David Ryan Sims, much loved husband, father, brother, uncle, son and friend, left us far too early at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, on February 17, 2021 at the age of 64. Our grief at his loss is deep but understand he is released from suffering and is free from the effects of ALS. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon (nee: Biensch), his son and daughter-in-law Taylor and Stefana Sims, his brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and countless friends. David was predeceased by his father Veral and mother Irene Sims.
Born on January 12, 1957 in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to a hard-working farm family, David attributed his industrious nature and problem-solving ability to his farm upbringing. Understanding that you couldn’t just run to town in -40-degree temperatures to pick up a part for the tractor, you had to figure out how to fix it! Dave loved a project. When a problem arose, he would put in countless hours researching solutions, ordering parts, and installing them. It seemed there was nothing he couldn’t fix.
David graduated from the University of Alberta in 1981, with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering. His career began in Red Deer with Alpha Milk, in the dairy industry, building plants, loading docks, refrigeration units, repairing equipment, and introducing automation to existing plants. His work took him all across Canada, into the United States and Europe, connecting with people all over, many with whom he still kept in touch. David started his own company and worked as an engineering consultant on many different food processing plants from juice to ice cream, meat, water and potatoes chips. He enjoyed the variety of jobs and was always up for a challenge.
Retiring early at age 54, was Dave’s dream. We purchased a motorhome and headed south to the warmer climate of Arizona. Dave’s zest for life was evident in all of the retirement activities in which we participated. Whether it was organizing Sunday afternoon golf, Wednesday evening billiards or shuffleboard, cooking for our famous Boxing Day Gin Breakfast, orchestrating the New Year Eve card party, helping build a shed or just on the dance floor, Dave loved a reason to socialize. We started square-dancing together a few years ago attending many festivals from Radium to Tucson and Sierra Vista to Indio, dancing to some of the best callers in the and world meeting lots of great friends along the way. To Dave, square-dancing was pure joy. He often commented, “life doesn’t get any better than this!”
Dave loved life. He was a loyal, trustworthy friend, always ready to give a helping hand. He was a passionate dancer and life partner, a loving father, brother, son and uncle. His body is gone but his spirit lives on in our hearts. Until we meet again.
A celebration of David’s life will take place when pandemic restrictions ease, at our house in Mission BC, details to follow. We also encourage those who would like to take part in the funeral, to write a brief letter that will be read as part of the eulogy.
David is under the care of Woodlawn Mission Funeral Home where condolences may be left. If family and friends desire, a memorial donation may be made to the ALS Society of BC, at alsbc.ca.
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