David grew up on a farm in Readymade, Alta. The family was poor, even by Great Depression standards, but David recalled a household permeated by love for God, family, and friends. He became a Christian around age 6. Grappling with the legalism he saw in church, he grew to understand a relationship with God built on grace. David married fellow teacher Elfrieda and enjoyed a 40-year career as a teacher and education administrator in Sunnyside, Coaldale, Linden, and Calgary, Alta. He served the Camp Evergreen board and many MB conference committees. David and Elfrieda moved to Winnipeg to be closer to family after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 2017. David was committed to learning, becoming proficient with computers and formatting digital photographs in retirement. Visits with relatives were a standard feature of vacations. He preserved his family’s legacy by writing his own and his extended family history. From his teens until age 85, his deep bass voice was always part of a small group or choir. Quiet and reflective, David was a wealth of knowledge and advice for his children and grandchildren. He had a funny story for every situation and person he met, including the wonderful staff at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg. Despite a congenital tremor, David enjoyed working with his hands and had a talent for woodworking. He will be remembered for his integrity, commitment, and gentle spirit.
