Obituary of Donald Plowman

PLOWMAN - Donald Plowman, a long-time resident of Winnipeg, died August 11, 2008, in Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He succumbed peacefully after a hard fought battle with asbestos-related lung cancer. He was 84 years old. Donald was born on February 11, 1924 at Douglas, Manitoba. He spent his formative years at Douglas before moving to Winnipeg as a young man. On April 26, 1952 Donald was united in marriage to Doreen Dolgoy. A carpenter by trade, Donald was involved in many construction projects around the city. Don was a vigorous man who approached each new day and each new task with passion and determination. Don firmly believed there was nothing he could not design, build or make better. At age 81, in the midst of a Winnipeg winter, Don wielded a pickaxe to crack the frozen soil outside his front porch to make a wheelchair ramp for his beloved Doreen. Not one to complain about the cold or any physical malady, Don was not to be deterred. Despite carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, he built that ramp solid and well. That sense of purpose extended to making the world a better place. With Doreen at his side, Don spent many years campaigning for world peace through the Manitoba Peace Council. He had a personal philosophy - "Goodwill" - that he loved to share with others. In poetry and prose, he worked for years to refine his message. He was also part of a Winnipeg based discussion group that developed this theory. Don and Doreen loved to drive to Birds Hill Park for lunch, or visit small towns across Manitoba. One of their favorite places was the Oak Hammock Marsh. For the past few months, Don and Doreen had been residing in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, in the care of their daughter, Ruth Love. Don always tried to stay in touch with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and nieces and nephews. Don's wife Doreen survives him. Daughters: Carol Shelton of Las Vegas, Ruth Love of Yorkton, and Cathy Plowman-Watts of Toronto each carry on their father's spirit of service to their respective communities. Don leaves four grandchildren: Chris (Tina), Melanie (Chad), Adria (Jarrett) and Claire. Five great grandchildren: Travis, Becky, Alexis, Ava, and Brynn, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Don chose to be cremated. A family memorial service was held for Don on Thursday, August 14, 2008 in Yorkton. Donations in Don's memory may be made to Project Peacemakers, 745 Westminster Ave. Winnipeg, R3G 1A5. Arrangements entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.