Donald Frank Dragan

Donald Frank Dragan passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday December 31st, into the arms of his saviour Jesus Christ and reunited with his wife Glenda after exactly a year and a half apart. 

Donald was born to Frank and Agnes Dragan on August 15,1960. Donald called Winnipeg home for his childhood and most of his young adult life. Despite a rocky start growing up he had an encounter with Jesus as a young adult that completely changed his trajectory. He met the love of his life Glenda, at church in the 1980s and the two married in September 1985. He had three daughters; Kiera and his twins Robyn and Kimberly who were his world. Don felt a shift coming for his family in the early 90s and knew he wanted to go to Bible college to pursue ministry. He studied at Full Gospel Bible Institute in Eston, Saskatchewan for three years before graduating and taking his first and what we would find out later, his only pastoring job. 

Donald and his wife decided to trial a church in Minnedosa, Manitoba after he graduated from Bible college in the spring of 1994. No one expected him to stay, it would be too hard. But Pastor Don, as most came to know him, rose to the occasion time and time again. After many challenges and ridicule he blew past every statistic and invested over 31 years into a place that he believed in and loved with all his heart. 

Don loved his family including his two Shih Tzu’s Lili and Suzi, more than anything. He loved taking a drive for a Timmy’s coffee, drinking a diet pepsi, the Winnipeg Jets, Hawaii and driving his girls crazy. He made the best steak dinner and French toast. You could often find him sitting at a restaurant with people from the community, encouraging them and sharing his faith. Kids jam (children’s ministry) was a passion for him, as investing in the next generation was his priority. 

The people closest to him knew how silly and funny he was. He loved to be the centre of attention and despite his stubborn streak he would do anything for the ones closest to him. 

Don’s vision was to leave a legacy for this community, not for his own gain or motives, but because of his commitment and obedience to Jesus and this town. His hope was to be able to build a brand new drop in centre for the youth and kids of Minnedosa and surrounding areas, a resource for the town to have with amenities such as a gym, and a kitchen that could be used for things such as cooking classes and resources to help those struggling with addictions. He might not have lived to see it come to pass but the faith that he had to have for this dream, no matter what the doubters said, was admirable and inspiring. The legacy that Pastor Don leaves behind without a doubt is his faith; that anything is possible with God. Let’s gather as a community and not let this dream die. 

Donald is survived by his three daughters Kiera and Robyn Dragan, Kimberly (Jordan) and granddaughter Cryderman, brother-in-law Gordon (Rae-Ann) Smith.

Donald is predeceased by his loving wife Glenda, mother and father Agnes and Frank Dragan, mother and father-in-law Edward and Pearl Smith and his brother-in-law Glen Smith. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7. Without a doubt he heard “Well done good and faithful servant” when he met Jesus face to face. 

Interment of both Donald and Glenda Dragan will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11am at the Minnedosa Cemetery for those who would like to join. 

A Celebration of Donald`s Life will be held at a later date.  Time and date will be announced. 

Memorial Donations may be made to Valley Life Family Worship Centre for the building of their future youth drop-in centre, online at valleylifeworship.ca, or cheques can be written out to Valley Life Family Worship Centre. Box 1856 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0.