David Bjorgvin Westdal
Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On March 13, 2017 @ 10:34 am In Obituaries | 47 Comments
1973 ~ 2017
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of an incredible husband, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend on Friday, March 10, 2017, due to complications following surgery. David leaves to cherish his memory his wife Sarah, his children Evelyn and John, his mother Heather, his Amma Evelyn, his siblings Tanis (Neil) and Paul (Jen), and his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father John Westdal in 2009, he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by the extended Henderson family, his uncles and aunts as well as his cousins and their children.
David was born the evening of June 2nd, 1973 at the Pinawa hospital. His childhood was spent with family and friends outdoors: fishing, canoeing, riding home-made go-carts and dirt bikes, and playing in the tree fort in the woods behind his house. Dave was an avid sailor in his youth, and a member of the Manitoba Sailing Team. He enjoyed competing in regattas across the country.
Dave’s gift for music began to flourish in his early teens. As his musical abilities grew, Dave became a prominent member of a number of bands in the community. Following graduation, and throughout his studies at the University of Manitoba in Geological Engineering, music continued to be a passion for Dave. Ultimately, Dave felt his future was in music, compelling him to leave school to tour across western Canada in a band.
To continue his musical training, Dave enrolled at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, graduating with an honours degree in jazz performance and improvisation. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled in a masters in Jazz studies program at the University of North Texas.
After a time working as a professional musician, Dave returned to Manitoba to study in the Faculty of Education at Brandon University. On his first day in his basement apartment, he met his neighbor, a fellow education student, who would become the love of his life. Dave and Sarah moved in together, and after graduation moved to Pinawa to teach in the Eastman area. Whether it was music or other subjects, Dave loved teaching and seeing the growth in his students.
Dave and Sarah were married in the summer of 2005, welcoming Evelyn into their lives in 2010, with John completing the family in 2014. Dave loved his family, and was a great father. In spite of his heart condition, he put his family first and liked nothing more than to see his wife and children happy.
We are all incredibly grateful to have had Dave in our lives, and will miss him dearly.
Funeral service for Dave will be held in Beausejour, Manitoba this Saturday, March 18th, 2:00 pm at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue East. Light refreshments will be served following the service at the Brokenhead River Community Hall, 360 Veterans Ln, Beausejour.
In lieu of flowers, to support the post-secondary education of his children, a donation can be made at any Sunova branch under the name of “Westdal Family Trust”. Cheques can also be mailed to 58 Ruttan Bay, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 0H6.
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Condolences for the family of “David Bjorgvin Westdal”
Dear Mrs. Westdal, Tanis, Paul, and extended family,
David was such a positive, adventurous, and fun boy and I remember him with such fond memories. He went on to accomplish great things after the time that I knew him, and you must all be so proud of the wonderful man he became. My deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Very sorry to hear about your loss. I remember sailing regattas with David. Although I didnt know him well I know he was a kind gentleman.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Westdal families.
I loved playing in jazz band with him, he made you strive to play your best. Amazing baritone saxophone that suited his size perfectly and musically. Definitely too young to be gone, my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Clive and I send our deepest sympathy to all of David’s family. We were shocked to learn of his sudden passing and so very sad for those left behind – to Heather, Tanis and Paul and your families. May you all have strength to deal with the difficult days ahead. Clive and Gwen Greenstock, Pembroke, Ontario
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and his community of Pinawa. Hugs to Sarah, Evelyn and John, Heather and family. We enjoyed listening to David play on many occasions. Love from Greg and Judy Clark
I will miss Mr. Westdal so much. One of the best teachers I was blessed to ever have. My condolences to Sarah, Evelyn and John.
My time with David was at St.FX, we played a great deal of music together, and most of the best was that which he composed.
My deepest condolences to family and friends.
It is with sadness that we will not see Big David on the rock behind our house. Watching how he cared for his family and the time he spent with them was moving. We send our deepest sympathy to Sara, Evelyne and John.
Denis and Barb Sabourin
Pinawa.Manitoba
Sorry to hear about David, and send my deepest condolences. I remember David as a lively part of the school and Pinawa activities for many years. wishing you all the best and the strength to deal with the loss of a good person
Lorne Kiely
So sorry for you loss!
Sincere condolences on your loss all the way from Scotland x
So sorry to here this sadness my girls had a lot of pleasure with David they always said what a great time they had in the band at school he will be missed with loving thoughts rest well David God Bless to you and your loving Family.
Words can not be found to express our shock. So very, very sorry. Our prayers join those of the whole community.
I am so sorry to have lost David at this young age. He has been such a vibrant part of the community. It was my privilege and pleasure to have taught him his preliminary theory courses before he headed to St F.X. My condolences go out to all the family at this very sad time. Bev Dougall.
I am so sorry for you loss. You are all in our hearts and in our prayers,
I’m sorry for your loss.
I was in his band class around 2009-2010, no matter how annoying or disruptive I was, he still was consistent and motivated to get through to me that music isn’t just an easy course/class. One of my favorite teachers if not the favorite.
I’m glad he showed me the ins and outs of different instruments and he will never ever be forgotten in my heart or anyone else’s.
May he rest in peace.
So sorry for the loss of this young man and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Westdal family The farrs
Please accept our most sincere condolences on the passing of David he will be missed by all.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Westdal family.
Gary & Kathy Hanna
So saddened to hear of David’s passing, our deepest condolences to the family.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of hear of Dave’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family.
We were shocked and saddened to learn of David’s death.
All our images and memories of him are positive. We remember above all his talent and love of music. We thought his work performing but particularly starting up and leading school bands was an inspiration. He gave those children gifts for life.
David was not with us for nearly long enough, but he surely did use the time he had here well. We expect that, if we listen one clear night, we’ll likely hear him striking up the bands of heaven.
He was a fine man, his death a cruel blow. As you grieve, we offer heartfelt sympathy and condolences.
Chris and Sheila
We can only live life with our hearts open & our lives fully engaged with the world. Dave did this as do all you Westdals. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him for lifetimes to come. United in pain & in celebration of his life with you. Departed too soon! Much love.
Very sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family and his friends.
I knew David best in his teen years. His sweet musical ability was already clearly evident. So were his wry sense of humour, good will, joie de vivre and love of his family. If something fun or mischievous was planned, you knew he would be part of it.
Mike and I send our love to all his sweet family. We wish you courage in this so, so difficult time.
Jackie Sturton & Mike Attas
We are very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time..
Sharon and Bud Biddiscombe
Dearest Heather, No words work but please know we are thinking of you at this time of terrible loss. Wonderful that Dave followed his passion for music — know he was a fine and dedicated musician and a lovely man.
With love,
Dianne and Terry
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have fond memories of our first summer in Pinawa when Dave and our son Doug and a couple of friends spent most of each day out on their sail boards. Other memories are of the band group practising at our house. More recently, we were touched to see David out and about with his children, exploring and explaining the sights to them.
We pray that in this time of deepest sorrow you will find joy in each other and the community of love that surrounds you all. David was a lovely man and the world is poorer for his passing.
The Andres
Dear Heather and family,
We are so sorry to hear of this sad news. Our hearts are with you And
Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers.
Sincerely,
Ken and Shirley Kozier
Sincere condolences from the Ulrich family, Dave was a great teacher and wonderful man. His musical commitment to our son Kristopher and his music goals was much appreciated. Helping out the young high school band, the Division Slaves Band (Kris, Dane, Cole, Scott and Kyle) with equipment and support was indeed beyond the role of just teacher, especially the late nights and hauling gear around in his vehicle.
Our deepest sympathy to all the Westdal families. Dave enjoyed sharing his love of music to those budding musicians in the school bands. It was amazing to watch the transition from Fall to Spring at the band concerts. Our daughter Alana loved being a part of his classes, and her talents blossomed under Dave’s guidance. His laughter was infectious, his talents immense, his love of life always evident. Play on Dave, play on…you will be missed.
Vickie, Greg & Alana Short
Sorry for your loss
Dear Sarah and Henderson family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, much too young.
Love Maureen Crawford (riverside south)
Our deepest sympathy to Sarah and family as well as Heather. We will miss his smiling face as he worked outside or when he took his children on bike rides or wagon pulls.
Dear Westals,
My sincere condolences for this big loss. I have a very good memory of David teaching me jazz piano in your dining room way back in high school. With him was the only time I could play anything! He was a good, kind, and happy man.
Chris Iverson
Dear Westdall Family,
Our deepest sympathy to your family and friends! We were so impressed with Dave and his amazing jazz music! Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jim and Eleanor Macmillan
Mrs. Westdal, Tanis and Paul, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fariel Janes
So sorry for your loss. David was an amazing man and I am a better person for knowing him. He will be greatly missed.
Dear Heather,
So shocked to hear the news about David,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Fondly
Marj & Phil
My sincerest condolences.
We are shocked and saddened to learn of David’s sudden passing. Our hearts go out to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Mike and Fiona
We were so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Dave was a man with enormous talent. The music that came from him was both fantastic and inspiring. To play alongside him was a daunting task, made comfortable and extremely enjoyable, by his encouragement, excitement and humbleness.
He was a friend who was always ready to share his infectious smile and witty humor and his gentle demeanor and kind eyes made him approachable by all.
I was lucky enough to have created many great memories with Dave while making noise, fishing and having entertaining coversations about everything, nothing and all in between.
To the Westdals and extended family, I offer my deepest condolences. Your family has always been a part of mine and I share your loss alongside you. Much love to you all.
Dear Westdal family, I am so saddened to hear of your loss.
My sincerest condolences,
Justin (kid across the street)
Dear Westdal family,
It is years since David’s passing and I send my deepest condolences. I remember David as an energetic youngster in your household during my teen years in Pinawa. I am truly sorry for your loss. A spark of life who had left far to early.
Paul Beaumont
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Dearest Westdal family,
We are both so saddened and shocked by this loss. We are grateful for all that David brought to our life and will continue to bring in the form of Evelyn and John. Please know that we will do whatever we can to help you through the days that come.
Love always,
Becky and Eric Lett.