Donald Melville Jefkins
September 14, 1934 – November 5, 2019
Don was welcomed into his heavenly home on November 5, 2019 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes, cancer and heart failure.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lilyan (Winkler) and their four children, Cindy (John) Naismith – Scott, Kelly (Tristan) and Lauren, Greg (Carolyn) – Kristjan, Terri (Glen) Dyck – Britni (Carson), Stephanie (Sean), Taylor (fiancé Maizy), Jeff (Armand), 5 great grandchildren, sister Marlyn Duncan and many nieces and nephews.
Don was pre-deceased by his parents, Melville and Edith, infant sister Sylvia, brother Sheldon, sister-in-law Gladys Jefkins, brother in law Jim Duncan and niece Jane Willet.
Don was born and raised in Carman. After graduating high school, he worked at MB Hydro for a year before being employed as an accountant with International Harvester. This job took him and his family to several Eastern cities before returning home to Carman in 1971. He worked at Carman Coop as assistant manager and general manager He went on to the Assistant Manager at the Dufferin Credit Union and then General Manager until his retirement in 1999.
Don and Lil were high school sweethearts and were married on August 6, 1955. Don was a loving husband and involved father and grandfather. Family was of utmost importance. His grandchildren held him in highest regards and enjoyed his quick wit, but also recognized his quiet leadership. He adored his 5 great grandchildren. This mutual adoration extended to the animal kingdom, especially with his dogs that were an inseparable part of his life through the years.
Don was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed playing baseball, hockey, golf, curling, tennis and pool. He was very active in community services and held positions with the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Carman Beavers and Handi Van.
Don had a strong faith in his Lord and served as a Deacon and later an Elder for 40+ years. He also was the church treasurer for many years. His faith and belief in God was evident in how he lived each day of his life. He was a role model of integrity, compassion, honesty and selflessness. He will be deeply missed by his family and all whose lives he touched.
The family would like to express their thanks to the doctors and staff who took such loving care of him at Cancer Care in Boundary Trails and during his recent stays at the Carman Hospital.
The kindness and love has been overwhelming and has helped us during a difficult time. We are forever grateful.
Service will be held at the Carman Church of Christ on Tuesday November 12 at 2pm. Interment to follow at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Donations in Don’s memory may be made to Manitoba Cancer Care or the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Donald Melville Jefkins 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Carman, Province: Manitoba