David Roy Pickard

David passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 22, 2025 after a short battle with brain cancer.

David is survived by his wife Arnitta , his daughter Helen (Dale) , son Warren (Tara) , 7 grandchildren 13 great grandchildren, sister Sandy, brother Robbie (Penny), and many nieces and nephews.

David was born and raised in Vancouver BC. His school years were spent at Jericho Hill School for the Deaf where he participated in many activities, such as Sea Cadets, photography club, played sports and enjoyed spending time with his friends and favourite teachers.

As a young adult David’s first job was working at the first White Spot location on Broadway in Vancouver. He worked as a dishwasher, then moved up to prepping the burgers, he would often talk about how he had to use paint brushes to put the condiments on the buns. In the early 60’s he moved to Madeira Park BC where he helped with the family store, he also tried his hand at construction and logging (short lived he would say haha )

The Sunshine Coast was a place that brought him peace and tranquility, the locals would often find David out fishing in the wide open ocean enjoying every catch of the day, the salmon, the cod, and the annoying dogfish were some of his greatest stories. One of his biggest proud moments was winning the fishing derby catching a 25 lb salmon and having his picture in the local newspaper.

In the late 60’s he moved to Sechelt BC where he married the love of his life Arnitta on Aug 7,1965. A year later they had their first child Helen in 1966. Sechelt is where David decided to start his long career as a janitor first working at Madeira Park Elementary School. In the early 70’s he and his family moved to Burnaby BC where they then had their 2nd child Warren in 1974. In 1977 David and his wife purchased their first family home in Cloverdale BC and resided there for 47 years. David continued his janitorial career working and retiring at John Oliver Secondary School, Vancouver BC in 2002. Davids final months of his life were spent living in Keremeos BC where he could be closer to his family.

As an adult David had many hobbies such as camping, travelling, visiting with family and friends, playing and watching sports. The family camping trips, the years down south at our family lot in Birch Bay, the times spent at the curling rink, and the times watching his favourite teams play (Canucks, Green Bay packers and the Toronto Blue Jays) with dad will be forever remembered.

David was very involved and enjoyed helping others in the Deaf Community. He spent many years curling, mentoring and volunteering his time for the Vancouver Deaf Curling Club (VDCC). David loved fundraising and he also took on the role of treasurer for the club. David attended many bonspiels over the years representing team BC and team Canada.

David also volunteered his time with the Canadian Deaf Curling Association (CDCA), the Greater Vancouver Association for the Deaf (GVAD) and the BC School for the Deaf Alumni Association.

Some of his fondest memories he shared were the parties at the GVAD hall, the corn parties, curling parties , the late night poker games, card games and games with the Happy Hands Club. David also enjoyed visiting with friends during Wednesday morning coffee time in Langley at Willowbrook Mall.

The retirement years were enjoyed travelling with his wife Arnitta, they were fortunate enough to touch down on places like Cuba, Mexico, spent a couple of months touring Arizona and took time to travel across Canada.

David will be missed by many, his sense of humour, his smiles and so much more will never be forgotten.

“You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts, may you be at peace enjoying time catching up with family and friends”

On behalf of all of us, we love you, we miss you and hope you are resting well , cheers until next time !

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Moog and Friends Hospice House Penticton BC

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299