It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Donald (Don) Lloyd La Vallee, 80 of Winnipeg, MB. Don passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug 15, 2026. Just days after his 80th birthday. He was born at the Winnipeg General hospital to Minnie and Joseph (Joe). Back then according to his birth certificate it cost them $45.85 for him to be born. Well worth the money

He is survived by his wife, Lorna; his children, Charlene (Steven), Jennifer (Corey), and Ross (Sheryl); his grandchildren, James, Brandi (Kurtis), Alyia (Tye), Lexi and step granddaughter Emma; and his great-grandchildren, Olivia, Madelynn, and Hunter. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Kelly, Gerren (Brittany) and Darya (Ryan); his step-grandchildren, Miles, Marty, Myrin, and Emerson; his sister Doreen; brother-in-law, Richard, and family. Also, his best friend of more than 60 years, Grant.

Don was predeceased by his parents and sister Joyce.

Don was raised in the north end and would tell us stories about how he used to play in the ditches in the front yard. During the polio outbreak in the 1950’s Don was one of the unfortunate ones who contracted it. He was in an iron lung for a long time. However, he was also one of the very few that survived it.

Don was not much for school, in fact he and a friend got kicked out of school for “smoking”! He knew he could not go home and tell his parents. So, they went and enrolled at Red River in the drafting program. That was his calling and then he became a structural engineer. It was during that time he met his lifelong friend, Grant. Some of his work includes the Zip Line in Whistler, BC, The Masonic Temple on Osborne and the additions to the Winter Club. One of Don’s and Grant’s biggest jobs at the start of their careers was in the 1960’s at the Ste. Anne de Bellevue Hospital in Montreal. That was an 18 million job back then.

He married in August 1969. Together with Sharon, they welcomed a daughter Charlene in 1973, then Jennifer in 1976 a few years later and a son Ross in 1980.

There was never (that we know) a complaint about the drives across the city for swimming, the 6 am morning rises for ringette practices with the tying of skates or driving Ross to one of the school sports then to his true passion for curling. Then when he became a grandfather and great grandfather, he made every effect to be at their recitals, games, musicals, or events. 

In 1982 they purchased a cottage, rather a shell in Belair Manitoba. It had 1 light, 1 plug and no walls, just the studs. However, over the years he built it up with help to what it is now. He enjoyed many summers and even a full winter out there. In fact, Don enjoyed a week out there only a month ago.

Don himself enjoyed the sport of curling. He spent many years curling and then even moved to stick curling when knees got bad. In the 1980’s he became president of the Elmwood Curling Club. His enjoyment led to his kids and the grandkids getting involved with the sport. He was so proud to watch us all.

Don was active on many boards and organizations. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He worked with RCIA program and was heavily involved in the Post-Polio Society.

But it’s his involvement with the Deaf community that was insurmountable. When Don found out his son was Deaf at the age of two, he became involved in the Deaf community and strongly advocated for equal opportunities and better education for his son. He went to most of the events and heavily advocated for the deaf community. 

Don lived a rich life and was active to the last day. He only fully retired (3rd attempt) a month ago. Grant remembers one of those retirements- Don had a hard time retiring from work, we would meet for lunch once a month and he would have the same line “ok I’ve made up my mind I’m telling Les I’m retiring” but was still working the next lunch date.

While he was structural engineer by trade but was a “knows how to fix almost “guy. Plus, he was quite the chef. However, when he was cooking. We all knew to stay out of the kitchen!

In 2017 he married Lorna, then becoming a stepdad, and was known as Grandpa Don to Marty and Miles. Don and Lorna enjoyed traveling together, including their yearly visits to Southern Ontario to visit Lorna’s family, which he looked forward to, and he became very close with them. They went to Australia a couple times to visit Lorna’s sister. They even did a cruise which he was skeptical of doing, but loved it within an hour in. Just to name a few.

As of 2023 he was recognized as a citizen of the Manitoba Metis Federation.

Family was one of the most important things to him. Living long enough to become a great grandfather was one of greatest joys. 

A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at health Science Center MCIU 4th floor.

A Catholic mass service will be held at St. Ignatius at 255 Stafford for noon (12;00 p.m.), Monday August 24. 2026.  Burial will follow immediately after the service and will be attended by close family. A reception will follow at Chapel Lawn Funeral home 4000 Portage Ave.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cancer Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice in Don’s name.