Obituary of DAVID MINTO ANDERSON

It is with great respect that we announce the passing of our father and friend, David Minto Anderson, on September 1, 2023, at the age of 90. 

Left to cherish his memory are his children: Greg Anderson, Kim Anderson, Derek Anderson (Penny Donald), Ben Anderson (Kimmi Anderson), Brenlee Anderson and Cory Anderson. His grandchildren: Zoe Leblanc; Kelsey Williamson (Cory), Kamara Anderson, Sydni and Kenydi Sangster, Tuesday Anderson; Tyler and Mason Anderson; and his great grandchildren; Isla, Emry, and Rhea Williamson.

David was pre-deceased by his second wife Darlene Anderson (Yakiwchuk), May 2004; his parents Annie and Minto Anderson; his three older sisters, Lillian, Dorothy, and Eleanor and his first wife, Elsie Ferguson (Marten), April 2023.

Our Dad was raised in Ladywood, Manitoba.  His mother Annie passed away at a young age following a vehicle accident when he was just thirteen.  He was the youngest of their four children.

Dad was a very social person and loved to entertain guests.  Dad’s original family name was Andrychuk.  His marriage to Darlene immersed him in his Ukrainian culture and faith and his new found family of friends with the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church.  For more than thirty years he ushered at the church, helped with the Sportsman’s dinners and served as President of the St. Nicks Men’s club.  Dad worked at many bingo nights and sold quite a few Grey Cup tickets.  He loved having Father Isidore at our family Christmas functions, and in 1984 he was fortunate enough to meet Pope John Paul II at Birds Hill Park.

Amid all of this, Dad was raising six children that shared a twenty-three-year range in age.  By the time Cory, the youngest, moved away, Dad had spent thirty-nine years in the child parenting bubble.  He worked, raised kids and was involved with the church. He found time to golf and travel with friends on occasion, and he kept up with each of his children and their wide and varied interests.

Prior to passing, following a short stent at the Grace Hospital, Dad lived in his Hamilton Avenue apartment.  There he spent time with the other tenants and befriended an endearing and precious friend, Doris.  He literally “fell” for her as she got him help following a spill he took on the ice outside of his building during a cold Winnipeg winter day. They looked forward to watching shows, sports games, daily phone chats and they kept an eye on each other.  We are grateful for the friendship and special bond they had.

Dad was generous and thoughtful.  He will be dearly missed by family, friends and loved ones.  Dad never had to spend time in a care home.   He relished his independence.  He left us on his own terms following his 90th birthday party where guests included nearly his entire family and many close friends.  We should not feel sad.   Dad had a diverse, long, and well lived life that should be celebrated. He was a lovely man, a great father and a good friend to all that knew him.

Dave’s family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Sharon O’Neil (former daughter-in-law and mother of Kelsey and Kamara).  Her time and benevolence are appreciated and admired.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all Dad’s doctors, homecare workers, and the staff of the Grace Hospital.

A Mass will be dedicated to our Dad at the St Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church on October 8th at 11:00 am. In the coming year the family will Celebrate his Life. 

Should you wish to honour our father, you can donate to CancerCare Manitoba or donate blood in his name.