Obituary of DONALD (DON) G. BAILEY

Peacefully in his home, Donald (Don) G. Bailey passed away on February 3, 2020 at the age of 90 years. Left to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory are his son Donald & daughter-in-law Alesia Gordienko, and his daughter Lisa & son-in-law Daniel Chaput. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Don was predeceased by his wife Verna (née Hnatiuk), his brothers Gene Bailey and Fred Buhay, and his parents Margaret and Peter. Don was born on May 6th, 1929 in Suchovolya, Brody, Ukraine. He came to Canada at 3 months old, with his parents and older brother Gene. They made their home in Allegra, MB, near Beausejour. At the young age of 15, Don moved to Winnipeg and started work in the custom woodworking trade, building furniture and cabinets. This trade was the foundation for his later profession as a salesman in building materials. As a young man, he was a professional musician, playing saxophone and clarinet in many different local bands and orchestras: Patterson’s Playboys, Glen Frain and his Buckaroos & with Wally Peters. He played numerous shows, dances and weddings across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. He was also in the Winnipeg Light Infantry Army marching band. Don met his future wife Verna, at a dance. They were married in 1956. Once they started a family, Don focused on his sales career which spanned over 30 years. The friendships and business connections he made in the field were still present long after his retirement. Dad loved to drive. No matter where Dad went, someone knew him and greeted him with a smile. He loved interacting with people and he had a great sense of humour. Don finished his working years as Building Maintenance Manager at Immaculate Heart of Mary School. He adored his colleagues, the students, the busy atmosphere of the school, and the connection to the church and his catholic faith. Don was a member of St. Nicholas Parish and a life member of the Knights of Columbus. Dad was a kind-hearted, giving person, always generously willing to help others. He was a talented musician and craftsman, and he really was a “Don of all trades” who could fix anything. He was a lover of animals and he enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. He was an excellent gardener. He grew amazing, tasty vegetables. He took pleasure in summer barbecues, Verna’s superior cooking, and time with family. A good meal and a good laugh were his favorite things. He was strong willed and independent right until the end. Prayers will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St, on Thursday, February 13th at 7:00 pm. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Friday, February 14th at St. Nicholas Church, 737 Bannerman Ave., with Fr. Isidore Dziadyk, OSBM and Rev. Peter Chorney officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, 4355 Main St. We wish to express our thanks to Dr. T. R. Babick for his care over the years. Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke foundation. Dad, you will forever be missed and remembered in our hearts. May you be at peace and at rest in the Lord’s care. VICHNAYA PAMYAT