May 4, 1959 - July 2, 2021
Posted by:
Kyle Smith
Posted on:
December 2, 2021
Don, You were one of a kind. I have never had a manager or leader that provided so much support. You were rough on the exterior, but inside you were an amazing person. Managing was never about product. That will always sort itself out. It's about understanding and knowing the people you are in charge of. Every year you sent a message via email to me to let me know you remembered it was my birthday. Well, that day was yesterday, and the impact of not receiving that message hit me hard. I always hoped I would be able to be in your service again, and unfortunately the sad reality is you're gone. You had a real impact on me, like no other person has and you will truly be missed. Not only by me, but ever person that was fortunate enough to have crossed your path. You are one of a kind, and you will be missed. Dearly.
Posted by:
Scott Meda
Posted on:
August 12, 2021
Per Ardua Ad Astra.
Posted by:
Raphael & Veronique
Posted on:
July 23, 2021
We are deeply saddened to see Don leaving us. We keep great memories from our short period of knowing each other and are forever thankful that Don and Jen have shared their passion with us. Don took us under his wing after we bought "Shaken" and have felt like a part of the "C" dock family ever since. Famous words: "Don't worry about it, you'll understand why when you get here". Don was always ready to help on a project or create one while getting us involved and this really made us appreciate his sense of community. It's been a privilege to have him as a mentor but even more as a friend.
Posted by:
Marianne & Stephen
Posted on:
July 22, 2021
We only knew Don for a relatively short period but he left a lasting impression in our lives. Kind, caring and in constant service of others. We lost one hell of a man! The world is a better place because of Don. Rest In Peace our dear friend!
Posted by:
Eric Turner
Posted on:
July 22, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Don was the best friend a guy and his son could hope for. We met at Gimli Yacht Club, but our friendship expanded beyond the club and GYC Board. Don was always willing to help out. Somehow he knew what needed to be done and how to get it done. My son was and still is, fascinated by all things aerospace so Don took Joel to Standard for Take Your Kid to Work Day. He loved it and has never forgotten the experience. We'll never forget the Christmas dinners, visits on the dock and getting together for coffee. Don is missed terribly, but he'll never be forgotten. Fair Winds and Following Seas, my friend. Eric & Joel Turner
Posted by:
David Stacey
Posted on:
July 22, 2021
Our condolences to Jennifer and family. You were great neighbour's and I remember many discussions in Coleridge Park about dogs, hockey and life in general! May you rest in peace, Don. Dave & Elaine
Posted by:
Susan & Dwight Ewanika
Posted on:
July 22, 2021
Don was a pillar of strength through his battle, never fussing about himself, always ready for the next job or task. “D&D (Dwight & Don) Engineering” was created on C dock with many a project completed over the years. It brought both D’s much joy and built a friendship that was solid, honest and unwavering through it all. We will cherish all of of our time and years together but most memorable will be our raft up days on the lake, travels to Gull Harbour, dingy races “around the horn” on Friday night, long walks with the poopers, many a shared meal, snack or beverage together, and good conversation or comfortable silence between dear friends. There are no words of condolence, that soften or ease the pain of lose. Reminiscing about fond memories, and recognizing his accomplishments, strength, and humility, remind us of what a great man he was, how much we love him and while dearly missed, he will be forever in our hearts and thoughts. Rest easy Donny…. May the wind always be in you favour and may our wakes cross again.
Posted by:
Saul Hunter
Posted on:
July 21, 2021
I am really sorry to hear of Don's passing. I only met Don a few times on my trips to Winnipeg for work at StandardAero. He was a great guy and so welcoming. I remember how welcome he made me by inviting me to dinner at his house where I met his lovely wife and daughter and granddaughter and a visit to his boat which he had told me a lot about! I will remember him as a great guy and someone I am proud to have worked for. My sincere condolences to Jennifer and Emily and the rest of his family as well as his StandardAero family He will certainly be missed and all of us here in Australia are thinking of you at this time. Rest in peace Mate.
Posted by:
Andrew Harvey
Posted on:
July 20, 2021
Thank you Don for taking the helm of the AE2100 Ship when we were in need! I'll miss our banter and exchange of boating stories. You are a person that I admire greatly - I wish I had had a chance to say such to you in person. Blissful eternal sailing my friend!
Posted by:
Vera Greven
Posted on:
July 16, 2021
Thank you for your service Don. I still remember when you enlisted. My condolences to the family.
Posted by:
Steve Greven
Posted on:
July 16, 2021
I would like to express my condolences to the entire Levins family. I knew Don when we used to go to cubs & scouts when we were young. He was a great person to be with. When our friend Perry joined the army, Don was thinking of doing the same. I remember him saying that and wished him and our friend Perry all the best and that was the last I heard of him. It's a shame we didn't keep in touch but reading the obituary and seeing the pictures of Don's life, that was him. Loving life to the fullest. Don, I thank you for your friendship when we were young. Thank you for your service to our country. Thank you for being you. R.I.P. my friend.
Posted by:
Siegfrid Mast
Posted on:
July 15, 2021
So sorry to learn of Don’s passing. My heart goes out to his family. RIP Don.
Posted by:
Aline Marchan
Posted on:
July 14, 2021
I was on vacation when Don started at StandardAero in the training department. My first day back, he introduced himself and we bonded straight away through our love of dogs (he had seen the picture of my Rottweiler on my desk and just knew lol). We became friends, resulting in my house/dog/cat sitting during those Mexico trips which he surely loved. We maintained that friendship even as he moved to different roles in different business units throughout his tenure at Standard Aero. Don never passed me by without a quick hello as he was running off to another meeting, or a catch up chat when we had a little more time. He always asked about how my family was doing without fail, and he kept me up to date with his family adventures. I remember when he told me about his first grand baby on the way, he was excited…then when he got his first boat. I was so happy to see him when he visited in the office, he had the biggest smile on his face, even as he was going through treatments. We had a quick moment to check in with each other one more time. I consider myself lucky to have known him, he was truly one of the best. My deepest condolences to you Jen and Emily, and to all of his family and friends. I’m so very sorry for your loss. May he Rest In Peace.
Posted by:
Amanda Schultz
Posted on:
July 13, 2021
I worked with Don at StandardAero. Brand new to the training department in 2010 he was intimidating... For about 5 minutes. 😁 Tough guy but fought the good fight and I respected that. Although it was sad to see him leave, I was so glad that he would get some much needed time with family and to finally relax. Was lucky enough to see him a few times when he came back to visit. He is and will always be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you.
Posted by:
Kevin Smith A Retired FE in NS
Posted on:
July 11, 2021
Seems like to often another Flight Engineer passes on. Cancer really sucks. Especially when it takes such a fine man at a very early age. RIP Don! To his family my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Posted by:
Denis & Sharon Paulhus
Posted on:
July 10, 2021
Jennifer and Emily, We are so sad to hear of Don’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by:
Lisa Forrester
Posted on:
July 9, 2021
Jennifer, Emily & Family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Don for over 20 years. Despite the fact that I transitioned from Ops to the dark side (HR), we always remained friends. When I first met Don, it wasn't hard to see the influence of his 20 year military career - so serious about his job responsibilities and kind of gruff. It didn't take long to see the softer side, especially when he spoke about you both Jennifer and Emily. When Kaylee came into this world, he was beside himself with pride and happiness, wanting to share pictures of both of his grandchildren over the years. He will be greatly missed at StandardAero and for me personally. Do take care!
Posted by:
Bob McCallum
Posted on:
July 8, 2021
Jennifer, Emily and family, It is with sadness that I have learned of Don's passing. When we first moved to Winnipeg with the Armed Forces you and Don were one of our first new friends and we enjoyed many good times together. Later on as we were both working together at StandardAero it was always my pleasure to stop by his desk and catch up on what's happening with the family and reminisce about our Air Force days. The battle is now over and I wish you all the best at this time. Bob McCallum
Posted by:
Kip Cormier
Posted on:
July 8, 2021
I was fortunate to meet Don early in my career, working both Edmonton and Winnipeg. He was a huge impact on my decision to become a Flt Engineer back in the 90's. Saddened to hear of his passing and my condolences to the family. His mentorship will last within us for years to come.
Posted by:
Tim and Pam
Posted on:
July 8, 2021
To our dear friend and fellow sailor Don, we wish you farewell! You were like family and you brought us into your family to share many Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter dinners. I will miss sitting on the dock, hoisting dark ales and sharing the laughs. Fare Thee Well buddy! We wish to quote a poem by Richard John SCARR, entitled: When The Last Hand Comes Aboard No more a Watch to stand, Old Sailor You are outward bound on an ebbing tide. Eight Bells has rung, and last Watch done. Now a new berth waits you on the other side. Your Ship is anchored in God's Harbor. And your Shipmates, sailors of the Lord. Are Mustered on the deck to greet you. And pipe you as you come aboard. Her boilers with full head of steam. Cargo stowed and Galley stored. Just waiting to get underway. When the last Hand comes aboard. Look Sharp, that Hand is you, Old Sailor. And you'll be sailing out on Heavenly Seas. May the wind be ever at your back. Fair weather, and God speed.
Posted by:
Susan McCallum
Posted on:
July 8, 2021
So sad at the news of Don’s passing. I always enjoyed our get togethers. He was so proud of Emily. Rest now my friend you have earned it.
Posted by:
Susan McCallum
Posted on:
July 8, 2021
So sad at the news of Don’s passing. I always enjoyed our get togethers. He was so proud of Emily. Rest now my friend you have earned it.
Posted by:
Steve and Angie Hull
Posted on:
July 8, 2021
Jennifer and family we are so saddened by the news of Dons passing . We allows loved hanging out with you guys in our Morinville days . Donny was always there if you needed a hand and was one of the hardest and most responsible workers that I had the pleasure to work along side. My best memory of him of is how he looked after my family after my Hercules accident and took it upon himself to take Angie to the hospital keeping calm and always reassuring . A true friend and comrade…..rest in peace Donny you were one of a kind .
Posted by:
Ann Marie Kehoe
Posted on:
July 7, 2021
I will miss you so much Don. Thank you for taking such good care of my sister. I will never forget when you saved me from seasickness. You made sure I got off the sailboat onto your rescue boat. Luckily neither of us was hurt. My hero. Love you with all my heart❤️ Ann Marie
Posted by:
Christine Payne
Posted on:
July 7, 2021
Donny will be missed, but never forgotten – we shall toast him frequently and as one of his “boat” friends, it will probably be every dock weekend. LEVITATE was his boat name and while it plays on his last name, it also in some ways describes Don. He was admirable in so many ways. Everything he did, he did well and was well-intended. A helping hand was always extended and he was our token “adult” and we relied on him to be the “designated” captain when required. He caught our lines when we needed him to and over the years, his family became our family. We shall miss him terribly but savor the time we had with Donny and the memories that were made; ones to remember him by. Jen, Emily and family – my deepest sympathies; I mourn with you. He was incredibly proud to be called husband, dad and papa and shined when surrounded by family. We are here to catch your lines and will always make sure you are safe in your slip. RIP my dear friend.
Posted by:
SUE JOHNSTON
Posted on:
July 7, 2021
Jennifer and family...i am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He faught a hard fight. Treasure the memories. Hugs to you all.❤
Posted by:
Jay and Wendy Orcutt
Posted on:
July 7, 2021
Don and I were flight engineers together in Edmonton and although it was years ago it feels like yesterday. So many great memories of our time together in Edmonton, I was happy we were able to meet up years later in Winnipeg and was able to spend some time with Don during my last visit to Winnipeg. Jen I vividly remember the day Emily was born and how proud Don was of his little girl. He will always hold a special place in our hearts, Rest Easy Don, your job here is done. xoxo