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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PETZNICK, David (Dave) - On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, the world lost an amazing man. Dave passed peacefully at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home, with his devoted wife Sandy at his side.
Dave was born October 2, 1935, in Libau, Manitoba to Daniel and Katherine Petznick. He attended a crowded one-room school without electricity or running water. From this rustic lifestyle he was catapulted into a totally alien environment when he was sent to Phoenix, AZ at the tender age of 14 to attend high school.
From Phoenix he entered the workforce at 3M Company’s factory in Detroit, Michigan. Dave proudly served his country in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1955 to 1960, being honourably discharged as Leading Seaman. His working life after the military took him to Montreal, Goose Bay, and Winnipeg in the field of communications. He then became a meteorological technician, and opened and ran the weather station in Bissett for Environment Canada from 1968 to 1984.
When the weather station closed (with modern technology replacing human observations) in 1984, he opted to stay in Bissett and complete a log home he had started to build, inspired by his maternal grandfather’s homestead. There he enjoyed semi-retirement (working seasonally for Manitoba Conservation), then full retirement until circumstances sent him and Sandy south in 2020.
Dave loved the outdoors and the North - both the boreal forest and the Arctic. He especially cherished his experiences in Aklavik, Goose Bay, and Resolute Bay. He loved to fish, hunt, cut wood, and especially enjoyed flying! He bought a J3 Cub and earned his pilots’ license so had the freedom to go anywhere, on wheels, skis, or floats.
Words don’t do justice to this complex person who had an “interesting life” (direct quote from a prominent Winnipeg figure). Pilot, linguist, advocate, joker, painter, potter, voracious reader, bushman, hunter, gardener, builder, fisher, amazing cook, naturalist, comedian, storyteller, devoted father, husband, and provider… Definitely one of a kind!
David was predeceased by his parents, Katherine and Daniel, sisters, Phyllis and Marie, first wife Denise, and grandson Michael. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra, his brother Howard (Pat), brother-in-law Garry (Barb), brother-in-law Harry, children, Michelle (Chris), Sharon (John), Ross (Louisa), Dave Jr. (Debbie) and their families. He will also be remembered by extended family, treasured friends, and of course Sparky.
Cremation has taken place. A private service will follow at a later date. The family asks that you honour him by donating to a charity, performing an act of kindness, or remembering one of his crazy jokes or sayings!
Special thanks to all of his wonderful doctors and caregivers, especially the staff at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home. Your love, kindness, and tolerance (!) will not be forgotten.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth….”
Sobering Funeral Chapel and Crematorium, Beausejour, MB (The Winnipeg Free Press 31 Aug 2024)
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