Its with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Don, who lost his courageous battle with cancer on Sunday April 21, 2024. Don was born on August 27, 1944 to Bill and Grace Faykes in Fort William Ontario. His early years were spent on the farm in Sprague, MB and the family then moved to Atikokan where Don spent the rest of his youth. In 1963 he joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Army) and served until 1965. Don was proud of his service and shared many stories and memories of this time in his life. One of his most memorable postings was when he spent a year in Egypt. Upon his return he met the love of his life Margo Mitchell and they were married April 9th, 1966. Together they raised three wonderful children Lynn, Kim and Allan. Don worked very hard to support his family, working in the mining and forestry industries. He retired as branch manager of R.C. Moffat Supply in 2009, a job he truly loved as it allowed him to connect to so many people and form many special and long lasting friendships. Retirement allowed him to spend even more time at the place that meant the most to him, the camp at Windy Lake. Here he met friends and fellow campers that truly became part of his family. Nancy and her family became our family. The camp enabled Don to fulfill his love of gardening and nature, where he planted numerous Red Pine, and grew multiple flowers to attract all kinds of butterflies and bees, and vegetables, producing an abundance of radish, green onion and cucumbers to name a few. He also enjoyed fishing, and always had a number of projects on the go. It was his mission to create a space at Windy Lake for his grandsons to enjoy.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Margo, and his children of whom he was very proud: Lynn Hubelit (Shawn), Kim Couch (Ian), Allan Faykes (Raeanne); along with his grandsons who brought him much joy: Devin Hutchinson, Mitchell Thordarson (Debbie), Mason Couch, Callum Couch (Grace), Cody Mills, A.J. Faykes, Brendan Faykes (Alexa). Also survived by his siblings Linda Hallick, Shirley Blair (Keith), Joan Dicks (Larry), Wendy Krukoski (Ron), Alvina White (Jeff), Ken Faykes (Tammy), Fred Faykes and in-laws Sheila Faykes, Duane Woods, Janet Swanson (Gerry), Karen Ringius, Barb Mitchell, Cam Mitchell (Connie), Doug Mitchell (Kathy). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents William and Grace Faykes, in-laws Adrian and Margaret Mitchell, brother Bob Faykes, sisters Beverly Bies (John), Jennifer Woods, in-laws Ken Hallick, and David Ringius.
Our family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the nursing staff and doctors of 1A Oncology. The exceptional and compassionate care shown was gratefully appreciated. You are all a credit to your profession. We would also like to acknowledge the care and compassion that Tony showed our family and especially our dad.
In loving memory of Don, we encourage you to plant clover for the bees. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Communities Together for Children.
https://www.ctctbay.org/about/donations
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
