Obituary of Donald Evanonki
EVANONKI: With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Donald Michael Evanonki on July 24, 2020, at the age of 76 years with his loving wife by his side.
Don was born in Victoria, British Columbia, to Michael and Edna Evanonki, a twin to his sister Donna on August 13, 1943.
The family moved back to Brandon when Don was very young. He received his education in Brandon. In his junior and high school years Don enjoyed playing sports, especially hockey with his friends at the West End Community Centre. He often reminisced and chuckled of shooting gophers with his neighbourhood friends around 25th St. and McTavish Ave. The railway tracks ran north/south and that's where the city ended at that time.
Don spoke of taking all the shortcuts and county roads on his bicycle from his parents' home to Grandma Herter's farm north of Brandon; riding tractors and helping with the farm chores in his younger years.
Don belonged to the Sea Cadets as a young teenager. He said the best part was playing the saxophone as they regularly marched up and down the streets. He also played drums in a band called The Shadows, and when called upon would play with other bands as well. He went all over the countryside and had so many stories!
As a teenager, Don had numerous jobs. He said he never wanted to stay in one job for longer than a year so he could gain a wide range of experience. He worked with car parts and was employed at Machine Implements. He moved to Thompson and worked at the mine for three years with his family Bea and his two daughters. The family returned to Brandon where Don worked at Canadian Tire for 17+ years, eventually working his way up to Assistant Manager. He said this was his best working years and enjoyed running into former co-workers and reminiscing. Don had some health issues for about a year and then joined Beaver Lumber / Home Hardware where he stayed for 18+ years until his retirement in May 2009.
Don was married to Beatrice for over 40 years until her untimely death in 2007. They had two daughters: Traci and Suzanne. As a family, they enjoyed camping at Williams Lake, Duck Hill Mountains and other campsites. They created many memories with friends and family. He said "real camping" was no electricity, he loved nature. Don had many interests and fishing was one of them. He would take his canoe out onto the river and lake in the evenings after work and on their camping trips.
In 2009, Don met his wife Connie and continued to make memories with her. His love of fish was also a part of his every day, having koi fish as part of the beauty and tranquility of their backyard. Flowers and a vegetable garden continued to be a passion for Don as well.
Don always loved jazz and Big Band music. In the last few years Don and Connie enjoyed listening to the Mark Humphries Orchestra and the Community Orchestra at City Hall.
Don said he always had an interest in cars growing up and he enjoyed the car shows on T.V. and downtown Brandon on Thursday evenings. He and Connie would pick up a cup of coffee and drive to small towns all over Manitoba to learn of their history enjoying days trips and sometimes overnighters.
Don loved watching curling and made sure we had tickets for the Provincials and Brier when it came to Brandon.
Don volunteered with Connie canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Meals on Wheels and years with the Lions Club helping his friend Doug. Don loved his long time neighbours and said we lived on the best street in Brandon! He enjoyed playing bingo weekly, through both the Lions and Kinsmen Club. He loved to play cards and board games and couldn't wait for winter to start doing his puzzles. He would often trade between family and friends and when he finished one he especially liked, he'd say "that was a beauty". In the last few years he took an interest in the IPad and enjoyed playing "Words with Friends" and "Wordscapes". He would read all the world news daily. He loved googling and researching and most recently on how to grow bigger tomatoes and onions.
In Don's later years he and Connie travelled to Thompson (where he had lived previously), Kenora, Thunder Bay, Southern Ontario to see "Sister Terri" and Ross; Moose Jaw, Regina and Yorkton; places he hadn't seen and something they enjoyed together. They'd often be seen riding their bikes with their helmets on or out for a walk around the neighbourhood and in the winter time walking in the mall.
Don loved all his grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed watching all their activities and sports. We can still hear him yell "GGGOOOAAALLL" or "Atta boy, girl".
Don is survived by his loving wife Connie, his daughters Traci (Dwayne) and Suzanne. Connie's family: Stacey (Todd), Rob, Cathy (Terry) and Deanna (Glen). His grandchildren: Jocelyn, Michael, Cory (Janaica), Aidan (Evan), Aaron, Alexa and Jordan. His in-laws Alice, Dave, Bruce and Elsie, Ross and Terri and numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was predeceased by his parents Michael (Barney) and Edna, twin sister Donna and his first wife Beatrice.
A private celebration was held at St. Augustine's Church on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 with Father John officiating. Don was laid to rest at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.
If so desired, donations may be made in Don's name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5 or to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.
We will miss you deeply and cherish all our wonderful memories. Rest in Peace, Dear Donald.
"Good Morning, love you more today than yesterday"
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