Donald Lathlin

             It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Donald Harvey Lathlin, age 67 years of Opaskwayak Cree Nation. Don passed away Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, The Pas. Don was not well for a few years, which he handled quite well. He would attend his meetings, his beloved bingo nights, his gatherings with family and friends, Don was loved by many.

Don was born in The Pas, Manitoba to Arthur and Lillian Lathlin on Monday, March 19, 1956.

Don leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Olive; son DJ; granddaughter Hailey Angel Lathlin; siblings Matilda ‘Sinooch’ Lathlin, Riley (Lori) Lathlin, Stella Harriet Lathlin, Dennis ‘Scamp’ (Amanda) Lathlin; aunties Louise Ballantyne and  Charlotte Ballantyne; sisters-in-law Leona Lathlin, Rose Lathlin; Godchildren Clayton Constant, Tina Lathlin, Neepin Turner, Brooklyn Lathlin, Terrance ‘Mikey’ Lathlin.

Don was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Lillian Lathlin; brothers Oscar Lathlin, Samuel Lathlin, Archie Lathlin; sister Muriel ‘Lola’ Turner; brother-in-law Stan Turner; nephews Arthur Bradley Lathlin, Austin Lathlin-Bercier; sisters-in-law Pauline Lathlin and Matilda Daniels; uncles on Mother’s side Simon John Ballantyne, Solomon Ballantyne, Tom Ballantyne; aunties Agnes Bloomfield, Matilda Bloomfield, Hannah Lathlin, Madelyn Lathlin; uncles on Father’s side Harry Lathlin, Oscar Lathlin; aunties Eliza Jane Ross-Lathlin, Irene Highway, Lucy Head and Florence Umpherville; paternal grandparents Sophia and Donald Lathlin; maternal grandparents Harriet and Simon Ballantyne. If we forgot anyone it was not intentional.

Don was a sports fan. He loved the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Toronto Blue Jays and more recently he loved having the news of any of his nephews making it to their respective teams. He was always so happy and proud of their achievements. He wished all the best for them. Don also loved hunting trips with friends like Eugene ‘Toad’ Constant, Terry ‘TK’ Kadachuk, Bert ‘Chigoose’ Constant Sr., these were always his best memories.

Don loved to play soccer in his younger days (Reserve Kickers), he still loved to watch the younger generation playing the game he loved. You would see him on the side lines cheering on his favourite team. Don loved all his nieces and nephews and his little chapans.

Over the years, Don had various jobs; Manitoba Telephone System (telephone man), Shaw Cable, dipped his feet in Retail – Robinson Store, Marshall Wells, but this wasn’t his field. He then became an electrician for a few years. He left all that behind and got into Politics. He served on OCN Council along side of Chief Francis Flett. This was the field of work he had desired, working with our great leaders of our community and our Province of Manitoba. Don was very impressed with our young people who showed interest in the well-being of our community, our local politics. Politics was Don’s passion, he had great ambition in seeing our communities work effectively together.

Don worked as the Executive Director of Swampy Cree Tribal Council from 2011 until his retirement this year, 2023. Most recently, he was a board member of Treaty 5. He traveled to attend these meetings and conferences, ill health had sometimes held him back. But he tried his very best in everything he did. This is how he was, only did the best.