Douglas Youzwa

Douglas Clyde Youzwa

September 9, 1956 – October 4, 2025

Peacefully, on October 4, 2025, at the age of 69, our Dad left us to embark on his next adventure. Doug was predeceased by his beloved wife Cheryl, his son Jared (Ngan), and his parents Stephanie and Nickolas Youzwa. Left to carry on in his memory are his daughters Nicole and Dalyce (Paolo), and grandchildren Jared and Collins. He is also survived by his sister, Tracy (Robert) Ullmann.

Doug was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, to Steffie and Nick Youzwa. He grew up in East Selkirk, only leaving for a brief period to move to Regina, where he met Cheryl. After finding Mom, he brought her back to the family land on St. Peters Road, where they built a life together. Doug and Cheryl were married in August 1980 and shared 45 years of truly happy marriage.

Doug’s childhood was filled with memories of working on the farm picking potatoes and many hours soaking up knowledge from his uncles and his dad. Dad was curious to the bone and loved to read and learn.  Large family gatherings with neighbours and the many other Youzwas who lived up and down the road were a regular part of life, as were summer evenings spent at Patricia Beach.

Doug learned the trade of meat cutting from his father and worked as a meat cutter, then manager, at IGA in Winnipeg. Together with Cheryl, he cut and wrapped meat for hunters in their garage, and later started New Frontier Meats on Dublin Avenue in Winnipeg. Doug often spoke of overcoming the challenges of interest rate hikes in the early 1980s, and through perseverance, the business survived and thrived, eventually merging with Northern Meat Services in the late 1990s. In 2004, Doug and Cheryl opened Custom One Cycle in Selkirk, MB.

Dad found joy in spending his free time at home, especially outdoors on his property. We often teased about the number of tractors needed to "farm" 12 acres and cut wood a few weeks a year, but each tractor had its purpose, reflecting Dad’s deep desire to be a farmer at heart.  He loved the land “out back,” a place that as children seemed like work—cutting trees, hauling logs, splitting and stacking wood—but as adults, the peace and unique song of rustling poplar leaves became clear and appreciated.

The past year was especially difficult for our family following Mom’s illness.  Her passing was a shock, but Dad remained strong and steadfast, making it a priority to ensure everything was in order for the family. When Dad set his mind on something, he would act quickly and decisively. In the end, he faced an impossible choice and chose to bet on himself one last time. There are no words to truly capture what a wonderful father, husband, and friend he was.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jonathan Hong, Dr. Johan Strumpher, RN Cassandra, and all the remarkable professionals of the ICCU at Asper Institute at St. Boniface Hospital. Their exceptional care and compassion for Dad meant so much to us. Should you wish to honour Doug’s memory, please consider making a donation to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, Cardiac Care.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Doug's life will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm in the East Selkirk Hall, 711 Old Henderson Hwy, East Selkirk, Manitoba.

A private family interment of Mom and Dad’s ashes will be held at a later date at East Selkirk Cemetery where they will be laid to rest with Jared and Ngan.

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