife Sally and children Stewart, Charles, Darren and Andrew; son John and wife Melanie and children Katrina and Connor; daughter, Lorie (McLean) and husband Jared; daughter, Dorothy (Watters) and husband Tim and children Kelly and Eric; son Doug and children Chandler and Brittney. Don is survived by his sister, Dorothea Lassetter of Colorado Springs, CO. He also leaves to mourn his sister-in-law, Ann (Chidwick) and husband Paul; sister-in-law Berte (Willoughby) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Don was born on December 1, 1924 in Youngstown, AB and moved to several small towns throughout his childhood. It was during his younger years that he acquired an interest in medicine. After graduating from Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon, he joined, at the age of 17, the Royal Canadian Air Force. He learned to fly under the Commonwealth Air Training Plan and was involved in the training of new recruits. After the war, Don attended the University of British Columbia where he met his lifelong partner, Lorene Willoughby. He completed his undergraduate studies and moved to Montreal where he graduated from McGill University as a Doctor of Medicine in 1955. Dons first practice was in The Pas, MB. While in The Pas, he developed a love for the North and purchased property on Clearwater Lake. The family still continues to enjoy the cabin and the many memories that go with it. After his career as a General Practitioner in Brandon, Don decided to go into Public Health. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1969 and was awarded the gold medal for the student achieving the highest standings. This new line of work took Don to various locales, from Kamloops and Powell River, BC, to eventually Winnipeg, where he was the Chief Medical Health Officer for the city from 1973 to 1991. In Dons spare time, he and Lorene enjoyed many hours with the family at home, at the cabin on Clearwater Lake, as well as hunting out on the prairies. Don always believed that God had helped him on his many journeys, through the highs and lows of his life. He treasured the joys of a close and loving family and the gift of numerous life-long friendships. The family wishes to thank Dr. J. D. McDowell, Linda Norris, and the third and fourth floor nursing staff at Grace General Hospital for their sincere kindness and care. A celebration of Dons life will be held at the Charleswood United Church, 4820 Roblin Blvd. at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31. In lieu of flowers, we would ask that you send your donation to the Charleswood United Church Memorial Fund, 4820 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, R3R 0G6, The Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301-352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2H8, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2B7. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 31, 2002