David Paul De Graw

Passed away on October 21, 2022 a week into his 22nd year was genuine, sweet, sensitive, kind, selfless, and loyal. He always tried to find the positive in any situation and found joy in helping others. He had a heart of gold; anyone from his childhood or adult life could attest.

While his death was unexpected, David struggled with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and later drug abuse. Although David sought treatment and it was evident that he was improving; he succumbed to his illness and passed of an accidental overdose. He took what he thought was Xanax, but was later determined to have been laced with a lethal dose of Morphine. We are grateful to know he was in nature by the creek he would often visit to meditate.

David was born in Chilliwack, BC and moved to Gibsons in his earlier childhood. He loved being next to the ocean, in nature the most.

When David was 15 years old, he started showing signs of mental illness. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. We believed as we always did that he would overcome and make the life for himself we knew he deserved.

In a system that has hardened itself against mental illness, addiction, homelessness, and is failing them every day, he befriended and enjoyed conversations with police officers, public defenders, social workers, drug and alcohol counsellors, doctors, and nurses all of which advocated for and believed in him until the end.

David is survived by his mother, Kathleen Penner (Lloyd), father, Ross De Graw, sister, Michaela Davis (Reid), brother, Kyle De Graw (Irfaan), as well as his grandparents, June and John Hood. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a baby niece.

David's life will be celebrated at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Gibsons Garden Hotel (next to the curling rink) 963 Gibsons Way, Gibsons, BC 604-886-4638

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsfunerals.com for the

De Graw family.