OBITUARIES
David John Gittins
1942 – 2020
With great love and sadness, we share the passing of Dave on August 24, 2020.
He was predeceased by his parents Anne and Stanley Gittins. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Haldean; children/grandchildren, Scott, (Adrienne) Chase, Todd
(Jodi), Merc, Tejay, Colleen, Shelby; brother Richard (Joyce); Sisters-in-law Donalda (Walter), Linda (Brian); brothers-in-law Robert (Bernie), Harold (Jane), and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.
Dave was an outstanding husband, father, brother and most of all superb grandfather. He was born in Seven Sisters Falls, Manitoba. On July 31st. 1942, attending school there until 1958; at which time he moved to Great Falls, Manitoba. He completed high school in Pine Falls where he met the love of his life Haldean. They were married in 1963. After a brief sojourn with Manitoba Hydro, Dave attended (MIT) Red River Community College graduating with a degree in Civil Technology. He then worked for Manitoba Hydro as a Construction Supervisor until his retirement in 1998. After retirement he worked for Comstock for a number of years. Dave was very active in the community, coaching hockey, ringette, and a term as Vice-President of Greendell C.C. Dave made many friends wherever he went with his guitar and his singing; especially his rendition of “Hot Rod Lincoln”.
Dad told me, “Todd, retirement is the best thing ever because I am able to spend more time with my grandchildren then I did with you kids because I did not have the rat race of life. I have 5 hours to sit in a park watching my grandkids while reading a book and I do not have to rush back to work.”
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Words cannot describe the man our Dad was. Dad always had a smile on his face, had a great sense of humor and seemed to make people around him smile. At times, he would voice his opinion about different things in order to get his point across but then would let it go after he said what he wanted to say. As we watch our children, his grandchildren and nieces and nephews we see so much of our dad and his kindness, beliefs and values in all of them. Dad was a great provider for his wife and kids and shared all that he had with those around him.
About 5 years ago he stated that he wished he could have spent more time with us kids but due to his job he would sometimes be out of town for long periods of time. However, he always made up for it when he was home. Dad did tell me retirement was the best thing ever because he was able to spend more time with his grandkids then us kids because he did not have the rat race of life. He had both quality and quantity as he was able to take them for long walks, go for a drive, get a Slurpee or let them play at the park for 5 hours while pushing them on a swing, or watching them while reading a book, as he did not have to rush back to work. Dad worked hard so that he could provide us with a loving home, enable us to play sports, partake in different activities, or to just be able to buy us little work boots so we could look like him. Later in life he bought the cabin where we spent many weekends and good times together. His home and cabin were always open to friends, family and anyone else who wanted to be a part of our fun-loving group. When I was in the hospital with dad I held his hand for hours and in my mind I was thinking at what point in my life did I stop holding his hand? Did I stop because I thought it wasn’t cool, or that I was too grown up? I think back and remember all the times he held my hand on a job site or busy place to keep me safe. I wished I never would have stopped holding his hand. Dad always did acts of kindness for all those around him. He didn’t just think about doing something nice, he did it. He treated everyone with respect and always had a way of connecting with people young and old. Dad also used his musical talent to light up a room and bring everyone together. We had the best dad ever and we will never forget you. We love you more than words can say!
A Celebration of Life – Come and Go reception will be held on September 10th at 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Greendell Community Club on 75 Woodlawn Ave. Covid 19 (Masks Mandatory) will be in effect.
A comment page will be posted at www.bardal.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to the Heart and Stroke foundation or do a random act of kindness.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David John Gittins 1942 2020..
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba