SHAND: Donald "Don" Ernest Shand, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the Assiniboine Centre, Brandon with his family at his side on Monday, January 2, 2006 at the age of 73 years. Don fought a long and courageous battle with ALS and championed the cause to fight this disease throughout his illness. He was strong willed and positive until the end and was an inspiration to others with his courage and determination. Don was born in Souris, Manitoba on July 16, 1932 to James and Marion Shand. He was the youngest of three children, his siblings being: brother, Jim (oldest) and sister, Dorothy. Don spent his childhood and school years in Souris and was involved in Scouts and Army Cadets, earning numerous marksmanship awards for his rifle shooting. He met his bride-to-be, Margaret Neighbour at Souris, and they were wed on January 28, 1956. Don and Marge had seven children: Delwin Wayne (1956), Sheldon Robert James (1958), Randy Dean (1960), Terry Dale ((1961), Daniel Lee (1962), Daryl Thomas (1964) and Gwenda Dawn (1966). Don worked his entire career in the printing industry, starting as a typesetter with the Souris Plainsdealer and then took a job with the Gladstone Tribune. Then finally working as a sales consultant with Leech Printing, retiring with distinction in April 2000, after 33 years of service. Don was very community minded and his greatest joy was giving to others through his long service with numerous organizations - U.C.T., Jaycees, the Elks and other organizations. He was a proud lifelong member of the Progressive Conservative Party, attending all meetings and conferences and was well known among Provincial Progressive Conservatives throughout his lifelong association with the PC Party. He was a vocal political activist, writing frequent letters to the Editor on various social, political and economical issues and engaged in letter writing campaigns on numerous topics. Don and Marge became involved with the Compassionate Friends after the death of their son, Sheldon, in 1983 and worked with numerous bereaved families throughout the Westman area. One of the most emotional moments and standing memories for Don was participating in the Healing Circle Ceremony with bereaved aboriginal families in Sioux Valley. Don and Marge were delighted that they were asked back due to the work they had done in that community as Compassionate Friends. Don had a number of interests throughout his life but his greatest enjoyment was the frequent travel throughout North America where he got to enjoy the sights, sounds and people of many different places. He was an avid collector of sports cards and paraphernalia, and his card collection was the envy of many. After his retirement, he enjoyed gardening as well, spending countless hours in designing and landscaping his yard and then enjoying the flocks of birds which arrived to use the garden. Don had numerous achievements throughout his life, too numerous to mention, but his greatest achievement was winning the recognition and praise of his colleagues and friends throughout his lifetime of community service. A longtime dream was realized when his wife, Marge and daughter, Gwenda, took his to visit the Ronald Reagan Memorial Museum prior to his becoming infirm and unable to travel. Don is survived by: his beloved wife, Marge; sons, Delwin (Doris) of The Pas, Randy (Jen), Terry (Denise) all of Brandon, Daryl (Val) of Nova Scotia; and daughter, Gwenda (Bob) of Brandon. Don also enjoyed the time and company of his twenty-two grandchildren through his life and cherished his time spent with numerous lifelong friends and colleagues. Don was predeceased by his infant son, Daniel (1962); father, James (1985); brother, Jim (1987); mother, Marion (1988); son, Sheldon (1993) and his sister, Dorothy (2004). The Ceremony to Celebrate Don's Life was held at Memories Chapel on Saturday, January 7, 2006. Pastor Craig Gibbs officiated. Urn Bearer was son, Terry, who spent many long hours caring for Don when became infirmed near the end of his illness. Honorary pallbearers were all of his grandchildren. Interment followed in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens beside his father, mother, brother, sister, and son, Sheldon. Flowers are gratefully declined. Due to their dedicated work, the family have requested that friends who wish, may make a donation in memory of Don to the Compassionate Friends of Southwestern Manitoba, #2, 1321-13th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4S5. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Compassionate Friends