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Obituary of Donald William Eckstein
October 23, 1935 - Winnipeg, Manitoba
October 23, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta
Donald Eckstein, beloved husband of the late Helen Eckstein (nee Rucki), of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away on his 89th birthday, Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Donald, or Don to his friends, was born in St. Boniface, MB, on October 23, 1935, later marrying Helen Eckstein (nee Rucki) in 1960.
Don started his long career at Bird Construction Co. Ltd. in 1957 as a timekeeper. He progressed through the company as an estimator until 1968 when he transferred to Saskatoon, SK, as an estimator and project manager. He earned his Industrial and Cost Accountant designation in the same year.
After building the University of Saskatchewan Medical School, he moved to Calgary, AB, in 1972 to become a senior estimator. In 1975, he was promoted to production manager and became responsible for the complete production department until his first retirement (after 44 years in the company), and then his second retirement (after a total of 50 years in the company).
Don loved to be active. He enjoyed backpacking, running, cycling, and weightlifting, as well as volunteering with the YMCA. While Don had many travelling adventures, perhaps the most memorable vacation was when he hiked the Grand Canyon.
His favourite quote comes from Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Don will be most remembered for his generous spirit.
Donald is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Astrid Eckstein residing in Calgary, AB; four grandchildren, Nathanael Eckstein and his wife Jaymie, Josiah Wicks-Eckstein and his wife Jacci, and Ethan Eckstein all residing in Calgary, AB, and Christianna Eckstein residing in Lethbridge, AB.
Donald is also survived by his sister and three sisters-in-law, Bernice McColl, his twin brother’s wife, Joyce Eckstein, and Helen’s sister Anne Moroz (nee Rucki), all residing in Winnipeg, MB; one in-law, Hendrika (Rie) Hammer residing in Calgary, AB; three nieces and five nephews, Susan Procner, Kelli Dacquay, Karen Cadez, George Procner, Gordon Eckstein, Craig Eckstein, Cameron McColl, and Donald Eckstein; and numerous cousins and friends.
Donald was predeceased by many loved ones: his wife, Helen Eckstein; his parents, Andrew and Helen Eckstein who resided in Winnipeg AB; his wife Helen’s parents, Adam and Eva Rucki who resided on their farm outside of Stonewall, AB; his two brothers, two sisters-in-law, and three brothers-in-law, his twin brother Robert (Bob) Eckstein, his oldest brother Alvin Eckstein and Alvin’s wife Isabelle Eckstein, Eva Procner (nee Rucki) and husband Joe Procner, Paul Moroz, and Ron McColl all who resided in Winnipeg, AB; and in-law Otto Hammer who resided in Calgary, AB.
Funeral Services will be held at Centre Street Church “Central Campus” (3900 – 2nd Street N.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Centre Street Church, 3900 2 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 9C1, Telephone: 403-293-3900, www.cschurch.ca.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Donald’s family here.
In living memory of Donald Eckstein, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.
