It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave. Despite a difficult 20-month battle with cancer, he was brave, optimistic and uncomplaining throughout it all.
Left with a huge hole in their hearts are his wife of 43 years Shelley, their three children he was so proud of Bryan, Brett and Courtney and their spouses Tara, Courtney and Cole, who he thought of as his own. He adored his five beautiful grandchildren Kaliana and Jace, Stella, Caden and Cambrie, and they are what kept him fighting. Dave also leaves behind his siblings Al (Laura), Stan and Rita (Joe), as well as Shelley’s family Beryl, Glynis (Steve) and Garry (Shannon), and many nieces and nephews. He loved you all!
Born and raised in Powell River, Dave spent his youth playing baseball, hockey and golf, which he continued through his adult years, and also thoroughly enjoyed coaching his kids in the same sports.
He started working in finance here and then spent 14 years furthering his career in Alberta and the Lower Mainland before moving his family back to Powell River in 1993. Dave spent the next 25 years of his career at First Credit Union, where his endless drive and enthusiasm had him dubbed “the energizer bunny.” He enjoyed the impact he could have on the members and the community, and he loved the people he worked with. He was always excited to see what each new day brought.
This high energy and passion was also poured into other interests. Dave sat on too many boards to name, but his favourites were the ones that helped kids: Powell River Minor Hockey, Powell River Gymnastics, and the one closest to his heart, the junior program at Myrtle Point Golf Club, where he was known as “Diamond Dave.”
Dave’s happy place was his float cabin on Powell Lake, where he spent countless hours behind the wheel of the boat doing water sports with his kids and their friends, and working on endless projects. He never tired of it, and at the end of the day we would always hear “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
In his retirement, he and Shelley enjoyed travelling and exploring the backcountry by ATV. Trail building with the Wednesday crew was always a highlight.
Dave’s quick wit and bad dad jokes kept us laughing even though it was often accompanied with an eye roll. Our family is forever changed and we will miss him deeply.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 pm on September 23 at Dwight Hall. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Dave’s favourite charity: BC Children’s Hospital, or to Brain Cancer Canada to further research toward glioblastoma.
