I am sadly remindes of this David. Ny brother in law of almist 40 years, a good kind husband to my sister and loving father to his daughters and friend to all. This also brings me a memory of my partner of 15 years, Dovid ben Gideon and his death 10 years previous, who I still grieve. Life is beautiful but also sad with the memries of loved ones gone 
That these two lovely men are gone is a stone that we carry and yet I know it gets a little lighter with each, passing year . May tthis memory for David be a blessing 
Susan

Our love always to you Helen, Heather and Jenifer. Michael and I loved David so much, I can still hear his voice in my head and feel his presence nearby. Stay with everyone who loved you. God bless lovely man xxx

David will be so missed. So many great memories of family gatherings with him, Gary, Jean and Johnny. Trying to remember how many wonderful laughter filled meals and walks with Helen, Jennifer and Heather.

Will miss the conversations and his kindness. Sending love and condolences to his family and many friends.

When I think about what I knew about David - I really don't have a lot - and I guess I also don't have any particular funny story or memory that stands apart. I just enjoyed being in his presence. He was so kind, so warm, and he had a fantastic laugh. He took a genuine interest in your day to day life - speaking with him was easy. I wish I'd asked him to tell more stories of his travels, but I know I can grill Helen now.
When I heard the news, all I could think was that he absolutely nailed his departure. What more can any of us ask than to eat a meal with our loved ones, lay down in our own cozy bed and sleep into whatever comes next. 
I sure will miss him, however, and I'm sending many hand squeezes to you ladies.

My earliest memories of cousin David are around visiting the Wanamaker ranch at Campbell River as a family. The property had a creek. David and Gary talked me into joining them for a swim. That was an adventure as every 15 minutes or so we would all clamber out of the water and pick the blood-suckers off of out legs before they burrowed in too far. Then back into the water. 
Occasionally their family would come visit us in the Fraser Valley. But those visits were far too infrequent. 
Scroll ahead several years – David and Helen are newly married and Heather and Jennifer arrive on the scene. The four of them move to the Lower Mainland and now they and my young family are able to visit back and forth. We are able to enjoy watching the toddlers grow into adults. 
I know that David was profoundly proud of the people that his daughters became. He could not hide that dad pride.
As others have said, David is responsible for photographically documenting the years as they rushed by. He has left behind a legacy of pictures and their associated memories that we can all treasure through whatever years we have left. 
In my mind, David liked to dive deep into things that interested him. It may be a local or world event, a technology or an interesting person. I had some great conversations with David on these subjects and often learned something from those chats. 
David’s sense of humor was gentle but never far from the forefront. He could be counted on for a quip or two and for that ever-present smile. 
A resolute David fought Cancer on his terms and showed us courage and grace. 
In our lives we encounter some people worth spending time with and getting to know. David is up at the top of that list for me.

Dear Helen and family, I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I have many fond memories of family visits when the girls were young and our good times together in Champlain Heights. When I think of David, I see his wonderful smile and hear his laughter. I think of his creativity, love of photography, and working with his hands. He was such a good husband and father. May his legacy and goodness remain in all of you.  Blessings from Kelowna, Love Shelley

The photo is a bit fuzzy but that is David and Helen arriving to pick us up under a bridge in Stoke-on-Trent for a week together on the Trent Merrsey Canal. David steered, Muff made tea, Helen taught me to man the locks with her and together we had an unforgettable week full of laughter, adventure and pure joy.  We had many opportunities for laughter and joy before and after that trip but I choose to remember David as he came into view that day with his arms raised in greeting.

A letter to my brother- (David has no sisters but I adopted him and subjected him to what having a sister was like I have two brothers both from another mother)

David… I’ve asked myself why, a lot lately. You came into my life by marriage. Very early on I found it so easy to chat and be with you. The conversations seemed always to touch on subjects that were outside of the general “niceties “ that can occur in families.   They were not superficial but more about the how’s, why’s and what to do. When in a group with others your quietness was there and I always waited patiently (okay maybe not so patient sometimes .. blame it on me being a redhead) to wait to hear your viewpoint. It was always worth listening to. It was knowledgeable, it was with understanding and it was delivered with kindness.

The help you have given me physically and emotional is what every sister wants, loves and needs.  You were my go to person this past year as I navigated unchartered territories … I was so very Thankful for your love and support.  

I have watched you and Helen together and with your girls their husbands and the grandkids, you do it with such ease. The love for all “seeps” through everything you did with them, whether it was picking them up at the airport, driving to Williams Lake or headed to the great white north ( as much as you grumbled you always went ❤️) LAKE Chelan and time with Helen always brought a smile to your face. And if someone said let’s go hiking you were all in.

And just for you know I will continue to ask you questions .. .. so your not off the hook. I will hear when you answer.. as it will be delivered as only you can.  I could go on and on… and we will one day get to chat and reminisce again.

Love and Hugs as you watch out for all of us… I know your there❤️

So sad to have lost such a special person. So many memories spanning from when we were kids with visits to Campbell River, the photographer for our wedding 43 years ago, cousins reunions,Christmas and birthday get togethers which of course he was the official photographer for but it was the candid shots of people chatting and kids playing that made the memories- such a talent. Letting us join him in his favourite places-Chelan,hiking Ebey’s Landing, wine tasting with a stop that had a beer for David ,and of course walks on the White Rock Promenade and again with those amazing photos. One of my favourite memories is of him and my Dad talking about flying and building (both their favourite things) and how David took it to another level with his incredible furniture.
Lately it has been fun nights learning to play crib together.
My heart goes out to Helen,Heather and Jennifer at this tough time but know he lives in all our memories and in our hearts. Hugs!

We are so grateful for all the wonderful memories of David!  From our early times when the kids were little and we lived across the courtyard from David and Helen to just last summer when they made the trek to Squamish for a visit and brunch.  Our favourite memories are from our wonderful week on the Elizabeth II - meandering a whopping 13 miles (or so) through multitudes of locks and just enjoying our time together.  We walked miles, ate and drank well and talked up a storm for that week and we will never forget it.  We developed a real rhythm with David manning the tiller, Helen and Doug working the locks and me in the galley making sure we were all full of tea and good food.  Probably our favourite holiday ever!

To: Helen, Heather & Jennifer: 
We are very sorry to hear of David's passing.  We knew David as a great friend and a kind person.  When sharing a conversation with him, he would look at you in such a way that you knew he was listening and interested.  He had a marvelous sense of humor.   He was a genuine man of all skills.  A talented photographer and an excellent craftsman.   Most of all, he was a proud husband, and loving father.   We were so lucky to call David our friend and we will miss him dearly.  We are thinking of you (and your extended families).   His memory will live on through all of you.   Love Della and Bill xo

My deepest condolences to Helen, Jennifer, Heather and the whole family.

David was a wonderful Husband (and perfect partner) for Helen, and a loving and attentive Father to Heather & Jennifer. He was thoroughly enjoying being a Grandpa, and I think I feel the worst for those three not getting more time with him!

I like how many people are remembering him hiking in the hills of England, and also remembering how many cool places he and Helen showed a lot of us! I'm seeing him now at the controls of his Cessna airplane, baseball hat, aviators, and a smile on taking Helen over to Texada Island for a picnic on their own private beach. San Fran, Deception Pass, and the San Juan Islands in Washington State are three of my favourite places I was introduced to by H&D.

David was a man of many talents - we could have seen his photos in magazines, or maybe got to enjoy more of his fine carpentry creations, and I always liked the fact that he chose avionics because his main goal was to provide a happy life for Helen, Heather, and Jennifer, and he thought that was the best way to achieve his goal. He will be missed by all who knew him.

RIP David.

My heartfelt condolences to you Helen and your family. I was so blessed to spend time with David and yourself on my trip to Canada. Precious memories of a most wonderful man x x

Chelan is our happy place, the young kids loved being in the pool the best and everyone loved the BBQ!

When you’ve known someone for thirty plus years they become family. The passing of Dave is like losing a member of our family with so many memories of the Welsh’s and Wanamaker’s with Dave in the centre of it all. He had such a quiet way, multi talented, always helping when needed and best of all laughing along with the rest of us crazies! 
So many memories, from trips out in Henrys Oldsmobile which carried eight people , with two kids in the back “riding shotgun” to Mexico where we all holidayed following the girl’s graduation. 

Our hearts go out to Helen, Heather, Jennifer and their families. We will always be there for you and send our love.❤️

I’ll miss making desserts for you Dave, Rest in Peace.
Love, Henry, Sue, Kelly, David, Frances and Rowan.

What a lovely memory we found to share.  Thinking of you all.
Barbara, Ian & Olivia xxx

We  are very sad to learn of David 's passing life is so short.Seems like we met yesterday even though it's been almost 40 years.Our friendship endured since our first meeting in the apartment complex.That's when we started our monthly dinners and over the years we have maintained a great friendship.David was a soft spoken,very kind, talented and knowledgeable person.Will miss all the photos he was posting on IG from their travels.We remember David as a very passionate person for all the things he enjoyed doing.We will miss his smile.Rest in peace David🙏♥️😇
Helen,Heather,Jennifer he will always be with you and know that he loved you all very much stay strong♥️🙏

So here's to you my Rambling Boy,
May all your rambling bring you joy.
❤️
Beloved Brother (in law) David, the Generous of Heart. Your all too soon  passing has left a huge hole in our hearts that only time (if ever) can heal.
You will always be remenbered as The Photographer of the Family. Though you spent your working career as a certified Avionics Technician and achieved with great joy  your private pilot's licence, you were best known as a highly skilled carpenter, and furniture maker.
Using those skills, you and Helen (in the hottest summers and coldest winters) outfitted not one, but two UK Narrowboats, the Elizabeth Rose 1 (the BnB) and Elizabeth Rose 2, (the Cheeseboat 2).  A lot of summers saw you cruising the UK canals, and then in your Spring/Autumn off season, you both hiked those beckoning hills which you loved so much.  You also went to Italy and had quite the Adventure! Getting caught in the Vernazza Landslide probably wasn't your best idea of a Vacation! Luckily you were unhurt and able to return to Canada. 
*
In 2007,  when we moved to the Island, with those fine joinery skills, you  and Helen became our OCC (Outlaw Construction Company)  and made Quail Hill our forever home and we are forever grateful. David, every board, nail, back deck, balcony, 3 sets of stairs, ensuite bathroom, downstairs bathroom  floor to ceiling library, is your Legacy here.
*
"The greatest thing, you'll ever learn, is to love and be loved in return.'
You were  all that and more.
*
Hike On to the Faraway Hills, dear David, Hike On.
*
Forever in our hearts 
Love you to the Solar System and beyond!
Gary and Jaen

My memories of David go way back… all the wonderful trips we had together with Helen. All the glorious parts of the world you both showed me. It was quite the ride and I will miss him every single day. He was wise, gentle , honest and a true and loyal friend.  I particularly remember my time on the narrow boat… I was so impressed with his ingenious building of those boats. He had great talent…. I have a beautiful hall key table that will remind me of my dear friend every time I look at it. He was one of a kind and I was so privileged to count him as my friend. 

My heart goes out to all of you… Helen, Heather and Jennifer .. the boys…. David, Sam, and Maggie. David loved his family so much and left behind a beautiful legacy. 

Love, Kris

We are so sad to hear of David's passing. A kind, gentle man who will be sadly missed. 
We'll never forgot his and Helen's hospitality when as a young family we had the opportunity to visit on holiday and had a chance to share some wonderful memories we still talk about today. 
Sending love to Helen,  Jennifer & Heather & his adored grandchildren and all his extended family who will feel this loss. 
We were privileged to share a moment in time with David and the memories of his kindness will live with all of us. 
Sending love to all the family. 
Barbara, Ian & Olivia xxx

Dear  Helen,Jennifer,Heather and family
WE don't know how to heal your pain but wish we could.
Our most sincere condolences.
Sylvie,Melanie,Dominique

I already miss you David. You were my childhood friend, our parents houses were side by side in Campbell River and we played together almost daily. Our play transitioned from toys to Mad magazines and then to cars and girls. It didnt matter what we did, we were friends. I dont remember one argument ever. You were such a kind, soft spoken man.  Although I moved twice, we always reconnected.  Once in Richmond when were both new fathers and more recently in Maple Bay as grandfathers. You will be missed by all, I already miss you David.

Our deepest sympathies go out to you, Heather, Jennifer, and your family during this difficult time.

It was so much fun bantering with David over the years. We will always cherish the memories we shared.

David was such an amazing man, so funny, we will never forget him. 

He was always happy to have a BBQ and beer along the wonderful canals of the UK.

A true loss, he will be missed dearly xx

Lots of love for our uncle David, one of the warmest and kindest people ever, it was a true joy to know him.

Helen dear, I am so saddened by the loss of your husband, David, whom I know you were so close to. Kris has shared over the years the amazing relationship you enjoyed. If there's any comfort it's that this separation is only for a time until you see him again. Please feel my love and sympathies at this difficult time.

My deepest condolences to you Helen and the  family ❤️ 
Hold on to all those wonderful memories 🙏 
Cherish the time you had together ❤️

Sending love to Helen, Heather and Jennifer. Feel the need to hug you all. So sad to hear of David's passing. He will remain a happy memory of a Big Gentle Giant. So easy to be around. You have great memories of your travels and adventures. Be comforted by these happy moments you've shared.

A wonderful brother in law who loved my sister so much. A terrific Renaissance kind of fellow who did everything well. He will be missed by his family in Toronto. Safe passing to you, David!

Such a kind loving happy chap , always willing to help or give advice . Will always remember him staying in our house over in the UK before we had met the family. Giving us a big welcome when we finally went to Canada. Our hearts go out to the family he leaves behind, but knowing his kindness carries on through the loved ones he has left .
Lots of love to you all 
Sue &Derek & Lisa &Simon  xx

Fond Memories of Dave chugging up and down the waterways of the Midlands of England looking for the next Pub for a hearty meal and a pint of real ale great times happy times . So sad you were taken too soon always in our hearts .Pete and Lu .

So sad but also want to remember Davids zest for life.. adventure and thirst for life.. you will all be remembered fondly.. Paul and Lesley

OBITUARY

David Gordon Wanamaker

8 June, 1956 – 13 October, 2023

Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre

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