DONALD EDWARD WILES (WAXY)
May 6, 1948-January 14, 2022
“Those we love don’t go away,
they walk beside us everyday.”
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad and Grandpa Waxy.
Don is survived by his daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Mike, grandchildren Matthew, Abby and Ella, son Adam and grandson Casey, siblings Rick and sister-in-law Liz, Garry and sister-in-law Donna, Dorie and brother-in-law Brock and several nieces and nephews.
Donald Edward Wiles was born on May 6, 1948 to Marg and Ted Wiles. He was the oldest of four children. He grew up on Walker Avenue and went to Churchill High School. Don went to teacher’s college after high school. He substituted for a bit and then took a job with the City of Winnipeg in the Parks and Rec and then Forestry divisions. Don was married to Pat Benjaminson for 12 years. They had two children together. Don enjoyed playing sports including soccer and rugby. He also found a love for curling. He was an honourary lifetime member of the Fort Rouge Curling Club. Don was club president in 1991-1992. He was proud to wear the green jacket along with many of his other friends. He even won a Plymouth Cricket at the Charleswood car spiel and was a finalist at the provincial men’s championship in 1976. Don earned the nickname Waxy from his curling buddies (due to his handlebar mustache that he sported in the 1970s). It was through curling that Don made many cherished, lifelong friends. Don’s friends were a huge part of his life. He was a very social, friendly guy. He could start up a conversation with anyone and he had an extremely easy going, positive attitude. Don rarely missed a coffee meeting at St Vital mall with “the boys” where he said they would solve the world’s problems. Don moved in with his good friend Bob Boughey in 1984. Boughey was an immense help to Don in his battle with cancer and his struggle through Alzheimer’s. Two of Don’s favourite things in the whole wide world were his grandchildren and Red Rock Lake. He absolutely loved watching them play sports and rarely missed a game, school concert or event. Don cherished his time spent at the cottage. It was his happy place. He loved having friends and family down to the lake. The more the merrier. Don hosted many Red Rock Lake Golf Classics where tons of friends would come for a weekend of golf, food and drinks. Don was a special guy who will truly be missed.
Due to COVID restrictions, there will not be a funeral service. A small family celebration of life will take place at the lake at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald Edward Wiles Friday January 14th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba