Donald Wickstrom

Our family circle is broken. With heavy hearts, the family of Donald Wickstrom, age 62, must announce that Don has passed away peacefully, in St. Joseph's Hospital, Hospice Unit, on December 10th, 2011 following a courageous battle with cancer. Don was an amazing husband to his wife Kathy. They were married for 37 years and together they raised 3 beautiful daughters. When their first daughter was born, Don said it was the happiest day of his life next to the day he was married. Soon after, his happiness grew when his second & third daughters were born. Don spent many hours in the playhouse having tea with his girls. He loved his daughters very much and was always there for them when they needed him. A lover of animals prompted his desire to start a hobby farm. He taught his girls how to care for the many animals that they raised and the family pets throughout the years. Wherever Don went, his faithful companion Kelli was right by his side. Many times he would say to his wife, Kelli wants to go for a quad ride and off they went. While his family was young they spent many summers at his parents' camp on One Island Lake. There they fished, swam and spent many hours in the sauna. Each summer Don looked forward to his yearly fishing trip with his daughter Corrina , and their dogs Jack and Kelli. Going to the Drag Races was also a special time for them. Another special time in Don's life was his yearly week-long hunting trip with his friend Esko and father-in-law Aubrey. Don was ecstatic with the birth of his four grandsons. Grandpa Don would spend many hours in the sandbox with them building roads and castles and playing lifeguard as they swam in the backyard pool. Each summer he would take his boys to their secret fishing spot. Don was employed at the Port Arthur Shipyards for 46 years. He held several positions throughout his career and ended it as the General Engineering Superintendent. He had many long lasting friendships with the people that he worked with. Don is survived by his wife Kathy, their daughters Thayna (Raymond Niivila) and their sons Travis, Nickolas and Lucas, Lynaya Wickstrom (Joe Miele) and their son Parker, Corrina Wickstrom and his faithful companion Kelli. He is also survived by his mother Aili Lehto, stepfather Arnold, his brothers Dennis (Beth) & Raymond (Carolyn) Wickstrom, his sister Denise (Andrew) Bouley, his stepsisters Evelyn & Carolyn Lehto and his stepbrother Donny Lehto, his mother-in-law Evelyn Aylward and by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.Don was predeceased by his father Reino, brothers Ricky & Danny, grandparents Emil & Lempi Rintamaki, William & Helmi Wickstrom and father-in-law Aubrey Aylward, Aunt Sivia Maki & Uncle Arvo Wickstrom.Funeral Services for Don will be held at 12:00 NOON on Wednesday December 14th, 2011 in the Chapel of the HARBOURVIEW FUNERAL CENTRE, 499 North Cumberland Street, officiated by Rev. Lloyd Ivany. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time.Because of the love Don had for children and animals, in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Don's memory to Toys for Tots, the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society or the St. Joseph's Hospice Unit.The family wish to extend a very special thank you to the nurses in the Hospice Unit for their care and compassion during this difficult time. You are truly Angels.On-Line Condolences may be offered atwww.harbourviewfuneral.ca"