DONALD ARTHUR CALLANDER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DONALD ARTHUR CALLANDER Peacefully on Monday, September 6, 2004 at his home, Donald Arthur Callander, son of the late Mae and Jock Callander, aged 70 years, beloved husband, father, brother and Poppa. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife Mary; children, Nan Fewchuk (Rodney), Sue Cerasani (Guido), John Callander; Dons "precious angels" grandchildren, Jenea, Amy, Eason and Aidan; as well as his siblings, Len Callander (Joy), Audrey Pyne, Ron Callander (Mona), Bob Callander (Doreen), Bonnie Nichols (Ken) stepmother Irene Callander (George) brother-in-law Rob Callander (Joanne) along with many family members and friends. Don was born January 8, 1934 in Neudorf, SK. After the untimely death of his mother, he and his siblings were raised in The Orange Home of Indian Head, SK. Don joined the RCMP in 1954 and was stationed in Lac Du Bonnet for three years. In 1958 he married Diane Robertson and settled in Selkirk to raise his family. A few years later he answered his artistic calling and became an award-winning designer employed by Robertsons Furniture Store in Selkirk. Several years later, Don was hired as design manager for the Hudsons Bay Company. In 1976 he married his wife Mary and together they opened Don Callander Interiors where they oversaw a successful design business until Dons unfortunate accident in 1979. Don continued to pursue his love of painting and cooking and welcomed all into his home on Eveline with his warm, generous heart. He treasured family gatherings. He was a strong-willed person who challenged and overcame lifes greatest hardships. As Gordon Sinclair wrote in his 1993 Winnipeg Free Press article, Don was "disabled in body, strong in spirit". Dons spirit will live on through his paintings, numerous cards and notes with his inspirational words and hopeful outlook on life. Artist, poet, teacher, dreamer, friend and lover of life...that was Poppa Don. The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion Don received from the Canadian Paraplegic Association, his orderlies and nurses throughout the years, St. Boniface Hospital for all their care in the past, and to his special friends whose company he so enjoyed. Also, special thanks to Dr. Arthur Blank. A celebration of Dons life will be held on Friday, September 10 at 1:00 p.m. at 333 Vaughan St. (amenities floor). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Paraplegic Association, 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. "And may there be no mourning at the bar when I set out to sea." Gilbarts Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2004