Dennis Andrew Draward

June 12, 1960 to February 3, 2011

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend at the age of 50 on Thursday, February 3, 2011.

Dennis grew up in Lydiatt, Manitoba, on the family farm where he lived not far from until his death.

Dennis lived life full throttle. He was a colourful person who always had a quick joke or an ironic observation. Dennis was an active and energetic person who never slowed. Whenever family or friends needed “a guy” to do something, they called Dennis. He always helped and no request was ever denied. He was a tireless volunteer in the community. In the past, he coached hockey as well as served as president for the Beausejour Brokenhead Minor Hockey Assoc. He chaired the board when the community’s new arena, the SunGro Centre, was being constructed and was instrumental in getting the new building up and running. He had volunteered for CPTC snowmobile races in various capacities. His humorous auctioneering at the church fund raiser was legendary.

Dennis worked for many years in the petroleum business. He delivered fuel for Petro Canada and then managed the petroleum hardware store for Beausejour Co-op. Later he worked with his brother, Randy, at A & R Concrete Pumping as a concrete pump operator and mechanic. Recently, he was a part-time bus driver for Sunrise School Division. In addition, Dennis delivered top soil under D. Draward & Sons until he sold his equipment. Because of these trades and his community work, Dennis had met and knew many people.

Over the years, Dennis spent many hours hunting with his dad, brother and sons and had been acknowledged by the Brokenhead River Game and Fish a few times for his hunting successes. On many sunny Sundays, he would take the family to the Brokenhead River for an afternoon of fishing, or snagging as it usually happened. He loved stock car racing and had raced his own cars. Now, his son Devin, has taken over the action. And Drew can’t wait to race as well, but for now, he has to be satisfied with driving the go-cart that Dennis had built for him. Both Dennis and Debbie were proud hockey parents, often going in different directions to take their boys to their games.

He was very devoted to his family. Dennis was a dutiful son and a great brother, giving generously his time whenever it was needed. He was a loving husband to Debbie. They spent 32 happy years together and survived times of crisis and hardships making their love stronger. He was an attentive father. Dennis made memories for his sons every day with activities such as snowmobiling, quadding, hunting, fishing, hockey games and tournaments, wiener roasts, stock car racing, family vacations, and visiting with family and friends.

He could make people laugh at the most serious of times. And we wish Den was here with us now during this time of deep sorrow. However, we feel fortunate to have had the time we did with him.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Debbie, his sons Devin (friend Dana) and Drew, parents Dan and Elsie Draward, siblings Gail Peluk (Ted), Carol Schultz, and Randy Draward (Autumn), mother-in-law Marion Naurocki, brother-in-laws Gary Naurocki (Ruby) and Jim Marshall, nephews Doug (Joanna), Thomas, Greg (friend Sarah), Neal, Chris (Jennifer) and Mark (fiancée Michelle) and nieces Lee-Anne (Kevin), Avery, Natasha (friend Brad) and Alexia (friend Brenden). He was predeceased by his father-in-law Stanley Naurocki and brother-in-law Richard Schultz.

To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 12 at 1:00 pm at the Sobering Funeral Chapel, Park Avenue E., Beausejour, with Pastor Don Reimer officiating. Cremation will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a trust fund has been established for Dennis’ sons at the Sonova Credit Union, Box 340, Beausejour, Manitoba, (204) 268-3778.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.SoberingFuneralChapel.com.

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