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David Whiteway Obituary
David Whiteway was born on July 12, 1947, in Devon, England, and passed away peacefully at home in Gibsons on March 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.
David maintained his characteristic sharp wit and humour even as he faced the challenges of cancer.
At his core, David was a farmer, a passion deeply rooted in his upbringing in the rural West Country of England. He left England on his 18th birthday to emigrate to Canada, ultimately landing in Victoria, BC to work at the Olde English Inn and swiftly became involved in farming on the island through working with his mentor Geoffrey Mitchell at Sea Bluff Farm, where “David’s Field” remains to this day. After a spell as a cowboy, he and his first wife Wendy purchased a sheep farm in Lumby BC and welcomed their daughter Jacqui in 1971. They moved to Vancouver soon after, but their marriage did not last.
David met his wife Deborah in Vancouver, and after being together for several years they were married in 1981.
David’s career changed direction later in the 1970s and 1980s a few times, when he became part owner of an international trucking business based in the UK, a residential landlord in Vancouver BC, and even a partner in an antique furniture shipping business.
After a spell in the UK helping his sister on her farm in Devon in the mid-80s, David and Deborah returned to Canada to find some land of their own, finding their perfect home in Gibsons in 1989. Together, they established the West Country Landscaping business while also transforming their property into a beautiful, park-like expanse of over three acres. Here, his home and clients reaped the rewards of his deep experience and passion for functional beauty evident in the meticulously built fences, sheds, and compost. Deborah, friends and family also greatly enjoyed his culinary talents, as he transformed the garden’s bounty into exquisite meals with remarkable intensity and precision.
Throughout his life, David embraced adventure, travel and exploration. He traversed the USA by hitchhiking and driving, spent months in Jamaica and Morocco, and had many special trips in California, where Deborah was born and raised.
David had an uncanny memory and ability with numbers, strategy and problem solving that served him well in his various ventures but was especially reflected in his profound love for games, knowledge and competition, a combination that found its perfect expression in the ritual of watching Jeopardy. He played Scrabble and Cribbage to an extraordinary standard into his final weeks.
David is survived by his beloved wife Deborah, her son Ethan, his daughter Jacqui and her husband Brian, and his grandchildren Carmen, Mitchell, and Orion. He was predeceased by his sister Anne and his brother Michael, and survived by his brothers Tony, Peter and Andrew.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date TBD. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you honour his memory by taking care of the land, and keeping your wits about you. If you wish to make a donation, the BC Cancer Foundation would greatly appreciate your support, as their excellent care made a significant difference in his life.
David’s life was a rich and varied journey, marked by love, adventure, and a deep connection to the land, people and dogs around him. He will be remembered for his generosity, his wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest.
David Henry Whiteway, born in Devon, England, on July 12 1947, passed away peacefully at home in Gibsons on March 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Early Life and Career David emigrated to Canada on his 18th birthday, initially working in Victoria, BC, and later becoming involved in farming through his mentor Geoffrey Mitchell. He purchased a sheep farm in Lumby, BC, with his first wife Wendy, and welcomed their daughter Jacqui in 1971.
Personal Life and Later Career After his marriage to Wendy ended, David met Deborah in Vancouver and married her in 1981. He had various careers, including owning an international trucking business, being a residential landlord, and partnering in an antique furniture shipping business.
Life in Gibsons and Legacy David and Deborah moved to Gibsons in 1989, where they established West Country Landscaping and transformed their property into a beautiful three-acre park-like expanse. He loved adventure, travel, and games, and is survived by his wife Deborah, her son Ethan, his daughter Jacqui, and his grandchildren.
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July 12 1947 March 5 2025 77 Years Old
Death notice for the town of: Gibsons, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice David Henry Whiteway July 12 1947 March 5 2025 77 Years Old
obituaries notice David Henry Whiteway July 12 1947 March 5 2025 77 Years Old
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of David Henry Whiteway July 12 1947 March 5 2025 77 Years Old and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
