Donald Ferrand Sewell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of husband/father, Donald Ferrand Sewell, on February 4th, 2025, at Golden West Centennial Lodge, at the age of 97 years. 

He was predeceased by his parents Joe and Georgina, brothers Trevor and Harley, and his sisters, Barbara Towarnicky and Joyce Herrick.

Donald leaves to mourn, his wife of 57 years, Doran and his five children, Dena, Lori (Doug), Gren (Terry), Michael (Mary Ann), Kip (Tracy). Also, eleven grandchildren and twenty one great-grandchildren.

Don was born on June 22, 1927 in Winnipeg at the old Victoria Hospital on River Avenue, to Joe and Georgina. He had two brothers, Trevor and Harley, and two sisters Joyce and Barbara. At a young age his family moved to Mulvihill, Manitoba where he discovered that he had a knack for target shooting, which he honed over the years. This would eventually lead him to become a member of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association and eventually a coveted place in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada Sports Hall of Fame (Ottawa). 

After a few years in the “sticks and stones” of Mulvihill, his family moved back to Winnipeg where Don would spend the rest of his life. Don worked at a few jobs before landing a spot with TCA (now Air Canada) where he would stay for 35 years, retiring as supervisor on the ramp.

Don travelled a lot with his shooting career, visiting England, (he was on the Bisley team 19 times representing Canada in the Commonwealth games), Palma match in South Africa, Commonwealth games in New Zealand, Ottawa (Connaught Range almost yearly). He enjoyed target shooting well into his late eighties. Once he retired from Air Canada, Don and Doran travelled to many warm locations. Whether driving the fifth wheel, catching a flight or a cruise ship, Don and Doran had a wonderful life together.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg.

As published on Arbour Memorial