David Daniel Parnetta

David Parnetta was born in Canora, SK, on August 6, 1948, to Peter and Tillie Parnetta. He was the youngest of 4 children. Dave went to school in Amsterdam, Tadmore, and Canora before finishing his grade 12 while working in Swift Current.

Dave started working at a young age, with one of his first jobs being a school bus driver. It is here that he met the love of his life, Albena. Dave and Albena were married in 1970 in Canora. Dave went on to work a number of jobs that took them on many adventures. From mining in Snow Lake and Thompson, to an orderly in Swift Current, to a carpenter in Edmonton, to a truck driver back in Canora and area. He also owned a taxi business in Yorkton with his brother.

Dave and Albena have two children, Nathania and Nicholas. After the kids were born Dave and Albena settled back in Canora to be close to family. Dave started working as a caretaker for Canora Elementary School and later went on to be the Building Manager for a community college in Yorkton. Dave retired in 2008, after suffering a stroke.

In 2010, Dave and Albena moved to Saskatoon to be closer to their kids. In 2019, Dave and Albena welcomed their granddaughter, Elise (Nicholas and Ashley). Life became very exciting and full once Elise joined, she is his pride and joy, and Dave loved being a Gege (grandpa).

Dave enjoyed many hobbies: cars, camping, playing cards (till all hours of the night), road trips and Sunday drives, church, food, (ginger beef was a fav), comedy (he loved to laugh), playing and watching sports (go Riders and Canadiens), watching his kids do activities (bowling, dance, badminton, baseball), lake days and wiener roasts, going to country music concerts, hanging out with Wookie (dog), lots of family visits and celebrations, and especially Saturday sleepovers with Elise (playing dolls, school, and dance parties).

David was more than a husband, father, gege, and friend. He was a truly remarkable man. Kind-hearted, endlessly generous, and deeply compassionate, Dave touched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know him. His warmth, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering support for others were constants. He lived a life rich in love, laughter, and connection. His legacy is one of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and an unshakable love for his family. He will be missed more than words can say.

David is survived by his wife Albena; children Nathania (Casim), Nicholas (Ashley); granddaughter Elise; best friend Wookie (dog); sister Iris; many brothers and sisters-in-law, and even more nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Peter and Tillie; his brothers Orest and Walter; and his in-laws Walter and Anne Boyko.

Dave has been cremated and wishes for a private family gathering at the Canora Cemetery. If you feel moved to honour his memory, donations can be made to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, a cause close to Dave’s heart. Dave wished to thank Dr. K. Roelen, and the Cardiology team at Royal University Hospital for their great care over the years.