With a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, Dave peacefully embarked on his spirit journey on Monday July 1, 2024, at the Geka Wigwam Elder’s Lodge in Cutler, Serpent River First Nation.
Dave will be forever loved by his three children Julie Cunningham (Glenn), Jessica Armstrong (Paul) and Sean Vining. Proud grandfather of Dani and Ethan Grey. David is predeceased by his parents Harriet (nee Meawasige) and David, siblings Barbara Britcliffe, Sylvia Belaire and Richard Belaire. Survived by his sister Dianne Morgan (Ken).
Born in Chapleau, Ontario, Dave enjoyed his first decade in the physical world having fun with loved ones on the family homestead in the community of Serpent River First Nations until his family moved to Scarborough where life became more challenging in a “rough” neighbourhood impacted by poverty and gang activity. Dave did his best to stay out of trouble by immersing himself in sports, playing high school football and baseball; he went on to become an avid Packers and Jays fan and later taught the rules of the games to his stepdaughter.
After high school, Dave worked in the kitchens of various GTA restaurants before landing an opportunity with the CP Rail in the small northern Ontario town of White River where he discovered his passion for cooking and honed his lifelong craft. Throughout his career and in his personal life, Dave found great joy in nurturing others’ spirits through nourishing their bodies with delicious food made with genuine love. Dave’s culinary career led him to become Chief Cook with Purvis Marine Ltd based out of Sault Ste. Marie and he was extremely grateful for the opportunity to sail the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway for several years so that he could provide for his family.
An extremely hard worker, Dave took great pride in making sure his crew members were happy, well fed, and comfortable with a few laughs and some good conversation. He was always eager to get up early and start preparing to make people happy; this continued in his home life and through his retirement.
When he was forced to retire due to a workplace injury sustained during a severe rainstorm, Dave moved back to his home community of Serpent River First Nation and created a new “chosen family” of friends while enjoying a chance to reconnect with extended family. Finding himself with a sweet feline companion, a heart full of generosity, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Dave and his sidekick Sunny established a successful chip truck business to provide friends, community members, and tourists alike with delicious food at a reasonable price; Dave saw this experience as a way to keep people happy and connected through great food and lively conversation.
When his body wouldn’t let him provide in the same way, that did not stop Dave’s kindness. He was famous for his Saturday Hockey Night In Canada parties where he would treat his beloved friends to pizza and chicken and some laughs. Dave’s sense of humour got him through some dark times and will forever hold a special place in our memories. Those closest to Dave came to know that when he asked you to pull his finger, your answer should always be a hard no. On hockey-free nights, Dave was known to be a competitive card player who didn’t always cope well with losing to his opponent who could find oneself kicked out of Dave’s house for a night or two; thank you to Percy and Steve who saw past Dave’s feisty exterior and returned for future games or just to watch Westerns with Dave whose all-time favourite was the original “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”
Everyone who knows Dave knows that he had a huge heart and a soft spot for animals. His two cats, “The Boys,” were given endless love and were spoiled from dawn until dusk (and, let’s face it, overnight too); Rusty and Sunny continue to benefit from the same loving care thanks to cousin Brenda.
Impacted at a young age by the loss of his parents within the same year, at times Dave struggled to find his way in the world and would self-isolate by unintentionally hurting loved ones when they got too close to breaking through walls he built to protect himself from hardship and strife. Dave battled bipolar disorder, alcoholism, gambling addiction, diabetes, and colon cancer multiple times throughout his life. Read that last sentence again and imagine yourself in his vessel. What he lacked by way of effective coping skills and communication techniques, Dave more than made up for with resiliency, tenacity, and generosity of heart, spirit, and humour.
Dave would happily give the world to any family member, friend, or even stranger, if he could. He appreciated the comradery of everyone he encountered and he demonstrated great bravery during his end of life transition when he invited those he had hurt to make amends. While not everyone was able to forgive and move forward in a healthy relationship with Dave, he humbly left the physical world knowing and expressing that “family is everything” and through his example, he taught many of us that developing true compassion for ourselves is key to demonstrating priceless compassion for others.
When his own spirit was nurtured, Dave was able to express his feelings in healthier ways and is eternally grateful to his community members, friends, and family who truly saw what he held in his heart: a desire to love and be loved unconditionally.
Thank you to the abundance of individuals and organizations who graciously cared for Dave, enabling him to be in his home and keep “The Boys” for as long as possible. So many people demonstrated moral respect for all living things by providing Dave and his family with compassion, spiritual and traditional teachings, guidance, prayers, attentive listening, support and care: Sheila and team at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Elliot Lake; Dr. Wannan, RN Richard and team at the Kenabutch Health Centre; the Bayshore team; Heidi and team at Maamwesying; Glenda and team (who became family) at Geka; the SFRN team including, but not limited to, Tracey, Robbie, Summer, Dakota, Orion, and Chief Wilma-Lee Johnston; Brian N fondly referred to by Dave as his “medicine man;” chosen family Gloria, Brenda, Terri and Brian, Samantha and Tate, Percy, Donna and Steve. Each of you made Dave’s eyes twinkle when you lit up the room by showing up time and time again. The family is also extremely grateful for our firekeepers whose tireless efforts and limitless listening brought meaningful comfort to Jess and Paul. Miigwech.
Dave’s physical presence will be missed by his community and his family but his spirit surrounds us and will remain in our hearts forever. Baa maa pii, Dave.
As per Dave’s wishes, cremation and a sacred fire ceremony have taken place. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Alternative Funeral Services. In lieu of condolence gestures, please internalize and demonstrate the Anishinaabe guiding principles of the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility, Wisdom.