DON ASKHOLM Obituary

DON ASKHOLM was faculty at Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Don Askholm.

School Role	Faculty
Date of Passing	Apr 09, 2018
About	Don Askholm passed away, with his family at his side, on April 9, 2018. Don was predeceased by his father Frede, mother Florence, Aunt Emma and Aunt Doris. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy, son Jonathan (Dominika), daughter Kristine, cousin Florence May Gunn, cousin Leona (nephew Rudy and grandnephew Aidan), cousin Leonard and Heather (niece Hailey), and the extended Stadnyk family. Don was born in Winnipeg. He spent his formative years attending St. John's Ravenscourt School and singing in the choir at All Saints' Anglican Church. In his youth, he began piano and later organ lessons with his mentor, Don Hadfield, and the rest is history. Don graduated from Gordon Bell High School and started what would be a lifelong career as a church organist and choir director. After university, he became a music teacher, working at River Heights Junior High, Elmwood High School, and Gordon Bell, as well as terms at College Beliveau, Sisler, and Balmoral Hall. Over the years he produced many musicals, took choirs to festivals, organized choir trips with his good friend and colleague Mike Gaston, and especially loved conducting the vocal jazz choir. Don inspired many young people to give music a try, which for some was a life-changing experience. The influence of his teaching and encouragement is a lasting gift. Throughout his years as a teacher, Don also worked as a church organist, rehearsing with the choir one evening a week, and spending every Sunday morning at the organ. Kathy recalls him calling in sick only one Sunday in his 40-year career, although he missed a few more when he took up running the Manitoba Half Marathon every June. Don started distance running in his 40s, and could often be spotted running "the loop" along Wellington Crescent and Wolseley. He also loved running at Winnipeg Beach, where he spent summers at the family cottage he had purchased in his early 20s. Don married Kathy in 1976 and was thrilled to become a father to their son Jonathan and daughter Kristine. Don loved being at the cottage with his family, and also enjoyed many summer road trips in the van. He enjoyed tennis with the kids, cross-country skiing with Kathy, and later, going on long walks with the dog. Despite the challenges of living with Lewy Body Dementia in his final years, Don continued to enjoy life. He was blessed with many visits from family and friends, and especially enjoyed being with his dog, Rufus. The family would like to thank the staff at the Poseidon Personal Care Centre, especially the aides and nurses on the 5th floor who compassionately cared for Don during his three months there. Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. at All Saints' Anglican Church, 175 Colony Street. Reception to follow at Gordon Bell High School at 2:30 p.m. Interment April 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Greenridge Cemetery. At Don's request, we wish to invite his former choir members to join the choir for the service. Rehearsal is Thursday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. at All Saints'. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2018