BROTHERS, David William

It is with heavy hearts that the family of David Brothers announce that David passed away peacefully Sunday, February 7, 2021 at Grey Nuns Hospital. Dave fought a long-hard battle over the last few years as his health declined.

Dave is survived by his wife of 42 years Marilyn; Daughter Danielle (Jon Hill); Son Matthew (Cara Demchuk) and Grandsons Kaiden and Jamie, Sisters: Cathy (Terry) Backewich; Judy Oliver; Brothers-in-law: Brian (Glenda) Miller, Kim Miller; Nieces and Nephews: Melissa (Michael) Bruni-Bossio, Sheila Oliver, Joey Backewich, Kayla Miller, Jesse Miller, Brandon Miller and Chelsea Miller as well as numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends.

He was predeceased by his Father Arnold in 1976, Mother Marguerite in 1998 and Grandson Nathaniel 2015.

He was born at the Edmonton General Hospital, June 11, 1956 to Marguerite and Arnold Brothers. David and Marilyn meet when Marilyn’s best friend moved next door to David. David and Marilyn were married May 6, 1978. He became a father with the birth of Danielle in 1983, then a son Matthew in 1985. David worked very hard to be a good father, teaching them how to fix a car, change the oil…only kidding. He taught them anything and everything; was there for the tears and the joy and very proud of the adults they became. I am eternally grateful and have always admired him for his loving care and support when Matt was born. Matthew was 11 weeks premature. David was told his wife was bleeding to death and the baby wasn’t likely to live. David, with immense strength, phoned the family to say he had a son but he may not survive at a tiny 3 lbs. 2 oz. Dave supported a terrified wife and his small daughter for months till Matt came home and during the years till Matt outgrew his troubles.

Dave earned his Automotive Technician (mechanic) Ticket and Red Seal Certificate July 22, 1980. He continued taking courses until he retired and had multiple additional automotive certifications. His love of vehicles went far beyond. He owned a ‘57 Chevy which he drove with his girlfriend until all the electrical went zip-zap and he parked it in our backyard (eventually selling it to get married). He volunteered at McNally High School Automotive class, worked with students on the Maverick car they raced at Castrol Raceway at Street Legal. Dave was a member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment 4th PPCLI (1973-1976) and continued to be a huge supporter of the Canadian Armed Forces.

His heart was broken when we could no longer manage and we moved from the house we built together in Edmonton into Matt and Cara’s home in Spruce Grove so they could help when needed. Dreams of having the grandchildren sleep-overs and playing in the yard were set aside to support his needs. Matt drove his father around to teach him how to find things in the new City, to many doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping and anywhere else Dave asked.

David was a social butterfly that touched many hearts over the years. He was involved in many things, anything and everything that involved other people he could talk to or lend a hand. He had the unique ability to remember names and faces of those he had met, perhaps only once, many-many years later. He also had a unique sense of humor; practical jokes were a daily occurrence for those around him. He and his nephew Joey exchanged Christmas gifts of “poop” each year trying to out-do the other. Dave has reindeer poop, snowman poop, and more in his collection. Never harmful, just enough to surprise you… like placing a piece of bacon in his sister’s curling iron, welding a metal mask including ball and chain for a friend’s bachelor party, small “bombs” under vehicles for apprentices.

Though he didn’t know how to paint a wall, he built a house stick by stick, where we lived for 38 years. He enjoyed photography and collected cameras. Was an avid munitions collector and hunter. Dave was a superb cook creating many special recipes. He was a genius with spices, knowing just how much and which to combine. He loved the outdoors (aside from swimming) and camped in everything from the back of his pickup truck to a tent-trailer. His tent trailer was a way to show his children Canada, be with friends and relax. Dave wanted more trips in our tent-trailer. Before he was diagnosed with kidney cancer last fall, we planned a family camping trip to Drumheller for 2021 if his health improved and Covid allowed. He loved his dogs, Bear and Loki who helped him with his love of hiking – doggy walks are a must! He taught Teen Sunday School and instigated them volunteering at the Glenrose Hospital Brain Injury unit.

Above all else he was overjoyed to be Grandpa Brothers to Kaiden (4 years) and Jamie (7 months). Those two-blue eyed (like grandpa) little boys were everything to Dave and gave him more joy can be expressed. He worried, doted over and played with them. He would ask Kaiden to come to the bed, grandpa was tired but could read him a book, watch tv, play blocks, dinosaurs or anything else he could haul in there. When Kaiden was finally able to say “Grandpa (Poppy)” Dave’s world was overjoyed. When Jamie spent the weekend ever vigilant grandpa checked him every few minutes all night…don’t think he slept. If Jamie wiggled or woke or made a sound when napping Grandpa talked to him from his bed – much to Grandma’s displeasure…. Jamie was only asleep 10 minutes. Many, many times he expressed that no matter what he was going to have time with his grandsons, no matter how tired or ill he was.

A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Serenity Funeral Chapel in Spruce Grove at 11:00 am. Due to COVID restrictions, it will be available through a livestream link for both the Service and the Graveside Service.  The link  to watch the FUNERAL Service will be:  https://youtu.be/n7Hvv4tmhGA  The link to watch the INTERMENT Ceremony will be:  https://youtu.be/s9ywMflnBQU

We love you Dave and miss you terribly. Till we meet again.

Serenity Funeral Service, Spruce Grove 780-962-2749