Gunnar Damsgaard

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Gunnar Damsgaard, beloved father, grandpa and great grandpa on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at Dauphin Hospital.

Gunnar was born in Logten, Denmark and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1925, settling in the Dauphin area.  In 1946, he married Myrtle Longphee and they spent 66 years together until Myrtle’s passing in 2012.  Together they raised their family of two daughters.  They farmed for many years and retired to Ochre River, then later to Dauphin. 

Gunnar had a real soft spot for kids (and drove school bus for many years), a great love for small animals (dogs and cats), visiting at coffee and telling stories of his many years of hard work and experiences from those of a very young man, and as the years went by.  Those included walking to school and helping on the farm; cutting, storing and then delivering ice cut from the lake to cottagers in the summer; walking, hitch-hiking and jumping the rails to find work in Alberta; then on to Ontario where he worked on bridge, road and hydro construction, always told with his infectious smile. 

Once retired from farming, he “puttered” outside a lot, mostly on something that never left the yard, but it put the time in.  Mom and Dad camped in their van, enjoying Moon Lake a lot, but didn’t go too far otherwise as their large garden had to be just so.   Dad was well known for his many years of “witching” for water.  They also drove many miles checking out farmers’ fields from spring seeding until fall harvest, which Dad continued until this past fall. Dad truly did enjoy his “golden” years!

Leaving to cherish many fond memories are his two daughters, Janice and husband Bruce Hale, Marie and husband Don Michalyk; grandchildren Lisa Hale, and Bradley Hale, all of Dauphin; great-granddaughter Emma Yeary, of Brandon; and Sister-in-law Doreen Livingston, of Kenora, Ont.  There are numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.  Gunnar’s family was very important to him and he enjoyed visits with everyone, especially with his grandchildren.

We would like to thank the many neighbours, family, friends and acquaintances for the caring, kindness and respect these last few years as he remained very independent, and to the staff and residents at the supportive housing unit of Happy Haven for the last four months.  Thank you to Dr. Fjelsted and all staff at the hospital for their care. 

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will take place at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in memory of Gunnar may be made to the Dauphin Seniors Centre or to the Kidney Foundation of Manitoba.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gunnar Damsgaard, please visit our floral store.