DAVID (DAVE) EDWARD SUDERMAN -

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DAVID (DAVE) EDWARD SUDERMAN 1930 - 2006 Dad passed away peacefully with eldest son Grant by his side on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 at Victoria General Hospital. Dad was predeceased by his wife Kay (January 11, 2006); father Jacob Suderman; mother Margaret (Epp) Suderman; sister Gladys Suderman; father-in-law Abram Klassen; sister-in-law Irene Klassen; brothers-in-law, Alvin Klippenstein, Alvin Friesen, Henry Peters; and beloved nephew Darren Suderman. Dad will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Grant (Debra) and Wayne; grandchildren, Nicholas, Jacqueline (mom Kathy), David, Christian, Leah and unofficial 6th grandchild Indy. We will treasure Grandpa Dave's memory for a lifetime. Dad's passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his stepmother Susan Suderman; brothers and sisters, Mary Klippenstein, Jim and Verla Suderman, Peter and Vera Suderman, Henry and Margaret Suderman, Linda Paul, Jack and Irene Suderman; mother-in-law Agatha Klassen; brothers-in-law, John and Bert (Helen); sisters-in-law, Helen Peters, Hilda Fayle and Martha Friesen. Dad also leaves to remember his life many cousins, nieces and nephews including special niece Melanie; and dear friends, Bill Peters, Ron Doerksen, Dave and Eileen Wiebe and Enrique and Isabel Pinzon. Niece and nephews, Brenda and Wally, Wes, Warren and Larry visited Dad so often in the hospital - many thanks for supporting him. Dad was born in Greenfarm, MB on November 19, 1930 and spent his early years in the Winkler, MB area. He married Mom on an extremely cold February 8, 1958 and together they embarked on a life of love and adventure. As the eldest son of a depression-era family, Dad's life was made up of much hard work on the farm, then Manitoba Sugar and finally as a respected real estate agent. Dad's capacity to work and personal work ethic were important traits he instilled in his sons. Although he never spoke out loud about things like this, dignity and courage in the face of adversity and the ability to quietly endure were two aspects of his character that will remain forever as memories of the way Dad lived his life. Grandpa Dave had a special way with grandchildren and he spent numerous hours reading books, pushing swings, going for walks or for ice cream. He was a fixture at the many events his grandchildren were involved in: baseball, hockey, ringette, basketball, lacrosse and football as well as band, dance, piano and choir recitals filled his retirement schedule to the brim. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and their abilities as only a grandparent can be. Dad's life and role changed in 1996 when Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. For almost 10 years he was the primary care giver for Mom and shortly before she died he told us that he had never looked on his role as a burden but as a privilege. Dad's care enabled Mom to live for many years longer than her doctors ever thought possible. In 2003 Dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. After his successful initial treatments he was able to hold off the disease right up until Mom died. Shortly after her passing, he was informed that his cancer had returned and would require radiation and then chemotherapy. He completed his radiation therapy March 24 but was hospitalized 48 hours later with a non-related illness. Although there was initial success in treating this illness, due to his weakened constitution, Dad progressively got sicker in the hospital until eventually he was unable to bear the cost of keeping his illness at bay. Throughout Dad was very grateful for the love and support provided by his family and friends. The house was always busy with visitors and food. These visits were important in keeping up Dad's spirits and strength and we thank-you all for making the journey with him and making the load easier to bear. The family is truly grateful for the exemplary and compassionate medical care provided by Drs. Ian Maxwell and Roland Hayward. In addition, the staff and volunteers of the Victoria General Hospital's Oncology ward were a great comfort to him. We know he would like us to thank Penny, Eleanor and Jackie in the chemo area, Bonnie and especially Anne for their gentle and caring ways. In Dad's last days the 5th floor staff at the Victoria General Hospital were a tremendous source of comfort to Dad and the family. We would like to thank Drs. Horvath, Green and Tomy for their unfailing energy in trying to restore Dad's health. The nursing staff on the 5th floor was incredible and we'd like to thank them all - nurses, Ahmed, Jeanette, Edith and Tina, in particular, provided him so much comfort it is difficult to put into words. In addition, the health care aides and support staff did so much to make Dad's last days as comfortable as possible. Your kindness, caring and comfort will never be forgotten. Words cannot express our gratitude to all involved - may God bless you all. A celebration of Dad's life will be held Monday, May 8, 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford (at the corner of Stafford and Carter) Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, if so desired, donations may be made to Victoria Hospital Oncology Redevelopment Fund (for patient comfort), 2340 Pembina Hwy., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2E8. ruhe sanft Rest gently Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler In care of arrangements, 325-4201 www.wiebefuneralhomes.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2006