David Bjorgvin Westdal

1973 ~ 2017

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of an incredible husband, father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend on Friday, March 10, 2017, due to complications following surgery. David leaves to cherish his memory his wife Sarah, his children Evelyn and John, his mother Heather, his Amma Evelyn, his siblings Tanis (Neil) and Paul (Jen), and his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father John Westdal in 2009, he will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by the extended Henderson family, his uncles and aunts as well as his cousins and their children.

David was born the evening of June 2^nd, 1973 at the Pinawa hospital. His childhood was spent with family and friends outdoors: fishing, canoeing, riding home-made go-carts and dirt bikes, and playing in the tree fort in the woods behind his house. Dave was an avid sailor in his youth, and a member of the Manitoba Sailing Team. He enjoyed competing in regattas across the country.

Dave’s gift for music began to flourish in his early teens. As his musical abilities grew, Dave became a prominent member of a number of bands in the community. Following graduation, and throughout his studies at the University of Manitoba in Geological Engineering, music continued to be a passion for Dave.  Ultimately, Dave felt his future was in music, compelling him to leave school to tour across western Canada in a band.

To continue his musical training, Dave enrolled at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, graduating with an honours degree in jazz performance and improvisation. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled in a masters in Jazz studies program at the University of North Texas.

After a time working as a professional musician, Dave returned to Manitoba to study in the Faculty of Education at Brandon University. On his first day in his basement apartment, he met his neighbor, a fellow education student, who would become the love of his life. Dave and Sarah moved in together, and after graduation moved to Pinawa to teach in the Eastman area. Whether it was music or other subjects, Dave loved teaching and seeing the growth in his students.

Dave and Sarah were married in the summer of 2005, welcoming Evelyn into their lives in 2010, with John completing the family in 2014. Dave loved his family, and was a great father. In spite of his heart condition, he put his family first and liked nothing more than to see his wife and children happy.

We are all incredibly grateful to have had Dave in our lives, and will miss him dearly.

Funeral service for Dave will be held in Beausejour, Manitoba this Saturday, March 18^th, 2:00 pm at Sobering Funeral Chapel, 1035 Park Avenue East. Light refreshments will be served following the service at the Brokenhead River Community Hall, 360 Veterans Ln, Beausejour.

In lieu of flowers, to support the post-secondary education of his children, a donation can be made at any Sunova branch under the name of “Westdal Family Trust”.  Cheques can also be mailed to 58 Ruttan Bay, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 0H6.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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