Donald Louis Skocylas

Mr. Don Skocylas of Melita passed away at the Assiniboine Centre, Brandon, MB. on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024 at the age of 69.

Don was born and raised in Grandview, MB with his parents and his four siblings. He eventually made his way to Melita, MB where he met his wife Jacquie and raised their two daughters, Becky and Krystal. Don’s careers included working at Circle M Furniture, owning his own appliance repair business to being the maintenance foreman for the Melita Hospital and PCH, which he made his “home” until retirement.

Don took pride in his yard work and making sure it was up to his standards.  He was most happy out camping with his family, sitting around a bon fire sipping on his rye and coke or a beer, and telling a random a joke that he found hilarious. With summer being one of his favorite seasons, he made sure his daughters were involved in playing baseball and would have them out in the backyard teaching skills and practicing. He had fond memories of coaching the girls when they were younger and with those he coached with. He also loved playing games of pool, darts, shuffle-board and horse-shoes and made sure to share these interests with his wife and daughters. For the last 13 years of his life, Don held the title of Papa to three grandchildren that were near and dear to his heart, and that he shared a special bond with.

Don was a habitual man, and most of the local people probably would run into Don at the post office grabbing the mail just before lunch time. In true to Don-fashion, we imagine those interactions were of few words followed with the little chuckle he had.

In 2020, Don came out of a surgery that affected his brain and escalated a form of dementia that was pre-existing.  With progression of the disease, he was moved to Reston Transitional Care, then eventually to Melita PCH where he lived for 2.5 years.  In October 2024, he was moved into a facility in Brandon to assist with his disease and ended up passing away on December 26, 2024 in the Palliative Care ward at the Assiniboine Center in Brandon, MB having those he loved most with him.

Don was never a fan of dressing up and his classic attire was a blue jean shirt matched with a pair of blue jeans. If he was outside, he would either have a plaid jacket or blue jean jacket on. For his celebration of life on the 11th, casual attire is most welcomed.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Lillian (nee Kitlar); brother-in-law, Bill Slyziuk; brothers, Ernie (Barb) and Charlie (Kelly); nephew, Kirk.

He is survived by his wife, Jacquie (nee Gibb); daughters, Becky (Brett) Reimer, and Krystal; three grandchildren: Leah, Miles, and Emmett; sister, Emily; brother, Ed (Dianne); and many nephews and nieces.

The service to celebrate Don's life was held at the Melita Legion Hall (Main Street) on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. A time of fellowship followed in the lower hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to Melita Personal Care Home (memo: "Activities"), Box 459 Melita, MB. R0M 1L0

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