David Wesley Middleton

It is with heavy hearts we announce our Dad’s passing at Oakview Place on January 10th, 2022 at the age of 92. Dad was predeceased in 2010 by our Mother and his loving wife of almost 61 years, Louise.

He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by daughters Dianna (Karl) Klassen and Nancy (Wolfgang) Trauer and sons Bruce (Linda), Warren (Tracy), Jim (Linda) and Glen (Debra). Also 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandsons.

Dad was born September 11, 1929 and raised in St. James by his parents Stuart and Miriam Middleton. Dad and Mom married in 1949 and remained in St. James where they raised their family until they retired to their home at Gull Lake in 1990.

For many years Dad worked as a “tin basher" as he called himself for Duckworth Sheet Metal. He then worked and retired from the St. Vital School Division as a Boiler Engineer.

Our fondest memories, as a family, were the wonderful Christmases they made and the two months of summer we spent in a massive custom-made 12’ x 24’ two room tent at West Hawk Lake. Dad taught us to swim, snorkel, fish and water ski. He went back to work during the week and we vividly remember sitting at the stone wall outside the campground waiting with Mom for him to come back every Friday night. With six kids you would think that was enough, but there was always room for a friend to join us.

Dad was self-taught and a master of many skills. His greatest pride was the home they built from scratch at Gull Lake. His wood crafting included handmade carvings, Christmas Angels, Snowmen, Snow sleighs and Christmas trains which adorn the homes of many of his family and friends.

After retirement, for 16 years, Dad and Mom became true Snowbirds. They lived 6 months in Hemet, California and 6 months at Gull Lake. The warm sun on Dad's face was always something he enjoyed, often snoring from a lounge chair. Always the social butterfly, no matter where he went, he just jumped in, manning the bbq in Hemet at the "burger bash" or flipping burgers at the annual Gull Lake picnic. When Dad's eyesight failed and Mom became the chauffeur, their winter destination became Osoyoos, B.C. making many friends and joining in numerous group activities.

When winter travel no longer became an option Dad moved into Lion's Place where he continued his daily 2 km walks, played bingo, cribbage, skip-bo and solving the daily Jumble in the Free Press and at his age made a great attempt at learning bridge.

After a stroke in 2018 he moved to Oakview Place. During his stay at Oakview, he spent his time in the beautiful courtyard, sitting in the sun, sipping his 40 Creek, listening to his music. That always made him smile. Thank you for the kindness and compassion shown to him by the caregivers and staff during his 4 year stay on 2 East. Always a gentleman and despite his failing eye sight he still had a keen eye for a pretty lady. Everyone admired this handsome blue-eyed resident who still had a full head of brown hair, with many accusing him of colouring it.

Dad was a great athlete playing hockey, curling, or golf, but soccer was his chosen sport. He played many years for United Weston, going all the way to the Dominion Finals and represented his team at their 100th Anniversary celebration. When he stopped participating in soccer, in the 1960’s, he became the "Coach" which he was fondly called by many. He coached his Bourkevale C.C. hockey team to many wins. To quote one of his players “As a coach he was a positive influence and a fun, strong role model. From a life point of view we all thought he was tough as nails - a strong, capable, fair and encouraging coach”. Some of his hockey players even went to visit him at Lion's Place decades afterwards. As soccer was his favourite sport, he once again put on his coaches hat to assist his grandson’s Kirkfield Park soccer team for many years, where once again he was loved by both players and parents alike.

He had a wonderful sense of humour, that never left him and in his glory days he could stand and tell hilarious jokes for hours. His love of music continued right to the end, listening to Neil Diamond or Harry Belafonte, tapping his fingers and singing along.

Our gratitude is extended to the wonderful caregivers on 2 East at Oakview Personal Care Home where he resided for the past 4 years.

As requested by Dad, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Gull Lake later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Manitoba or the CNIB Manitoba.

We love you Dad and will miss your terribly. We know you are now dancing in heaven with Mom and you are at peace. ‘Til we meet again. Always in our hearts now and forever.