Obituaries

DAVID JOHN SHUEL
               Surrounded by family, Dave Shuel, age 74, passed peacefully on Friday, January 27, 2017.   Dave is survived by his wife Eileen of 49 years of marriage; daughter Kelly Ann (Thom) Doherty and grandsons Brendan and Connor; son James (Michelle) and granddaughter Emma. He is also survived by his mother Sophie Shuel; brother Garry (Eleanor) Shuel; sister-in-law Mary Betker; brothers-in-law; Ernie (Lynn) Betker, Al (Kathy) Betker, Randy (Anne) Betker and his many nephews and nieces that he thought so highly of. He was predeceased by his father John Shuel; brother-in-law Arnie Betker and sister-in-law Sharon Betker.   On March 17, 1942, Dave was born in Winnipeg and was raised in Hazelridge, MB, where as a youth he enjoyed playing hockey, baseball and curling. He worked in his parent’s garage where he developed his skill with all things mechanical, and ever after became the fix-it-man for a great number of friends and family. He used those skills to design and build his own cabin in the remote Ontario wilderness without the aid of any power tools, or electricity, creating a comfortable home away from home where he enjoyed spending many summer days with family and friends.   Dave enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, ice fishing, hiking and just taking pleasure from walks in the forest watching animals and birds. He never met a cat or dog that he didn’t like. He combined his love of nature with his enjoyment of photography, a passion he passed on to his children and grandchildren.   Dave was patient and understanding with his children – and would spend endless hours practicing baseball, often straight from work, blocking errant balls with his shins while still wearing his steel-toed boots, his airport uniform and chewing on his ever-present tooth pick. Or, how he would teach Kelly Ann to drive on ice by having her make ‘donuts’ over and over in the Safeway parking lot until she learned how to control a skid, and ensuring that James was okay after crashing his motorbike into the family’s new truck. This kind of love and caring extended to his grandchildren, and nothing meant more to him than having his grandchildren with him, and no matter the circumstances they brought a smile to his face.   Thirty-five years were spent at Air Canada, working with a crew that Dave would take such good care of that every year they would all sign a Mother’s Day card for him, and call him on New Year’s Eve at midnight. Those who knew him thought of him as both a gentleman and a gentle man.   Dave spent his last three years at Riverview Health Centre. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gawrluk, Dr. Blom and the amazing staff for their excellent care. Dave’s children would like to thank their mother Eileen, for her extraordinary dedication, loving care and daily visits with Dad.   As per Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal funeral service will be held.    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3L 2P4. Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com