Dr. Dave’s Obituary
It’s difficult to condense a very full life into a short little story! Dave was raised as part of a close knit family in West Edmonton, surrounded by love and support. He was a natural leader who believed in inclusivity; he loved instigating social activities and making new friends. Dave has always had a brilliant mind; a memory which could put an elephant to shame, and an imagination which made him creative & fun.
Excelling at sports, he wanted to play all kinds and pretty much did. His aptitude for football allowed him to play for the Golden Bears at the University of Alberta while he studied Medicine. While at university he met his wife Laurene, and so he travelled the world with her for a few years before settling in Peace River to raise a family, build an impressive flower garden and dedicate himself to the medical profession. It warms our hearts to hear his patients recall the compassionate care he provided them over the years. Dave loved holding little babies and had an infamous knack for soothing crying newborns. He was passionate about the importance of youth sports and was a high school football coach for many years. He believed in serving others and was proud of the many community organizations he became involved in, including the ski hill, the Peace Rowing Club, the Peace River Rugby Club, Peace River Victim Services, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the new medical clinic. He bonded with animals easily and was guilty of absolutely spoiling the many pets he had. He got away often on sporty weekend getaways – canoeing & fly fishing trips in the summer, ski trips in the winter. An avid traveller, Dad visited many places, but his favourite spot had to be on a dance floor at a party, because this was where his love for social activities intersected with his love of athleticism- he was a total standout on a dance floor and was truly in his element there.
Everyone’s life is a miracle and this is especially true of Dave’s; he was born prematurely, as a child he had polio, and once while playing basketball he went into cardiac arrest (which made him a strong advocate for AED’s). He defied medical expectations for many years after being diagnosed with his first brain tumour in 2004. This life full of reminders to seize the day made him exceptionally good at it – Carpe Diem. We are so grateful for every year we had him here with us.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife (Laurene) of nearly 40 years, his three daughters (Robin, Tanna, JenJen) & their growing families. Also, his large extended family, wonderful group of friends, and a community which was very dear to his heart. We do not have a service to announce at this time. In lieu of flowers or donations, please make community involvement a priority in your life; find worthy cause and make a difference.
To have lived well, laughed often and loved much;
To have gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
To have filled a niche and accomplished a task;
To have left the world better- whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul;
To have appreciated Earth’s beauty and not fail to express it;
To have looked for the best in others,
And to have given the best of yourself,
That is ACHIEVEMENT!
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March 29 1956 February 18 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dr Dave Willox March 29 1956 February 18 2020..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Peace River, Province: Alberta