Donald James Stitt

Donald James Stitt passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at the Rossburn Personal Care Home, where he lived for the past 6 1/2 years since suffering from a stroke in 2018.

Don was born June 2, 1930 in Rossburn. He was the oldest child born to Robert and Margaret Stitt and was later joined by siblings, sister Lucille and brother Keith. They grew up together on the family farm, south of Rossburn. The children attended Perth and Rossburn schools and also learned the responsibility of farm life.

Finishing school, Don worked at the Rossburn Co-op grocery store and then went farming with his dad later purchasing his own land. Originally Don farmed with horses which he truly loved. Then came machinery, which changed the system!

Don truly excelled at sports - baseball was his favorite sport. He played every position on the baseball team.  He played with the Rossburn senior team for many years and also two seasons with the McConnell ball team. Don was so proud of the team when in 2000 they were inducted into the Manitoba baseball hall of fame. His trophy remained a prize possession. Don was a good golfer, winning many tournaments with trophies --- all this after Don was overheard discussing with Howard Cornwall, “(pretty silly game, chasing a little white ball with a stick around a golf course!”)  Somewhere a change of  heart!

Hockey - a great winter sport, playing goal for the Rossburn Senior team.  A proud moment the year they won the North Central Hockey League championship in the late 1950’s.  Curling - Don curled in many, many bonspiels with trophies for proof of his expertise.  He spent many a weekend with friends Orest Smycniuk, Con Erickson, Lorne Tanasychuk, Dwain Lawless and Don.

Don was married in June 1961 to Avis Haymen, a nurse from England and they enjoyed 63 years together, living in Rossburn in their own home.  Don continued to farm and Avis continued in her nursing profession working in the Rossburn Hospital and later the Rossburn Health Centre.

The children Mark and Cathy, his pride and joy, and after each one graduated from high school, they moved on in their chosen fields.  Mark and Kay make their home in Grande Prairie, Alberta with their children Kendra and Braden with fiancé Katie.  Cathy and Trevor with their children Hallee and Reid make their home in Brandon.  These grandchildren were Grandpa’s pride and joy and he spent so much time with them and followed all their activities.

Don was predeceased by his parents Bob and Margaret, sister Lucille and brother-in-law Howard Cornwall and nephew Bob Cornwall. 

Don’s wife Avis, survives him, also son Mark and wife Kay and their children daughter Cathy and Trevor and their children, brother Keith and sister-in-law Audrey and their children Shannon, Roberta, Graeme and families and many cousins, nieces and nephews.