Dwain Gerald Wreggit

April 8, 1947 – May 8, 2020 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of the love of our lives. Dwain was as everyone knew, the most incredible husband, Dad and Grandpa one could ask for.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years Marlene; his daughter Jody and husband David McMullin and his grandchildren Tyler and Sara McMullin; his daughter Tammy and husband Shane Christian, his brother Ross (Elaine) Wreggit; his sister Jolene (Jerry) Plawicki; his sister-in-law Alice (Ray) Kimoto; sister-in-law Adeline Majeau; brother -in-law William (Connie) Dohan; and several nieces, nephews and their families.  Dwain was predeceased by his father and mother John and Ida Wreggit, father and mother in-law William and Nellie Dohan; and brother-in-law Alain Majeau.

Anyone who met him would quickly recognize Dwain for his kindness, his gratitude, his sense of humour and his ability to entertain everyone with a great story.  Practical when it came to his own needs but always generous to others, he had a way of making everyone around him feel appreciated and valued.  Dwain was always the first to give a compliment or lend a helping hand, and always treasured the little things in life.

His family will remember him as: the giver of the best advice, the knower of so many random facts, and storyteller extraordinaire.  They will always be in awe of his ingenuity to build useful contraptions out of a vast assortment of spare parts and will dearly miss his razor sharp wit.

Dwain’s love for Marlene was always evident in everything he did. A romantic at heart he celebrated every anniversary of their first date with flowers. She was the one true love of his life.

His daughters, fiercely proud to be called Daddy’s girls because being a Daddy’s girl in the Wreggit household meant that Dwain had taught you to change a car tire without help, operate power tools, understand the difference between front-end load and back-end load mutual funds and to just be thankful for everything that comes your way.  He filled his daughter’s and then grandchildren’s lives with stories, laughter, so many jokes and even more words of wisdom and encouragement.

Dwain prided himself as enjoying the simple things in life, hanging out at the cabin, fishing and ATVing with Marlene, telling a story or a good joke. He always loved a good meal and a cold beer.

Dwain was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — the simplicity of living a life with those you love. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held at a later date.

“The song is ended but the melody lingers on”- Irving Berlin

 

 The following is in his words.

I was born on April 8, 1947 in Grandview, MB and was raised on a farm in the Gilbert Plains, MB area.   After completing high school in Gilbert Plains, I joined CIBC at the local branch and subsequently received postings to various Manitoba and Ontario branches. In 1972, I was accorded an educational leave of absence which enabled me to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia. Further study facilitated admittance as a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB). I was pleased to spend the last 26 years of my career, as well as my retirement years, in Winnipeg.

It was also shortly after high school that I was introduced to the girl with whom, I quickly realized, I wanted to spend the rest of my life.  After a four-year courtship, mostly from a long distance, Marlene and I were wed.  With great joy, we celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary with extended family in July 2018.  For all of our life together, she has been my soul mate, my partner in every task and adventure, my lover, my confidant and my very great support.  I am so very grateful to her for making my life complete

Our family grew with the addition of our daughters and, after some time, the two young men who became the sons we always wanted.  I have always been very proud of my children, not only for their accomplishments but also for their character.  My grandchildren have brought me tremendous joy and great pride. I consider my family my greatest legacy.

We spent most of our life in Winnipeg as our choice.  Being close to our parents and siblings was important to us and a source of great joy.  We felt it instilled a strong sense of family in our daughters.

Winnipeg and particularly Lake Winnipeg gave us great leisure opportunities; cross country skiing and other activities in winter and golf and all things outdoors in the summer. We were late to the hobby, but fishing in our little tin boat proved to be a lot of fun and the source of some excellent pickerel dinners. Much of the good times related to our cottage at the lake which was and remains the centre of great family memories. Short trips to sun destinations during working years set the stage for longer stays in Florida, Arizona and Mexico in retirement years.  A tour of Europe was a major highlight.

I am a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a Past Grand Knight of St. James Council.   Membership provided me with a great sense of brotherhood.

My faith in God provided me with great support over the years and, in particular, during my illness.  I attended Mass on a regular basis and was an active member of St John XXXIII Parish and served in a number of support roles.

I am very grateful for the professional and compassionate care from the doctors, nurses and staff of CancerCare Manitoba and of HSC and St. Boniface Hospital.  I thank Dr. Wayne Poon of Assiniboine Medical Clinic for his kindness.

 

When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears of me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart