Raised in Vancouver and Burnaby, he attended South Burnaby High School then graduated from the new Simon Fraser University in 1969. He and his family attended Broadway Tabernacle. Dave developed lifelong friendships there and in the churches he later attended in Calgary and Victoria.
David’s and Beverley’s fathers were best friends. Dave and Bev started dating in their teen years and were married in 1970. Their two children are Christopher (1977) and Lauren (1980).
David started his career in IT as a computer operator at Kelly Douglas in Vancouver. Dave was a loyal company man with a conscientious work ethic who was well regarded by his staff and colleagues. He moved with the company to Calgary when it was folded into sister company Westfair Foods. Dave retired as Vice President of Information Systems in 2005 at 58 years of age. He and Beverley moved to Victoria.
Always busy, Dave spent his time working and helping others, including his daughter and her family, those in his church, and his neighbours. He could fix just about anything. If you noticed that your lawn was mysteriously mowed while you were away in the hospital, it was likely Dave who’d come to help. Dave truly appreciated his neighbours in Coquitlam, Calgary, and Victoria and the dog walking community in Beckwith Park.
Dave was an avid fly fisherman and especially enjoyed fishing in the South Cariboo. Dave was known for his quick wit and sarcasm which provided both wise council and laughter. He had a natural gift to make people laugh.
In 2006, David travelled with his family to Sweden to meet his many relatives near Örnsköldsvik, where his father was born. At home, Dave embraced Bev’s family as his own.
David is survived by his wife Beverley, son Chris, daughter Lauren, son-in-law Daryl, grandchildren Sofi and Niko, brother Don (Linda), nieces and nephews, and extended family. We were blessed to be his family and while we are assured he is with the Lord, we will miss him every day.
A Memorial Service will be held at First Church of the Nazarene, 4277 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.
Donations may be made in Dave’s memory to Mission of Mercy Canada.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Howie Cotter
Hi Bev, Chris and Lauren,
I would like to send my sincere condolences to you. Dave was a great mentor and friend. I enjoyed my 8+ years of working with Dave at Kelly Douglas in Vancouver and then at Westfair Foods in Calgary. I enjoyed his company and dry sense of humor – he could always be counted on coming thru with his dry one liner that suited the situation. It has been a long time since we worked together but I still remember many instances of Dave lending a hand in the work place and outside the work place. How many bosses will show up on a Saturday morning with his work gloves and a wheelbarrow to help build a cement wall …..Gary Whitehouse and I definitely know the answer. Dave would! And Dave did!
The last time I seen Dave was a number of years ago, Dave and I were working for different companies (competitors none the less) and coincidentally we were staying in the same hotel in Mississauga – I could smell pipe tobacco aroma …. guess who was standing in front of me waiting for the elevator … Sure enough it was Dave – I said Is that you Dave and he said hi Smiley!
I know Dave is looking down on you all and will continue to look over you.
Take Care
Howie