It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Smales, aged 87 years, on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at the Bethania Personal Care Home, with family and friends at his side.
Born August 23, 1930 in Winnipeg to parents John and Olive Smales. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Corinne (nee Dickson), daughters Charlotte Rhodes (Richard), Janice Smales, Aynsley Martin (Bob), grandchildren Caitlyn Manser (Daniel), Lindsay Rhodes, Adam (Ashley), Kayla, Taylor Hedley, Melissa, Bryce, Jenna Martin and special friends Jean Cunningham and her family.
Don was a licensed mechanic. He was a partner, owner and operator at a variety of service stations including Sherbrook and Notre Dame, Basswood and Portage, Tuxedo and at the corner of Gateway and McLeod in East Kildonan. He retired briefly but missed the constant interaction with the public, so took on a second 25-year career with First Choice Couriers until he was 81.
Don and Corinne did everything together. He enjoyed many years at Caddy Lake in the Whiteshell and they loved travelling abroad.
Don also enjoyed a variety of activities including wood carving, wine making, fishing, downhill skiing and helping his daughters with building projects. He was a longtime member of Elmhurst Golf and Country Club. In recent years he became an avid reader obtaining his first library card at the age of 85.
He spent his entire life devoted to his wife, three daughters and then eventually to his grandchildren, whether it be to provide a warm safe environment to grow up in or just be there to change a tire, light bulb or take us water skiing. Dad was a man to be respected and a very tough act for any man to follow.
Special thanks to the amazing staff at Bethania Personal Care Home for the wonderful care and support to Don, Corinne and family. Thanks also to Dr. Sean Thomas and the Concordia Staff of 3West and 1 North for their excellent care.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 11 AM, at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to Cancer Care Manitoba would be welcomed.
Dad, you will be forever in our hearts