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Don Morgan

Image by Nick Andréka

DONALD ROSS MORGAN

November 16, 1963 – May 4, 2023

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that the family of Don Morgan announce his passing on May 4th 2023.

 

He left us on a beautiful sunny day knowing he was loved with his wife Karen and his sister Barb by his side.  He is now with his parents, whom he so dearly loved and missed, and is at peace.  There is something to be said for making a dignified exit and that is what Don tried to accomplish; thinking of others first and always upbeat and positive throughout his journey of health issues.

 

Don was predeceased by both his parents, Mary Sheila Morgan (nee MacAulay) in 2009 and Donald Evan Morgan in 2010.  Don had also been predeceased by his father-in-law Nestor Serwa in 1995.

 

Don leaves to cherish his memory his wife Karen, his sister Laurie Morgan (Willi Ahrens), his sister Barbara Pooley (Bill), nieces Robyn Pooley (Bernie Pastorin) and Paige Pooley.  Also mourning his passing are his mother-in-law Irene Serwa (Don Luke), sister-in-law Doreen Williamson (J.P.), her children and Don’s nieces and nephew, Bethany, Benjamin, Brooklyn, and Baliegh, sister-in-law Cheryl Serwa, her daughter and Don’s niece Annalee, brother-in-law and close friend Kevin Serwa, his daughter and Don’s niece Sydnee, and great nephew Mason, and great niece Oaklyn.  A special mention must also be made for Don’s furry best friend, Leo the cat, who will miss his cuddles.  Don also leaves many friends and extended family who will mourn his passing.

 

Don, “Donnie,” was born in Winnipeg on November 16th, 1963.  His family moved to Dauphin when he was two years old.  Don always thought fondly of his wonderful childhood and often spoke of those times.  He loved his times at Clear Lake, visiting extended family and cousins in Winnipeg, and enjoyed family vacations.

 

After high school, Don attended Red River College and obtained his Power Engineering Certificate.  Following Red River College, Don’s career with Manitoba Hydro began at East Selkirk Generating Station.  Don loved his job and excelled throughout his work life, most of his career being a Shift Charge Engineer.  He was a great mentor and made many life long friends; his closest being Eric, Jerry, and Wes.  Don especially worked tirelessly and dutifully the last year before the plant closed and he retired in July 2021.

 

Don shared 40 years with the love of his life, Karen (nee Serwa).  After meeting in their teens at Clear Lake, they enjoyed a devoted and supportive life together filled with simple pleasures like driving out to Winnipeg Beach for a Pizza Place pizza, coming home from work and sharing about their days, and laughing together at Leo’s crazy antics.  Don always took care of Karen and was an especially good listener.  He also had many nieces and nephews, all of whom he was immensely proud.

 

Don was always curious and eager for knowledge.  Conversations were never dull or predictable as he loved sharing his knowledge and insight with others.

 

Don also spent his whole life loving animals, especially cats.  He appreciated their unconditional love and comfort that brightened his days.

 

A sincere thank you to Dr. Francois and the Palliative Care team of Winnipeg for their professional care and displays of kindness and compassion.

 

If so desired, donations may be made in Don’s memory to any of the following:  Siloam Mission, Main Street Project, or St. Boniface Street Links, all charities he supported. 

 

In keeping with Don’s wishes there will be no formal service.  He preferred his life to be celebrated as quiet moments in the hearts of those who loved him. Don’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

 

Don was truly one of a kind who lived life’s journey on his own terms.  He had a kind gentle soul that will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by those he loved and who loved him.  As Don would say, “Bye bye for now.”

 

“Here’s to the sunny slopes of long ago.”

– Augustus McCrae

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Sam

May 30, 2023 at 9:05 AM

Dear Karen ….my heart aches for you and your loss of your best friend , soulmate and husband Don.   He was such a quiet guy whenever our families would get together, but you could tell that his world revolved around you and you were his rock.   I could only imagine that he was the same in your life as your husband.   I didn’t know Don as others have commented on his wit, knowledge, devotion to family and friends but I know he was a treasure in the Serwa family.   My hope is that your deep sorrow will eventually give way to fond , treasured memories for you.  And that Aunty Irene , cousins Doreen , Cheryl and Kevin and their families will experience the same gratitude of love and memories of Don as well.   A life well lived and shared with much love given and received .  Take care cousin…… Sam (Sandra Love)

Baleigh Williamson

May 29, 2023 at 6:34 PM

Hello Don, I remember visiting Winnipeg as a wee one with my family going here there and everywhere with you and Karen I especially remember going to Winnipeg beach and to the pizza place you loved and also just sitting at home watching films with you and the family. You had a vast amount of knowledge so as a young kid it was always interesting to talk to you. I’ll miss you. Rest In Peace Don. 

Gerri Ann Riehl-Bandur

May 26, 2023 at 11:36 PM

My sympathies to Karen and family. I remember many fun times in high school, and can’t believe just how quickly time has gone by. The photo tribute was beautiful and looks like a life well lived with much love. Blessings. ❤ 

Corinne Beyak

May 26, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Don was a kind gentle person who truly loved Karen .and all of his friends. Although we have not seen him in years, he will be fondly remembered.. May he rest in peace.  See you on the other side Don! Deepest sympathy to Karen and family.❤❤❤❤

Doreen Williamson

May 23, 2023 at 11:55 PM

Don it seems like only yesterday we met at Clear Lake and you gave Karen a ride back to Dauphin after the Canada Day fireworks. Of course, you were willing to take her younger sister (me) as well so that she was allowed to get a ride back with a boy! I thought that you had the coolest, loud car I had ever seen. Fast forward a few years and you became my awesome brother in law! We had some great adventures in Clear Lake, Winnipeg and Vancouver. One wild trip to Florida had you and I being the only 2 brave enough to go straight down the extreme waterslide at Typhoon Lagoon. I have great memories of visiting Winnipeg with the kids and our trips to the Zoo, Lilac Resort, Folklorama, Gimli, Winnipeg Beach, Bird's Hill Park, The Forks of course Pitt stopping in the candy train and cruising the river.  Ice cream at the BDI was always a favourite after a fabulous day exploring in a city that you were very proud of. You were a Foodie! The amazing places that you found for us to try has my kids exploring different flavours and trying new things. You were always there to support the little family restaurants both in the city and beyond. It warmed my heart to enjoy some of the flavours at a few favourites of yours, the El Salvadorian restaurant and Pizza Place with Karen.  Big Boy Leo is lost without his BFF side-kick and was even willing to have me give him fully body pets and a scratch of the belly "pumpkin patch!" You have a huge heart and your caring and generosity for us was overwhelming. Don I will miss you greatly. I will treasure the memories which are so perfectly displayed in the many cherished photo albums.

Geoff Johnson

May 16, 2023 at 10:18 PM

When I was put on the callout list at the steam plant, it worked out that Don was on the other end of the phone for the first few calls.  I'd be freaking out as I rolled through the gate and made my way down the hall to the shift charge office.  At the door, a permit and hold keys would be ready to go, a subtle "this is where I think you should look first, kid".  He knew that place inside and out.  If you were lucky to be around when something was going down with a Unit, his confidence and the strong, respectful manner in which he commanded his guys was something to behold.  Always cool as a cucumber.  The dude abides.  See you around, Don.

Karen Schultz

May 16, 2023 at 7:44 AM

I send my condolences to Don's family. I worked at the lab but also with Don at the Selkirk Generating Station. He was always available to answer questions or help me out. I will always remember one Thanksgiving Sunday walking the plant with Don and tracing pipework looking for a leak. Rest easy Don. Karen Schultz

Darren Lavigne

May 15, 2023 at 6:46 PM

I’ve worked with many of men, Don was one of my favourite. I had the opportunity to work closely with him up until his retirement. He really was a great man and a fountain of knowledge. Rest in peace sir.

Randy Dewar

May 15, 2023 at 9:47 AM

My condolences, sad to hear of his passing. I liked Don, he was smart and had a good soul. Not a great golfer ( same as me ), and I liked him for that too.

Peter Skrupski

May 15, 2023 at 9:01 AM

Our condolences to Karen and family. I had the pleasure to work with Don for a number of years at the Selkirk Generating Station where we experienced Don’s humour and wisdom. He was a great operator, supervisor and a grand book of knowledge.

Lloyd Bures

May 14, 2023 at 1:52 PM

Condolences to the family. I was on shift with Don in the late 1980’s at the Selkirk Generating Station. It was fun working with Don, and especially under a demanding assistant charge engineer - Bill Martensmeier. Don helped me learn the card game - Hearts - and we would toy with Bill during those highly entertaining lunch breaks. I also remember getting off night shift - straight to the Selkirk golf course with Don - catch a few hours of sleep in the afternoon - and then report for night shift - if Don had a bad golf round - he’d grab his clubs during a break - and hit some balls around the station. Great guy. Lloyd Bures Edmonton, Alberta

Bonnie Derhak Semeniuk

May 14, 2023 at 12:15 PM

Karen, the Serwa family and the Morgan family Mark and I were so saddened to hear that Don has passed.  Our thoughts are with you.  I know you will keep him in your memories.  Bonnie Derhak Semeniuk and Mark Semeniuk

Jodi & Robert Pretula

May 13, 2023 at 1:08 PM

Our condolences Karen & family. High school friends with many good memories. Rest in peace my friend.

Wes Milgaard

May 13, 2023 at 11:37 AM

So sorry. Don was always making me laugh, he had so many stories. He would sneak away from the bar during our Red River days, then went to Dauphin for Don and Karen's wedding and heard from his high school buddies he did that in his high school days too. I guess he is sneaking off one last time, going to miss you bud. I think your cat will too. Don was so intelligent. Something would go wrong at work, I would talk to him about that piece of equipment. He would explain to me how it works after reading about it ten years prior. I would forget that in a month if I didn't keep refreshing the info. So many memories like that. He had way of figuring things out that made our jobs so much easier.

Mark Alexiuk

May 13, 2023 at 11:13 AM

Deepest condolences to Karen and all of Don's family. Growing up in Dauphin, Don was a good friend as we shared many fun times. I sincerely regret loosing touch with him over the years. Rest in peace my friend.

Tammy Cobbe

May 13, 2023 at 9:17 AM

Heartfelt condolences to Karen & all who loved Don. The Morgan family & Donnie were part of my “Dauphin family” with many happy memories of holidays, celebrations, mini trips & sunny days at Clear Lake. Don brought his humour, infectious smile & quiet strength to the mix. My life is enriched for having known him. Hugs! 

Bob Dandenault

May 13, 2023 at 7:55 AM

I worked and car pooled with Don for a number of years at Manitoba Hydro. Much of our time together was at work but we did socialize periodically. I enjoyed being around Don, he was a reliable coworker and fun to have a drink with. I am sorry we lost touch when I moved away but I have a lot of fond memories with him. Rest in peace Don.

Bethany Williamson

May 12, 2023 at 11:17 PM

Uncle Don will be greatly missed. I'll always especially cherish the memories I have of coming out to stay with Auntie Karen and Uncle Don as a teenager for weeks at a time in the summer. Uncle Don was always there to lend a listening ear and keep us out of too much trouble (with an amused or exasperated look or huff or two when we would come home with too much shopping or leftovers)! I'll miss his sarcastic humour and penchant for conspiracy theories (having received a funny card or two on special occasions). Uncle Don liked to keep things low-key and understated until the end, but we all knew that he always had our backs. He was a generous, caring, and kind man who i'll always remember when I think of Johnny Cash, Clear Lake, and Pizza Place pizza. I'll be sure to give Leo lots of love for him next time i'm in Winnipeg.❤
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