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DAVE MCGIMPSEY

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DAVE MCGIMPSEY Dave McGimpsey died on November 9, 2012. He was the husband of Lana, father of Corey (Amy) and Meg (Sam), son of Bill and Margaret, brother of Tom, Ken (Laura), Doug (Esther) and son-in-law to Irene Wert. Dave was born on July 29, 1952 at the old Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. For the first eight years of his life he lived with his family in St. Vital. When he was eight his mother, Margaret, died, his father, Bill, was seriously ill, and so Dave, his brothers and his dad moved in with his grandparents, William and Ella McGimpsey on Ruby Street. When Dave was an adolescent he started going to Camp Stephens on Lake of the Woods. It was there that Dave felt he developed the values, maturity and confidence that served him well for the rest of his life. Dave attended the University of Manitoba and began teaching in 1974. Most of his teaching career was at Shamrock School in Southdale. Dave loved teaching and he loved kids. He worked tirelessly for the school, and his students, always a new idea about how he could make things better for kids. Dave and Lana married in 1976 and began a life time of commitment to each other, to Corey and Meg and the kids they worked with, with lots of time for fun and adventure along the way. Dave had a curiosity and passion for life. He was interested in everything and always had a new project or interest on the go. He took out wilderness canoe trips from the Y and became a cross country ski instructor. He coached soccer and basketball, he ran the half marathon for many years, he went on cycling fund raising trips for Habitat for Humanity, as well as other long distance cycling trips. He refinished furniture, he built things, he grew things, he read, he did crossword puzzles; he found pleasure in simple things. Dave retired at age of 55. He and Lana moved to Bodnaruk Hill on Lake of the Prairies, built a new home and became part of a new community at the lake and in Roblin, MB. Dave was always a happy guy, but never was he happier than the years he spent at the lake. He built many parts of the cottage, had huge gardens, planted 110 trees, hauled rocks from all over the country side and made many new friends. He was so happy he forgot he couldn't sing and sang loudly and often. Of all of Dave's passions, his greatest was his family. He loved Lana, Corey and Meg with all his heart and was grateful for the time he had with them before his death. Dave believed that if lives are to be measured, they should be measured in the love and in the joy that the person gives and receives. By that measure Dave's life was rich and full and complete. Thank you to Dr. Brian Sharkey and the Palliative Care Program for their care and kindness. Thanks to Dave's former colleagues for the comfortable chair which he spent a great deal of time in and to Louis Riel School Division for the use of their facilities. Should friends desire, a Campership Fund has been established in memory of Dave. Donations may be sent to Dave McGimpsey Campership Fund at YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, 3550 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Z8 or online at www.canadahelps.org
Publish Date: Nov 17, 2012

DAVE MCGIMPSEY 1952-2012 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17 at 900 St. Mary's Road at 3:00 p.m. A campership has been established in Dave's name. Donations can be made through the YMCA YWCA of Winnipeg. A complete obituary will follow on Saturday.
Publish Date: Nov 13, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2012

Condolences & Memories (34 entries)

  • This is a little late... but thought I would share that Mr. McGimpsey had a material influence on my life as my grade 6 teacher. His respectful and supporting nature went a long way in me building confidence to take on life... will never forget the snow forts that our class slept in outside Prendergast School when it was -30 C and the trips we took to Mr. Laundry’s farm. All great memories of an exceptional teacher and I am confident Dave made a difference with all those that were lucky enough to cross paths with him! Thanks Dave! - Posted by: John Duncan (Grade 6 student at Prendergast) on: Apr 07, 2018

  • Sad to hear this news that took a long time to reach Australia. Dave and Lana were colleagues in St Boniface/St Vital School Division in the '80s. A very enthusiastic teacher - will be sadly missed - Posted by: John and Heather Parker (friend) on: Jan 05, 2014

  • Mr.McGimpsey was my teacher for a year and was by far the best story teller.I knew him since kindergarten all the way up to Grade 8 in Shamrock. I will always remember all the stories he read to us on the red carpeted area in the library. He also taught us in computer class as well. Probably one of the most memorable teachers i have ever had. RIP Mr.McGimpsey. My condolances to the family. - Posted by: Jessy R (former student) on: Jan 18, 2013

  • Dear Lana, I was so sorry to learn of the sad news about Dave. I remember so clearly when you two started dating - you shared your excitement with the class - you made an incredible team. I'm happy to learn that you had many wonderful years together, but saddened that the time was cut short. Wishing you and your children peace as you grieve. - Posted by: Christine Gardiner (Helgason) (former student) on: Jan 05, 2013

  • I was so sorry to hear about your loss Lana. May your memories be a source of strength. I will keep you in my thoughts. Monique - Posted by: Monique Fillion () on: Nov 28, 2012

  • for a while as a teen the Mcgimpseys were like a second family to me. Carpooling, dinners, random visits, I always felt welcome in their home. Though i never knew him as a teacher, I did see what a dedicated husband and father he was. My heart goes out to the family in their time of sadness and loss. - Posted by: Jamaal Ramole (Friend of the Family) on: Nov 25, 2012

  • Loved Dave when you dated him. Sorry I didn't get to spend more time with ya'll since my move to Texas. - Posted by: Shelley Dame (friend) on: Nov 24, 2012

  • Lana, I would like to offer my sincerest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Dave and I spent many great times in school and in the out of doors. He was a special person. Jim Ogston - Posted by: Jim Ogston (Frind and former colleague) on: Nov 21, 2012

  • To this day, when I read a Robert Munsch book, I do it with Mr. McGimpsey's many voices in my mind. My childhood memories of Shamrock School are filled with his magical, story-telling abilities and of the many hours I spent on the risers in the library. He was a wonderful educator who will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. - Posted by: Carly L (Former student) on: Nov 19, 2012

  • Mr McGimpsey was my Son's favourite teacher at Shamrock, and I sensed a deep sadness when he told me about his passing. Mr McGimpsey planted the seeds to some of my Son's interest today, and I am thankful to him for sharing his knowledge, kindness, and generousity with my son. May peace be with the McGimpsey family, and others who were close to him. - Posted by: F.A. (Parent of a former student) on: Nov 19, 2012

  • I never actually had Mr. McGimpsey as a teacher, but he still left a lasting impression on me. He was involved with our basketball team at Shamrock. Years later when I began refereeing at Shamrock and Island Lakes School, he would always come up to me and tell me how great I was doing, regardless of some questionable calls I made. It was nearly impossible not to crack a smile in his company. Mr. McGimpsey had a knack of making everyone feel special. This trait is shared by Mrs. McGimpsey, who I met later at Bruns - I'm very sorry for your loss, Mrs. McGimpsey and family. - Posted by: Sonja Tunovic (former student) on: Nov 19, 2012

  • I remember my time in the library at Shamrock school as being a place of storytelling and wonder. Mr. McGimpsey introduced my classmates and I to many fantastic authors and adventures on the carpeted risers with his enthusiastic reading style. He will be remembered fondly. - Posted by: Morgan (former student) on: Nov 19, 2012

  • My deepest sympathies to the McGimpsey family. He was a great teacher and all the students enjoyed his classes and his warm smile. - Posted by: Casey B (Forner student) on: Nov 19, 2012

  • Mr. McGimpsey taught me at Shamrock. He was one of the most memorable teachers I had there. I will always remember his renditions of the Twistable Turnable Man by Shel Silverstein. Mr. McGimspey is one of the reasons that I am a teacher today. He was truly inspiring in all areas of life. I am truly saddened by this news and send my condolences to his wife and family. - Posted by: Kim (Former Student) on: Nov 18, 2012

  • Our condolences go out to you Lana, as well as your immediate family. I have read quite a few of the tributes and the one thing that stands out is "Dave always had a smile and was genuinely happy". This is how Allan and myself remember Dave as well. Dave was always helping and looking out for our children Dan and Cathryn before we moved there and continued to do so even after we did. Dave became a big part of their lives as you Lana continue to be. It was an honor to have known Dave. - Posted by: Rita and Allan (Friends @ Lake of the Prairies) on: Nov 18, 2012

  • Mr. McGimpsey was my teacher at Shamrock School the year that my parents got a divorce. He always took me aside to talk about it, tell me how special I was and that it wasn't my fault. He taught me to love reading (he read Island of the Blue Dolphins aloud to us and I still love it to this day) and to love writing. He brought me to book fairs (he even lent me money once) and taught me how to use the very first computer I ever saw. He was truely a teacher who cared and who made a deep impression of kindness and goodness on his students. Even during those times when perhaps we didn't deserve it. - Posted by: Amber Pelleter (Former Student) on: Nov 18, 2012

  • From story-time in the early years library to his involvement with many extracurricular activities in middle school, Mr. McGimpsey was always a friendly face in the hallways of Shamrock, with so much joy and humor to share and a genuine interest in students. He always had a good book to recommend to me. Mrs. McGimpsey and family - I am very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Meredith Spryszak (Former student at Shamrock) on: Nov 18, 2012

  • He taught me in shamrock and was a great person and a great teacher. He always had a great style of teaching. Even when a lot of teachers treated me not so good he was one of the only ones that always had something good to say. I still remember pep talks when he told me I could do anything I wanted to and that inspired me to work in a school. It's great people like this that teachers should inspire to be, not only as a teacher but as a person. So sorry for your loss and ill pray for your - Posted by: Joseph Erick (Student at shamrock) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • Dave, today is my Anniversary and I just found out Today of your passing. You will never be forgotten. You have been an Inspiration to me. Being in your classroom with my students was amazing years. You knew how to make all the students laugh and work by bringing in lots of rocks of Joy for the students as they loved all the hands on projects that you brought into the class. I don't think there was a day without a smile on your face :). Mr. McGimpsey's family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dave will never be forgotten. - Posted by: Nancy (Teacher/E.A. In classroom) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • I was one of the truly lucky ones to have been taught by Mr McGimpsey. What a gifted educator who gave me & fostered a lifetime gift of reading. He was a kind man with a great sense of humour & a huge heart. My condolances to the entire McGimpsey family. - Posted by: Jen (Kitchen) Lane (Student) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • I was very sorry to read about Dave's passing. I have fond memories of both Dave and Lana, great teachers, great people. I am away and unable to attend the service. My condolences to Lana and family. Jean-Yves. - Posted by: Jean-Yves Rochon () on: Nov 17, 2012

  • Lana, It is with sadness that I read about the passing of your dear husband Dave. In our years working together, I can remember how your eyes and face lit up everytime you spoke about him. This afternoon at the celebration of his life, I understood just how much love you two shared. I can only imagine how much he will be missed by you, your children and extended family. I also observed how much support and love you and your family have surrounding you and supporting you in these difficult times. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers Lana and my most sincere condolences. - Posted by: Monique Roy (former colleague) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • Lana, I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing and glad he enjoyed his chair. He is one of the greatest and both Tiffany and Wesley have great memories of him. He always walked the halls with a huge smile. I especially enjoyed the pony tail of later years. He has touched so many lives and because of that, he will live on for many generations to come. Both the kids and I send our sympathies and will be keeping you, Meg, and Cory in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Betty Hirniak (I worked with Dave at Shamrock School and he taught both of my Children) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • As a student at Shamrock, I always looked forward to hearing Mr. McGimpsey read to us. It was with such enthusiasm and heart! As a parent, reading Shel Silverstein and Robert Munch to my own kids, I smile each time, remembering so fondly those early years of my own. My condolences to the Mcgimpsey family, especially Mrs. Mcgimpsey, whose guidance was also appreciated through the years. - Posted by: Allison Howells (Dahl) (Former Student) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • Dear Lana. My heart and thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. Dave was truly your life partner right from the start. I cannot be at the service but will definitely be thinking of you. - Posted by: Paulina Boulet (Friend from the past) on: Nov 17, 2012

  • I am one of so many students whose lives were touched by Mr. McGimpsey. Long after we've forgotten much of what we were taught in school, the way we were taught still has a lasting impact. Mr. McGimpsey was one of those special teachers who had such a far-reaching positive impact. I have never forgotten his warmth, caring, and generosity. He continued to look out for me even after I finished Grade 4 with him. I remember many happy visits to the library for help with math, where Mr. McGimpsey always welcomed me and never ran out of patience. Dear Mrs. McGimpsey, I am so very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Helen Alexander (former student) on: Nov 16, 2012

  • Mr. McGimpsey was my Grade 4 teacher about 8 years ago. He was a great teacher and was always a kind and generous person. Mr. McGimpsey was a favourite among numerous classmates of mine and will be missed deeply. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. - Posted by: Zach Rostosky (Former Student ) on: Nov 15, 2012

  • Hearing of Mr. McGimpsey's loss truly saddened me. Growing up he was one of the most prominent figures I remember... always having a smile on his face and a story to share. My favourite memory is of him racing through 'The Twistable Turnable Man' by Shel Silverstein. No matter how fast we demanded he read it, he was always able to pull it off with ease. He was a born story-teller. I will truly miss him :( - Posted by: Michaela Shaver (Former Student) on: Nov 15, 2012

  • Mr. McGimpsey was truly an amazing educator, and one of my personal favourite teachers. I had him as my eighth grade teacher in 2001 and have remembered him fondly throughout the years. He had a lightness and humor about him that allowed him to connect with his students in a way that aspiring teachers always dream of. Thank you for helping to shape the person I am today, Mr. McGimpsey. You will be missed by all of the many lives you touched throughout your life and career. And to his wife, Mrs. McGimpsey, who I also had the pleasure of knowing as my guidance counselor, I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family. - Posted by: Sarah Rutherford (Former Student) on: Nov 15, 2012

  • Mr. McGimpsey was one of the great ones. He cared so much about his students, and taught us so much. His encouragment stayed with me for years afterwards, and his passing is a true loss to all who knew him. - Posted by: Lauren McGaw (Former student) on: Nov 14, 2012

  • I had Mr. McGimpsey as my eight grade teacher in 2001. I have always remembered him as one of my favourite teachers I've ever had. I always appreciated that he was always friendly and laughing, a real joy to be around. I am truly saddened by his loss and my heart aches for his wife, a truly wonderful guidance councillor, and great support to me in high school. My most sincere condolences to you and your family, Mrs. McGimpsey. - Posted by: Crystal Beyak (Former Student) on: Nov 14, 2012

  • Mr. McGimpsey was not only my teacher once upon a time, but he welcomed me into his home for a short time in my life. I am so grateful for him there are no words. I will miss him I am so sorry Mrs. McGimpsey, my heart and prayers are with you and you family - Posted by: Lanie Jones (former student) on: Nov 14, 2012

  • I had Mr Mcgimpsey as my teacher in grade 5 about 25 years ago, he was so awesome and kind to his students. - Posted by: maria (former student) on: Nov 14, 2012

  • Dear Lana, I am so very saddened to learn of Dave's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time. I am away from Winnipeg until the end of November and will regret missing Dave's service. Please know that Dave will be remembered and treasured by many colleagues and friends in LRSD. Thinking of you with deepest sympathy, Terry - Posted by: Terry Borys (Retired Superintendent of Schools & CEO of LRSD) on: Nov 13, 2012

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