Don McPhee

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my father Donald McPhee (known as Don) at the age of 77 years, he passed away at home.

Don was born in Dauphin, Manitoba, growing up in the Grandview area.  He later returned to Dauphin where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Don had a strong work ethic, having worked at Manco, Dairyworld, Gardewine North and Boughen Nurseries.  He often talked about the good old days with “the gang” at Manco/Dairyworld.  His last place of employment was in Neepawa at the hog plant (Hylife).  Many were the winters driving on the stormy roads from Dauphin to Neepawa and back.  Upon arriving to work he would often be asked how he got to work as the roads were closed, to which he would reply “well I guess I officially reopened them” and proceeded to work.

Don met his wife Elsie, and they married on July 21, 1971.  Shortly thereafter they welcomed their only daughter Shawna.  Don and his wife Elsie loved the great outdoors!  They were happiest when they were camping at Lake of the Prairies or Rainbow Beach.  Summer months were also spent at Clear Lake at Grey Owl’s Cabins; the icy cold lake waters never to be forgotten.  In more recent years Don took up camping again after his wife Elsie passed away in 2016.  Besides camping he previously loved hitting the trails on his quad.  He loved viewing the wildlife of deer, geese, bears and SKUNKS (well maybe not skunks)!  But Don’s favourite animal was his beloved dog, Sandy.  Sandy and Don had a special relationship.  He also loved fishing in the summer months at the Turtle River as well as ice fishing.  Don also loved going out to Hecla (such fun adventures).  In winter months, he used to enjoy skidooing and would often reminisce about the many adventures he had.

In recent years he loved going on the road less travelled with one of his many, many vehicles.  Sometimes he had a destination in mind, other times it was wherever the gravel road took him.  His passion was always buying/selling/trading vehicles.  One never knew what would be parked in the driveway at home, and there was never just one vehicle.  A very special thank you to Ken Benson who allowed my Dad to be his “test driver”.

Don was more of a private person, especially after his wife Elsie passed away in January 2016.  Besides his wife Elsie Don was predeceased by his mother Lorna (Forrest) McPhee, father Howard McPhee, father-in-law and mother-in-law Matt & Mary Lukey, brother-in-law Joe Michaluk, brother-in-law Syd Lukey and sister-in-law Helen Steele.  Don leaves to mourn his passing his daughter Shawna McPhee – Mazur and son-in-law Grant Mazur.  His sister Debbie (Tom) Ainsworth, brother Randy (Tracey) McPhee, Brother Allan (Carmen) McPhee, brother Bruce (Karen) McPhee and sister Tracy (Derrick) Thompson.

He also leaves to mourn his sister-in-law Doris Michaluk, sister-in-law Nettie (Syd) Tycholes, sister-in-law Vicki (Wes) Todoruk, brother-in-law Ron Steele, sister-in-law Donna (Randy) Rogers, sister-in-law Kathy (Joe) Price, and sister-in-law Sandy Lukey, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

For those that really knew Don, they knew he had a heart of gold (he was the primary caregiver for his wife Elsie when she had a stroke in 2005.  For those who knew him fondly as “McPhee”, they got to see his genuine personality and his incredible, whole-hearted laugh (I will never forget it!!) if Don gave you a hard time, then he really liked you.

Don had a special relationship with his son-in-law Grant, teaching him how to fish, going on many road trips and many adventures throughout the last several years, there was a lot of laughter.

As his only daughter, I feel fortunate that his health issues only started in the last few years, but they never stopped him.  A very special thank you to the Dauphin Home Care Program, you not only took care of his medical needs, but genuinely cared about him as a person.  I feel fortunate that I REALLY got to know and spend a considerable amount of time with him, becoming very close over those last years.  I will never forget the many adventures with you Dad, they will forever be in my heart.

As Don was a private person and to respect his wishes, cremation has taken place.

If you wish to honour Don’s memory, then raise a glass of your favourite drink in his honour, when you cast your fishing rod in the lake, say here’s to “McPhee” or if you find yourself on a gravel road, pull over, look at the sky and take it all in.

We love you Dad, rest in peace, I will look for you in the night sky.

Should friends so desire, donations in Don's memory may be made to the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don McPhee, please visit our floral store.