Obituaries

DONALD KOTZ

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather, Don Kotz, after an extremely brave battle with cancer, 4 days shy of his 74th birthday. Don is survived by his wife, Alda, children Morgan (Alexandra) and Raimey, grandchildren Sam, Atleigh, and Hayden, sister Valerie (Don) of Kenora, ON, and brother Larry (Lorna) of Vernon, B.C., and their families.

The son of Nick and Helen Kotz, Don grew up in Dauphin, MB. He left home for his first job with CN, which took him all over northern Manitoba. Eventually he settled in Winnipeg and returned to school at Red River Community College where he met his wife, Alda. Don graduated from Business Administration, spent some time in the automotive industry, but then found his true calling as a financial advisor. Taking a leap of faith, he started a job at New York Life Insurance the same week his first child was born. That job transitioned to Canada Life and eventually Don struck out on his own and brought his son, Morgan, into the business with him. Don loved working for his clients and never wanted to retire.

Don had a lifelong love affair with sports, highlighted by his years spent playing hockey for the Dauphin Kings. He later took great pleasure watching both of his children play hockey, as well as his grandson, Sam. He was a Jets season ticket holder since the 1980’s and was a passionate fan. He was also an avid golfer and spent his summer days playing at Breezy Bend Country Club, often hitting 100 rounds a season. He enjoyed playing with his best friends, clients, his son, and in recent years was doing his best to persuade his daughter and grandkids to join him on the green.

Don loved spending the rest of his free time staying sharp with Wordle, jigsaw puzzles and tackling the Sunday crosswords with his daughter Raimey. In the winter, he would escape the cold to his second home in Phoenix and loved being able to entertain his grandkids there.

We would like to thank the staff at CancerCare MB, the wonderful staff at the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre, as well as all of those who supported us with calls and emails during this difficult time.