Donald Koroscil

Peacefully on November 22, 2020 Donald passed away after a struggle with a variety of health challenges. Donald leaves behind his three sons Gerald (Doris), Terrance (Debbie), and Darrell (Lorrie), 8 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. Donald’s wife Margaret passed away far too early in 1983. Later, his good friend and companion Jean Hyde passed away in 2001. Donald was the middle child of a large family of 12 children of Mike and Tekla (Krawchuk) Koroscil and grew up on their farm southwest of Sandy Lake, MB.

Donald was born January 19, 1922 on a homestead near Horod, Manitoba and attended school in Elphinstone. School life seemed appealing so he attended Normal School for teacher training. After marrying Margaret Yanchycki in 1947, he began a teaching career at Round Lake School and Martindale School. With a country teacher’s meager salary, he decided to change course and bought the family farm from his parents in 1950. Donald and Margaret farmed and raised their boys there until 1973 when they decided to sell and move to Sandy Lake. When Dad would try to project a serious personality, Mom would balance that with her April Fools jokes on him and her laughter, especially when they were playing cards and socializing with friends. Maintaining strong family connections was very important to Donald and that continued to grow, especially with his sons, as time went on.

But even while farming, Donald held on to school responsibilities with the Martindale School Board, Sandy Lake Consolidated School Board, and as trustee with the Rolling River School Division. He was very proud of being part of those organizations. Donald ended his working career part time with house carpentry and Manitoba Highways. After that, volunteering, fishing, curling, and visiting friends and family became the priorities. Donald volunteered with the Sandy Lake Recreation Committee for many years, especially for the rink and community centre with friend Steve Derhak.

Donald inherited a strong religious connection from his parents to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Sandy Lake. He served as secretary and elder for many years, sang with friend/cantor Ernie Malchuk and the church choir, and maintained membership until his passing.

We will miss you Dad but you have moved to a better place. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if you so desire, donations in Dad’s memory, may be made to the Sandy Lake Personal Care Home, P.O. Box 7, Sandy Lake MB R0J 1X0 (204 585-2107). The family would like to thank the staff at Sandy Lake Personal Care Home for the exemplary care and compassion given to Dad.