Obituary of Daryl Robert Doerksen

On Saturday afternoon, surrounded by his family, Daryl passed away peacefully at home in his favourite chair. He made it to his 78th birthday and he saw the harvest complete for the 2016 crop. He is survived by his loving wife Cora (nee Ritz), his 7 children Jackie Doerksen (Norm Comeault), Warren (Brigitte) Doerksen, Connie (Hank) Schmidt, Debbie Doerksen (Trevor Davidson), Kerry (Chris) Turner, Patti (Nathan) Bolduc, Kendra (Doyle) Penner and his 19 grandchildren Kylan, Ethan, Karissa & Chaelyse Comeault; Brittany, Megan, Tori & Deryn Doerksen; Katlyn & Kenneth Davidson; Keli, Daxx, Trynity, Jett & Rocklyn Turner; Jensen Bolduc; Keira, Sawyer & Reid Penner. He leaves to mourn his sisters Joan Johnston & Elaine (Armin) Gitzel, brother Howard and their families, as well as, brother-in-law Bob Ritz. He, also, leaves behind his aunts Muriel Doerksen, Hedy Mazinke and Lydia Watkin and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Daryl was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Helen Doerksen, his brothers James, Allan, Kenneth and Roy Doerksen, in-laws Robert and Dorothy Ritz, brothers-in-law Jim McIntosh, Dave Johnston, sister-in law Christine Doerksen and granddaughter Faith Turner. Daryl grew up on a grain and cattle farm in Stephenfield, MB where he helped his parents with the farm chores. Daryl left home and joined the service at the age of 18; however, his thick agriculture roots brought him back to the farming world in Sewell, MB where he worked as a grain buyer for Federal Grain. His time in Sewell led him to his beloved bride Cora, their marriage of 52 years, large family, and continuing the grain farming tradition. He resided with his family in St-Jean-Baptiste for the last 46 years. He will be remembered for his love of baseball (of course, being a lefty is a great asset) and curling (his surprising shot), his skill and long hours of swathing, his sweet tooth, his story telling about his past, his card palace days with dear friends, his thumb, his shopping with mom for “bonnets”, his talent for remembering numbers and birthdates, and his infamous saying “Don’t ever kid yourself…” about what he could still do, but mostly his unique laugh that could be picked out of any crowd. Those around him have all witnessed his generosity first hand; always paying for a meal out, never afraid to give the shirt off his back and constantly spoiling his grandchildren while “trying” to not get caught by their mothers or grandma. He would say “Don’t fight the baby”. He was a man with a BIG heart, a truly genuine giving father and grandfather with an upbeat joking attitude right to the end; Daryl will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A memorial service will be held at the Morris United Church on Monday, October 17th at 2:30 pm with a lunch to follow at the Legion hall. A private inurnment will be taking place prior to the service. We, the family, would like to thank the doctors, nurses and other medical staff at HSC, Victoria General and Buhler Cancer Care and Morris General Hospital, Doctor Manness and Doctor Fraser. We would like to thank Dad’s nieces, Rhonda Thorkelsson and Clarise Boychuk, who work at HSC for helping after his surgery there. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. God saw you getting tired, when a cure was not to be, He wrapped His arms around you, and whispered, “come to me”. You didn’t deserve what you went through so He gave you needed rest God’s garden must be beautiful He only takes the best.