Obituary of Don Ukrainetz

Don Ukrainetz

On Sunday August 25, 2024 Don Ukrainetz; beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed peacefully with family by his side at the Brandon Regional Health Center.

Don was born in Insinger, Saskatchewan on August 12, 1939. As a child Don moved to Rossburn, Manitoba with his family where he and his six siblings lived and farmed. It was in Rossburn Don met the love of his life, Lillian Tanasychuk and together they started their life journey by moving to Thompson, Manitoba as the new mine and metal processing facility were being commissioned. Don worked as a Supervisor in the Thompson Refinery for 30 years and was a captain of the first Refinery rescue team.

Don enjoyed curling and golf and was an active member of both these organizations for a number of years. Don enjoyed the outdoors and spent much time at his remote cabin on Paint Lake fishing, entertaining friends and family and teaching his children how to fish, hunt and enjoy watersports. In 1988, Don and Lillian moved out to Paint Lake full time. Don was an active member of the Paint Lake cottage owners association and enjoyed assisting the various fundraising activities put on that led to the establishment of the Paint Lake Volunteer fire department.

In 1996, Don and Lillian Moved to Brandon, Manitoba were they enjoyed being members of the Brandon Seniors for Seniors organization. During his years in Brandon Don enjoyed playing pool, cards and golf. Don was a member of the Army, Navy and Air Force pool league and card group, and enjoyed his time golfing with family and friends at the Glen Lea Golf Course. Don organized and hosted two annual Thompsonite Golf Reunion's at Glen Lea Golf Course.

Don is survived by his wife, Lillian; two sons, Darryl (Karen) and Richard (Denise) Ukrainetz; sister, Phyllis Ukrainetz; sisters-in-law: Irene Tanasychuk, Rose Clark, Marilyn Ravitis and Linda Tanasychuk; three grandchildren: Steven (Carrie) Ukrainetz, Nicholas (Jessica) Ukrainetz and Curtis (Rae-Anne) Ukrainetz; five great-grandchildren: Carter, Grayson, Hudson, Rowen, Ensley and many nieces and nephews.

Don is predeceased by his parents, Steve and Dora Ukrainetz; brothers, Paul and Bob Ukrainetz and sisters, May Menzies, Elaine Stebnicki, Johanna Collingridge and his granddaughter, Rikki Ukrainetz.

In keeping with Don's wishes cremation has taken place and no public services will be held. The Ukrainetz family is thankful for all the support and well wishes from friends and family and wish to sincerely thank the medical staff at Brandon Regional Health Centre including: Cancer Care, Emergency Services, ICU and Palliative Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don may be made to Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.    

Life is short but memories are forever.