Peacefully on January 22, 2019, David lost his tenacious battle with cancer, at Riverview Health Centre, with his family by his side.

 

David is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynn; children Tim (Cheryl), Megan Mowat-Beaudoin (Geoffrey) and Hilary Fewster (Steve); grandchildren (all of whom he was very proud and were the light of his life), Cash and Ryn Mowat, Brielle, Hylanne and Callum Beaudoin, James and Thomas Fewster; sister Donna Barling; nephews Ken and Rob Barling: as well as their families. David was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Ruth Mowat.

 

David was born in Winnipeg on October 16, 1944 and spent the first 9 years of his life on the farm in Greenway, Manitoba. With the passing of his father in 1954, the family first moved to Morden and then to Winnipeg in 1955. David always considered himself a farm boy at heart and loved spending every school vacation at his Uncle Bill’s farm in Glenboro. David was never happier than watching the Prairie Farm report to learn all about the newest in farming technologies.

 

David loved to explore the backroads of Manitoba and was constantly taking Lynn along for the ride on his “magical mystical tours”; they never knew where their day trips would take them, but they never returned home without at least 500 kilometers added to the vehicle.

 

David began working a few years after moving to Winnipeg and never stopped. He was an award-winning paperboy for the Winnipeg Free Press and then as he got older worked at Birchwood GMC, before settling at Bristol Aerospace for 37 years. It was at Bristol that he made many lasting friendships and continued to enjoy attending his retiree breakfasts up until the last few months. In his retirement he would sporadically spend time at Adam’s Brothers’ where he was a jack of all trades and a master of telling everyone there how they should be doing their jobs.

 

Dave had a deep regard for family near and far.  He was never happier than when attending family events and catching up on the latest news, whether it be an intimate dinner with immediate family or a larger gathering such as a wedding, anniversary or retirement party.  He rarely missed any of these events.

 

He was also most willing to lend a helping hand to anyone asking for his advice or help.  He spent many hours helping to renovate the homes of his children or of anyone else who was in need of help with projects. Somehow renovations in his own home never seemed to be completed. 

 

David spent many hours puttering in his garage. Friends and neighbours all knew that if the door was open David was out there and all were welcome to come by for a drink and a chat. We still aren’t sure what he was doing out there but we always knew where to find him.

 

Growing up in the west end of Winnipeg, David made many good friends, especially those belonging to the self-appointed “Order of Good Cheer”.  Together with their spouses this group enjoyed many adventures that took them across Canada, parts of the US and Mexico. Frequent kid-free dinners and summer camping trips created more memories than can be counted. They continue to be good friends today.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the palliative care unit at Riverview Health Centre would be greatly appreciated. Dave would also be honored if you were to sip on a glass of rye and coke while reflecting on memories of his life. 

 

An informal gathering will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Headingley Recreation Centre located at 5353 Portage Avenue to share in memories of Dave and to celebrate his life.  Those who wish to say a few words at this time are welcome to do so.