February 15, 1960 – June 6, 2023
It is with deep sorrow and tremendous sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Don Broomfield on June 6, 2023 at the age of 63 years.
Cherishing his memory is his loving wife, Shelley, brother George (Darlene), sisters Susan, Jane (Phil), sister-in-laws Janice, Gail (Tim), nephew Cory (Tracy), nieces Dana (Travis), Kristen (Mark) and Jennifer (Andrew) as well as his great nieces and nephews whom he loved so dearly, as well as extended family and so many wonderful friends too numerous to mention.
Don was predeceased by his mother Frances and father Harvey and brother-in-law, Dave Kafka.
Don spent 40+ years working as a sheet metal mechanic at Bristol/Magellan Aerospace where he made many lifelong friends along the way. He took great pride in his work and used his skills in so many other aspects of his life, especially tinkering on cars, which was his favorite lifelong hobby.
Don loved classic cars and going to car shows and talking to anyone who shared the same interest. Don could fix pretty much anything, and if he didn’t know how, he made it his mission to try and learn how.
Don had a real love for life and tried to live it to the fullest. He loved an adventure.
Don and Shelley were blessed to have done a lot of travelling over their years together, by car, plane and cruise ships, sometimes alone, but they shared many, many wonderful vacations with family and friends over the years too.
Some of their more memorable trips included Barbados (where they were married), Hawaii, Australia, Europe, Asia, Alaska, many hot winter destinations and various places in the United States, particularly Vegas and San Antonio. Their most recent vacation together was back to Cuba where they met some wonderful new friends.
In recent years Don and Shelley’s happy place was being at the cottage where they were fortunate enough to spend endless hours with family and friends. Don was so proud of all the work he did to the cottage working alongside his brother, George, and of the tight bond he had maintained with his nephew, Cory and Cory’s children, who he loved so very much.
He also loved all the great bonfires spent with the neighbors at the lake, sharing stories, snacks and always on the lookout for bears!!
Don will also be sadly missed by the “coffee gang” at Albert Beach. Don always looked forward to racing down to Saffie’s on his bike in the mornings to try to beat his brother at paying for coffee.
Don loved being around people, he had the knack for being able to strike up conversation with anyone, anywhere, even with language barriers.
Don’s greatest gift was his need and desire to always help people, whether it be family, friends, neighbors or even strangers, if he felt someone needed help with something, he would always step up and lend a hand, no matter what the task, even if he didn’t know what he was doing.
He was such a kind and generous person with the biggest heart, a beautiful smile and so much wit and personality and his passing will leave such a huge void in so many people’s lives.
Friendship meant a lot to Don, and I think all those who he was fortunate to call friends knew he was someone reliable that would always be there for them.
Cremation has already taken place and according to Don’s wishes, there will be no service.
A private family celebration of Don’s life will take place at a later time.
Shelley and all the family want to thank all of those who have so kindly reached out with love and support at this time of great loss in our family.
Don will live on in our hearts forever and will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
13 thoughts on “Donald Edward Harvey Broomfield”
Donnie you will be missed.
You made me laugh.
It was a pleasure to be your friend for many years.
RIP Don
Don was and is one of the most generous and giving people I’ve known. He was always there to help out and to offer support and he brought the fun to everything we did. I’m thankful to have had him in my life and I’ll treasure those moments we enjoyed together.
My beloved uncle. I was blessed to grow up in the and house often as you. Right beside you. I was your pain in the butt niece but I loved you. I loved watching you enjoy your life and travel the world. Your jokes, your sparkling eyes and quick wit could light up a room. May you find everlasting peace and know that you are loved. You will be missed greatly.
Dana Travis Josh Kara
Have many fonds memories with Don and Shelley. He lived a full life and his memory will always be in our hearts. Sadly missed.
My sincere condolences. I worked with Don for many years. He was a great co-worker and even greater person. Will be dearly missed.
Our condolences to Shelley and family. Rest In Peace Don
John and I were very fortunate to be Don’s friends. Don was one of the kindest men we have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When we had to dismantle a 16 x 20 deck at our campground , he was there to help us. Both Don and Shelley helped us take out 100’s of screws and then take it one row over . Not one complaint of the heat or sore backs. They came back the next day and we put it all back together again. Any time we visited with Don and Shelley and we mentioned something we needed to do, first comment made was from Don and he would ask “do you need some help, I can come over tomorrow”. Don always made time for everyone , with any task. I. We wish we could have all traveled together at some time. Don loved our little dog Harley and in the past week Harley left us at age 17. Don always gave the visiting neighbors dogs treats so I know in my heart that Don is giving our little Harley treats now. We will miss him dearly but we will remember all the times we were together and forever keep those memories in our hearts.
Karen & John
My blessing ‘s go to Shelley and all of Don;s family in this untimely passing of Don. He will be missed, Don was a true friend. and a great neighbour. Always willing to help and great at being friendly at the cottage bonfires. Even though I only met him a short time ago I’m glad I got to meet and know him. God bless you Don. Rest in Peace
We were very saddened to learn of Don’s passing. He was truly a great man. We loved his company, his laugh, his kindness & great chats on the beach. Every time we take out our paddle board, Don will be us, as he built a 3-wheel carrier for us, to easily bring our board to the beach. Shelley, George & Darlene you are very much in our hearts & prayers. Our most sincere condolences. Sue & Pat
Our deepest condolences
John and Karen
I worked with Don at Magellan. He really was a caring person. I went through a difficult divorce & he was there for me with tremendous empathy. He told me he was always available to talk or help me with anything. He was a good man. I’ll miss him.
John and I were fortunate to call Don one of our good friends.
Don was one of the kindest individuals that we know, and nothing was too much for him when it came to helping a friend.
When we had to take apart a 16 x 20 deck, both Don and Shelley were there to help us. The four of us took a corner and carried the outer frame down the road and around the corner to our new campsite.
The very next day, Don and Shelley were back there helping us put it all back together. There was never a complaint of a hot day, or a sore back and we removed 100’s of screws.
This took up a lot of their weekend at the lake, but they were there to help us, no questions asked.
Whenever we mentioned that we had to do something, the first comment from Don would be “do you need any help, I can come over tomorrow”. That was just the kind of person he was.
I know that Don loved to give treats to all the neighborhood dogs as they stopped by. Don loved our little Harley and just recently we had to say goodbye to Harley at age 17.
I know in my heart that Don is giving our little Harley treats now.
I wish we could have had the opportunity to do some traveling with Don and Shelley.
We will miss Don but the memories that we have will stay in our hearts forever.
Karen & John.
Dear Shelley, George, Susan and Jane,
We are so saddened to read of Don’s passing and extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to your Family.
The Broomfield Family played a large part in our lives growing up on Warsaw Avenue. Our families shared so many wonderful memories over the years…wedding and anniversary celebrations, trips to Bison Park, hair cuts by Auntie Ev, and more recently sharing some laughs and maybe some tips with Shelley and Don at Assiniboia Downs.
May the memories of Don’s life and the happy times together give you comfort at this difficult time.
Rest in peace dear friend.
With loving thoughts,
Dale and Diane
Karen and Bill