Obituary of Wesley Donald "Don" Trott

TROTT:(Wesley) Donald Trott passed away peacefully January 2, 2012, at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, eight years after his first cancer diagnosis. Don was born June 9, 1923, to Lillian and Lawrence Trott in their farmhouse five miles northeast of Moline, just off what was locally known as the "Correction Line" that headed east to Cadurcis Church and Minnedosa. He attended Weir School, a one-room school house, located about a quarter of a mile away on the corner of their land, which he and his brother Howard walked to each day in all kinds of weather. They also helped their father work the farm with two four-horse teams, cultivating and harrowing, milking cows, and keeping the woodbox filled. He supplemented his income by making fretwork shelves that he sold to neighbours and catching gophers that he was paid a penny a tail for. Don saved his money and bought himself a guitar from the Eaton's catalogue. Music has always been an important part of his life. He and his brother sometimes played with their Aunt Pearl and Uncle Vic Hampton at country dances. After he moved to Brandon, he took violin lessons and in the late forties he got together with friends Andy Twa, Scott Duguid, and Walter Zeke to form a string quartet. He also played for live productions in the auditorium of the old city hall in the 50's, and joined the Brandon Community Orchestra in 1988. He loved the challenge, the friends he made there, and of course, he loved the music. When Don came to Brandon at the age of 19, he was a young man in a young and growing city. He married the love of his young life, Glenavie Anne McMullan, on May 6, 1949, and they raised their two children, Rob and Sandra, on 16th Street and later on Princess Ave. They shared their family life and love with countless nieces, nephews, and foster children, and some very special and enduring relationships grew out of this time. Later, Don enjoyed getting to know the students of Glennie's ESL classes and helped with the Canadian Citizenship paperwork for many of these new friends. Don also devoted his life to his work, particularly the car dealerships he became a part of and he cherished the relationships he developed with the Murray family and others throughout his working life. He earned the respect of those he worked with through over 60 years of membership in the Brandon City Odd Fellows Lodge #6, the administrative board of Odd Fellows Corner, the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, Victor House, Brandon Recycle, Westman Counseling and Education, the Kiwanis Club of Brandon, the Children's Aid Society of Western Manitoba, and Knox United Church, as well as many others. His world was devastated when he lost Glennie in 1987, but renewed hope and interest in life came in the form of Gwen Pritchard, who was also active in Knox Church and could empathize with the loss of a spouse. Gwen got Don active again in curling, golfing, and music. They took many enjoyable trips together to Portugal, the British Isles, the Caribbean, Arizona, the Maritimes and British Columbia. Gwen, her circle of friends, and her lively family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren swept him up in their interests and activities in his years of good health and assisted Gwen with his care in his last few years of ill health. He also cherished the activities of all his grandchildren whether it was building dollhouses for the girls, golfing with the boys or attending their school plays, concerts and piano recitals. As sick as he was at the end, his face still lit up and beamed with a smile when they entered his hospital room. Don lived a full and rich life, and if he were here today, in his quiet and courteous way, he would thank you all for being a part of it. He appreciated all the excellent care he received from his medical team of Dr. Large, Dr. Du Plooy, Manitoba Cancer Care, and the staff of Brandon Regional Health Centre and the Assiniboine Centre and felt fortunate to have such good medical care. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Gwen; his son Rob (Joan) and grandchildren Amber (Devin) English, McLean and Graham Trott; daughter Sandra Rees and grandchildren Jeffrey, Corissa and Travis Rees; sisters-in-law Frances Trott and Marj Donnelly (Jack); Gwen's extended family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his first wife Glennie (nee McMullan); his parents Lillian and Lawrence Trott; and his brother Howard Trott. A Memorial Service was held Friday, January 6, 2012 at Knox United Church with Rev. David Cathcart officiating. An interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don's name may be made to Knox United Church, 451-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5A9 or the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre Residence, 150 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.