Donald Dennis Schwartz

Obituary

Passed on June 16, 2021

Sept 12, 1945 – June 16, 2021     With both profound sadness and peace, we announce that Donald passed away after a series of health challenges. He is now resting with his Lord and Saviour.

Donald is lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Stephanie; his four sons, their wives and his grandchildren – Don (Susie), Shane (Tera; Cohen & Brooklynn), Brett (Nicole; Mia & Zach) and Russell (Megan; Caius & Emlyn). He is survived by his brothers Joe (Gail), Ervin (Maureen), Robert (Wendy) and Kenneth (Marlene) as well as sister-in-law Gail Roulston and brother-in-law Robert Jensen. He also leaves behind his special and cherished nieces and nephews – Dustin, Dana, David, Ryan, Cherie, Bryan, Chris, Lichelle, Shantel, Lisa and Brad and their families.

Donald was predeceased by parents Edward and Nellie Schwartz, sisters Erna (Garnet: Sharon), Lorna and brother Wesley.

Donald’s strength, stability, integrity and devotion will be so deeply missed by our family. He wasn’t a good man but a great man.

Donald was born in St. Boniface, one of 8 children. He married Stephanie Sie on August 9, 1969 and after living in Winnipeg a short time, moved to the Stonewall/Balmoral area until moving to Arnes in 2014. Donald worked for Manitoba Telephone Service for 33 years as well as running a hobby farm in Balmoral with large herd of cattle as well as horses, wild boar, goats, chickens and turkeys.

Donald loved all things outdoors: farming, camping, canoeing, boating, fishing and golfing. He especially enjoyed sitting around a fire with his family and friends. He was a hard-working jack-of-all trades. If a house needed building, he built it. (He built two homes for his family!) When a car needed fixing, he fixed it. If a problem needed solving, he solved it. Not only did he do all these things, he loved to teach his boys these skills as well. He enjoyed playing board games with his kids until the wee hours of the morning; watching Jets and Blue Bomber games. Oh how he adored his grandchildren and spent hours playing with them, and he especially loved their hugs.

Donald also opened his home to help raise 9 foster boys which was one of the most challenging and meaningful things he did.

In their early adulthood, Donald and Stephanie found their faith in God and became very active in that faith and in their church. Many friendships were formed in this community that are still meaningful today. Donald served as both a board member and as the Board Chairman of New Life Church Stonewall, helping lead the way for the congregation with the Pastors and fellow board members.

God’s mercy gave us the most amazing miracle of Donald awakening after his stroke when a MRI showed that was not to happen. Not only that but Donald was able to come home for 2 1/2 months instead of dying alone in a hospital after being there for 2 months. Every day Stephanie reminded him of their wonderful marriage for 51 years and that he made her the happiest wife. He was the joy of her life. What amazing peace it has given her to know he is with the Lord and can truly look back at all her blessings and be so thankful for being given such an abundant life with Dad.

Your life was a blessing,

Your memory a treasure,

You are loved beyond words

And missed beyond measure.

Now deservingly rest in the arms of the Lord.

Death is the last chapter in time,

But the first chapter in eternity.

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