Donald James Kines

In Loving Memory of

Donald James Kines

1925 - 2014

Donald James Kines was born on August 3, 1925 in the home of his parents, Alvin and Ethel (McNeill) on 3rd Avenue in Roblin, Manitoba. He was the second of four boys, all born in the family home. They grew up in an active and music filled home, surrounded by many cousins and friends. Life was centered on family, church and community activities. Subsequent generations have grown up on many stories the Kines boys have enjoyed telling about those years, these days recalling with special fondness their favourite stories involving Don.

In 1943, Don enlisted in the Princess Pat’s Light Infantry and was preparing to go overseas in Asia when Japan surrendered in 1945. At the end of the war, Don returned to Roblin and worked in the Post Office. In 1949, Don rejoined the Canadian Armed Forces and was an Airframe Mechanic with the RCAF, where he served until 1954. He was a member of the Roblin Legion.

He then moved to Ottawa and joined the Federal Government in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, serving as a geographical researcher in the federal mapping program. Don was a man of great curiosity, loved doing research and continued to research various projects right up until his move to Crocus Court. Don had an amazing knowledge of world geography, with a special interest in thermal hot spots, and of the ethnicity and origin of both place and family names. He was also interested in and did much research on UFOs. He was an avid reader and note taker and an interested observer of the world around him.

Don married Bonnie McIntosh in 1965 and they had 38 wonderful years together. They met as members of the Ottawa Hiking Club, and travelled widely in North America and Europe, taking many hiking holidays. They built a lovely home in Kanata and enjoyed their time together with many shared interests and activities that kept them busy in retirement. They enjoyed life together until Bonnie’s passing in 1998. While they had no children of their own, they were endlessly supportive of their nieces and nephews, always interested in what was happening in their lives. Uncle Don was held in much love and affection by his family. Remembering him in his familiar jean jacket, with his bushy white beard, hearty laugh and twinkle in his eye brings us comfort and joy.

In 2000, Don returned to Roblin for the Homecoming Celebrations, and then decided to move back home to Roblin, where he resided first in his own apartment, then in Maple Manor, and then last four years at Crocus Court. He greatly enjoyed his move back to Roblin, being able to share in family gatherings, go to Fall Suppers, and enjoying various road trips with Hugh, including one made with brothers Hugh and Wayne and nephew Larry to visit nephew Clare in Fort Providence NWT. He was always appreciative of the home care workers and the staff at Crocus Court for their care and attention. Always complimentary, he loved the bright and varied uniforms worn by the Care Home staff and frequently remarked on them. He also enjoyed the music provided there – his toes were usually tapping away to the music.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Ethel Kines; brother, Tom; sisters-in-law, Mavis and Jane; and niece, Janice Dixon. He is survived by his brothers, Hugh and Helena of Roblin, Wayne and Deva of Neepawa, and sister-in-law Valerie of Brockville. He is also survived by his 9 nieces and nephews, Donna Kines, Wendy (Robert) Swain, Michele (Ron McConnell), Clare (Leah), Larry, David (Terri), Peter (Vibeke), Andrew (Rhonda), Stephen (Eva) Kines and by ten great-nieces and nephews, Deirdre and Moira Swain, Brandt Kines, Travis and Hilary Kines, Nicholas and Isabel Kines, Sabina, Simon, and Sarah Kines. He is also survived by Bonnie’s neice, Marilyn MacDonald and her great nieces and nephews, Kelly, Tracey, Allan and Gary MacDonald. Don is also survived by several cousins, including Jean Martin of Roblin.

Don’s Funeral Service was held on Monday, November 10, 2014 from the Knox United Church in Roblin with Rev. Mark Hammond officiating and pianist Betty Wenner and the Knox United Church Choir providing the music. The hymns were, “In the Bulb There is a Flower”, “Would You Bless Our Homes and Families” and a recording of “The Wild Goose” as sung by Tom Kines.  The Recessional hymn was, “Go In Love” sung by the church choir. The Legion provided the Honour Guard. The Urn bearer was Brandt Kines, the scripture reader was Larry Kines and Words of Remembrance were given by Wayne Kines and Michele Kines.

Lunch followed the Service, provided by the Knox United Church ladies.

Interment will take place at a later date in Roblin District Cemetery.

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

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and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

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