Delmer W Kitch

Delmer Wayne Kitch passed away on September 13, 2025. He was surrounded by family during his last moments. 

Del was born on October 20, 1937 in Bield, Manitoba to George and Gussie Kitch. He married Ilene Morris on December 16, 1966. 

Del is survived by his wife Ilene (nee Morris) of 58 years, sons Derwin (Dana), Ian (Rhonda), and Travis (Rhonda), grandchildren Kirsi, Aidan, Brody (Drew), Hannah, Carson, and Grace, sister Louanne (Dwight), and sisters-in-law Evelyn (Ejnar (deceased); Larry) and Lila (Ken), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Marlene. 

Del was a graduate of Drury School, Birch River Senior High School, Brandon College, and the University of Manitoba. 

Del worked in Duncan School (teacher), Bowsman High School (teacher, coach, and principal), and the Swan Valley School Division (guidance counselor and special education coordinator). 

Some of Del’s many recognitions and accomplishments include the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children’s Outstanding Achievement Award and recognition by the Governor General of Manitoba for his work in Special Education. He introduced guidance/vocational counseling for students while in Bowsman, and advocated for higher pay for teachers, teaching assistants, and support staff. He implemented the Occupational Entrance Course program which helped special needs students graduate and enter the workforce as well as the Trainable Mentally Handicapped program that taught self help and vocational skills. He was the advisor for the Special Education Administrators’ Association of Manitoba. He founded the local Big Brothers chapter and was active in the Masons. 

Del had a passion for his family, gardening, camping, fishing, stamp and coin collecting, genealogy, cross-stitching,  jigsaw puzzles, and traveling the world (he and Ilene visited 72 foreign countries). 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honour of Del to Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement (swanvalleysportfishing.com/enhancement/) or the Community Foundation of Swan Valley (cfsv.ca/). 

In keeping with Delmer’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A graveside service will be held at the Birchwood Cemetery, Swan River, on October 11 at 1:00pm

Reception to follow at the Swan River Senior Centre.

In the event of inclement weather the service will be held at Paull Funeral Home.