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Donald Killeen
February 9, 2017
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<div itemprop="description">DONALD JOSEPH KILLEEN <br> <br>On February 9, 2017 and two months before his 89th birthday, Donald Killeen passed away at the Victoria General Hospital after a short period of challenging health issues. <br> <br>Don’s greatest happiness came from his family. He is survived and will be fondly remembered by his children, Karen (Barry) of Toronto, Jeffrey of Winnipeg and Warren of Calgary, his four grandchildren, Julianne, Stephanie, Cole and Joelle and his close companion, Diane Merker. His sister, Joyce Alexander, also survives him. Don was predeceased in 2007 by Eileen, his loving wife of 57 years, his daughter-in-law, Corrine, and siblings, Larry and Norma. <br>Don was born in Winnipeg in 1928 and was the youngest of four children. In his early years, Don lost a substantial part of his hearing from a childhood illness. Fortunately, his weakened hearing did not slow down his active and engaging social life. While he did not formally complete high school, Don worked in the family insulation business. He married Eileen in 1951. With his brother-in-law, Doug Alexander, the business evolved and shifted focus to the manufacture of windows and doors, becoming one of Winnipeg’s small enterprising businesses, C.A. Killeen & Sons. Don devoted his energy to this business through to his retirement. Summer weekends and holidays were spent at the cottage he built with his father-in-law on Falcon Lake where he puttered and enjoyed the outdoors and happy times with Eileen, the family and cottage friends. Many fun years were had with the ‘Up the River Gang” from Wildwood Park. Don and Eileen also enjoyed traveling to other countries. <br> <br>Being a part of his children and grandchildren’s lives were a great joy to Don. You could always find him on driving duty and standing on the sidelines at activities, practices and games. Sports were a large element throughout his own life; Don played junior baseball in his youth and was on the Tribune’s All-Star team in 1948. He was an avid hockey player and downhill skier, becoming an amateur ski instructor and teaching at the Puffin Ski Club. He skied into his late 70’s, going on numerous ski trips with family and friends. Don was also an enthusiastic golfer and had great fun recounting the time he scored a hole in one! He was a passionate football fan, rarely missing a game of his beloved Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Don was also a keen reader of history, a wood carver and an ardent gardener. Community was extremely important to Don. He involved himself at the local level wherever he could. <br> <br>After Eileen’s passing, Don developed a special relationship with Diane Merker, with whom he shared a number of wonderful years, travelling abroad, wintering in Arizona and spending time in Winnipeg and at the cottage. <br> <br>In his later years, Don lived at Riverwood Square, which became his home and community. The family gratefully appreciates the care and compassion of the staff, caregivers and doctors at both Riverwood Square and the Victoria General Hospital during his final months. A special thank you is made to Don’s long-time doctors, Dr. Hayward and Dr. Kroeker, for their warmhearted and professional care. <br> <br>Friends are invited to join in a celebration of Don’s life at the Qualico Centre in Assiniboine Park on Saturday, May 6th, 2017 from 1-3 pm. While Don loved flowers, he would be happiest if donations were made to support the activities of FortWhyte Alive or a charity of your choice. <br> <br></div>