Obituaries

After a great fight with a lengthy illness, Dad took a somewhat unexpected turn and passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the Grace Hospital. He was never alone, surrounded by many family and friends during his two nights there. He died peacefully at 6:19 a.m. with his daughter, Laurel and son-in-law, John, at his side. He was 84 years of age, just shy of his 85th birthday.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Leona Green; children James Green (Angela), Laurel Fraser (John), Kenneth Green (Mary), Arliss Kurtz (Ken); grandchildren, Andrew Green, Ian Fraser (Shona), Thomas Fraser, Joshua Fraser (Katie Blonski), Kasey Kurtz, Katelyn Kurtz; great-grandson Kieran Fraser; and numerous relatives, friends and colleagues across Canada will also miss him. He was predeceased by his father, James Arthur (Art) Green; mother, Annie-May Green (Davies); sister, Marilyn Greenham and brother-in-law, Barrie Greenham.

Dad began his career in the graphic arts industry as a printing apprentice and salesman that often took him on the road for long periods of time away from his wife and young family. To the relief of our mother, he later settled his work in Winnipeg and became the owner of Regent Press. Dad eventually sold his business to Prolific Graphics where he worked as their top salesman until his retirement in 2000. He used to say, “If I’m going to be a salesman I’m going to be the best damn salesman they ever saw.” And he was.

Our Dad had many other accomplishments outside of his work. His legacy can be seen in the creation of the Crestview Men’s Fastball League, the Crestview Community Centre and the Westwood Library. He was a naval officer with HMCS Chippewa. He volunteered in a number of capacities with the Assiniboia School Board, Grant Memorial Church (Deacon, Lindenholm Board, Linden Christian School Board), Schizophrenia Society (Golf Tournament, Iris Gala, Walk-a-thon) and his great passion, The Optimist Club of Assiniboia. Dad put a great amount of time and effort into his work with the Optimists that included helping to create the Optimist Ball Park and coordinating and working at the annual Buffalo BBQ and parade, Christmas Tree Lot, Circus and most importantly, establishing the Optimist Band Festival with his dear friend, George Douglas, owner of St. John’s Music.

A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at Grant Memorial Church, 877 Wilkes Avenue, on Saturday February 10, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be presided by his son, Soldier Ken Green of the Salvation Army. A private family Interment will be held at a later date.

A special thank you is extended to Dr. Mare, palliative care nurse, Sean, and coordinator Manivan, private attendant, Tara Hart, and all the many doctors and nurses who looked over our father for the last two years, in particular the staff in Grace Hospital Emergency and 5 North who made a difficult weekend bearable.

In lieu of flowers and gifts donations can be made to one of the many charities our Dad supported which included the Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare Manitoba, the Salvation Army, the Schizophrenia Society of Manitoba or Athletes in Action.