David died of natural causes at his home on May 15, 2023. David grew up on the farm near Riceton with his 5 siblings. From the earliest time, he showed his aptitude for caring for animals. While Dad drew the line at sheep, he had chickens, ducks, geese, bantams, beef cattle, dairy cattle, horses, and his dog Rip #1. He was never more in his element than when he was kneeling down at the end of the bed, bum up, head down, turning the eggs in the incubator.
David also had an aptitude for building things and working with wood which led him to a lifetime of craftsmanship and building. As a child, he was a practical joker, and he well earned his nickname “The Character”.
As a young adult, David’s life changed when he was deeply impacted by bipolar illness. He demonstrated his deep resilience and stoicism by managing his illness while being an incredibly creative and productive citizen his entire life.
David’s life was affected by many medical issues but through severed fingers, multiple concussions, bipolar, and the side effects from medications, he contributed fully to his community. This sometimes brusk and abrupt person demonstrated his kind and gentle nature by helping his neighbours, by visiting people who were infirm, and by contributing his skills to community projects in the Riceton and Gray area and beyond.
David was a solitary worker and was gifted in innovating unique ways of accomplishing the work of many all by himself. Many have marvelled at seeing not only the work he could do in a single day, but the building he could construct in a few days without anyone’s help.
David was forthright. He was honest to a fault. He was fiercely loyal to his friends and family, and he didn’t even know the word quit. We have no idea how many ladder rungs he’s climbed, nails he’s pounded, or screws he’s fastened, but they leave his legacy of houses, cabinets, barns, and sheds that mark the landscape and have touched the numerous people that enjoy them. Many family, neighbours, and friends have been the beneficiary of David’s generosity, his compulsion to help when needed, and his tremendous talents.
David is survived by his loving partner Linda Wonnek, his dog Rip, his sister-in-law Marian and children Marie and Bill, his siblings Don (Kim) and child Hayley, Judy (James) and child Ben, Lee (Laurie) and children Morgan and Joshua, and Ali (Tressa). He was predeceased by his parents Emma and Wilber, his brother Bob, and his niece Angela. Those wishing to remember David can donate to the Marion Centre, the Gray rink, or the charity of their choice. A grave side service will be held at the Riceton cemetery on Sunday, June 18th at 10 a.m. Breakfast and a small program to follow at the Gray rink.