Passed away suddenly on December 18, 2008 in his home in Cobble Hill. David was
born on July 28th, 1936 in Victoria and was well known for his enthusiastic interest
in hot rods, and later in life, his love of sailing. He also loved music, especially Blue
Grass.
Dave married Donna Mouat, from Saltspring Island, in August of 1958, and they lived
in Victoria until 1962. At that time they moved to Saltspring, where Dave worked at
Mouats Store. He and Donna raised two children on the island, Keith and Laura, and
in the summer of 1976, moved back to Victoria. Over the last three decades Dave was
well known to a very large circle of car enthusiasts for his amazing ability to custom
paint any and all cars. Later branching out to trucks, fi re engines, and other vehicles,
Dave could letter, stripe, scallop or fl ame anything that presented a challenge.
In 1983 Dave and Donna purchased their fi rst sail boat to cruise the coastal waters
of BC. In 1992 they sold their home and purchased a larger sail boat, on which they
lived aboard for 6 years to continue their tidal travels. In 1998 they purchased a home
in Cobble Hill, and during the last 10 years enjoyed summers aboard at Desolation
Sound, and beyond, making friends from all around the world.
He will be sadly missed by all whose lives were touched by him. He leaves behind
his loving wife of 50 years, Donna, his son Keith (Laurie Nelson) and daughter Laura
(Eric Rowlett), and his granddaughter Nicole Winter. In lieu of fl owers, donations may
be made by contacting Betty Anne DeWittt at the Cowichan Valley Basket Society at
250-746-1566. A gathering to celebrate Dave’s life will be held in the new year, with
the date to be announced sometime after Christmas.