JOHN DAVID (DAVE) SERLE

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JOHN DAVID (DAVE) SERLE Mr. John David Dave Serle, our family's patriarch left this life July 24, 2008 in the Palliative Care Unit of Brandon Regional Health Centre with family by his side. He was in his 79th Year . He was born May 15, 1930 to Eloise and John Serle of The Pas, MB. At the age of 10, the family moved to Winnipeg. At 16, he set off on his own. During the 1940s, he did numerous jobs from deckhand to fireman-oiler on boats, scowles and tubs in the now Thunder Bay area. He moved to Edmonton and was a diesel mechanic at different companies. During this time he took a course at Chicago Vocational Training Corp. to get his diesel mechanic's certificate. A very important date to him was April 3, 1951, when he joined the Armed Forces (Army) in Edmonton. Three years later he was posted to Korea returning to Canada in 1955. While stationed at Saint John, NB on the 13th of July 1957, he married Coralie McClay of Winnipeg. Postings were frequent from Winnipeg to Kingston to Picton to Shilo to Kingston to Winnipeg. In 1968 he and his family were in England and Wales, returning home to Ottawa in 1971. 1974 turned out to be his last posting to Cold Lake, AB when he decided to retire. In 1975 on the first of July, the family arrived in Brandon and settled in to call it home. Through the years he took home courses in electronics and furthered his education mostly at Brandon University while also working at the post office. He took a couple of turns in federal elections in Brandon/Souris. Dave was a very spiritual man of mind and heart and was very active in St. Augustine's Parish. A member of the Knights of Columbus, Serra, singing in choirs, was a lecturer, and with his wife did baptism preparation for nearly 25 years. Was active in C.A.S.A.R.A. and Brandon Parachuting Club (starting skydiving at 61). He competed provincially in Senior Mens Roller Speed Skating and in winter took a shot at skiing and snowshoeing. His musical talents included taking piano lessons, playing the chanter, and a bit of violin. He was predeceased by his mother and father, and mother-in-law Carmen (John) Card. He is survived by his love and soulmate Coralie and daughters Teresa (David) Mullin, Kathryn Serle, Ivale (Jeff) Crooks. Grandchildren, Celeste, Daniel, Angela, Tamara, Shay-Leigh, Kaitlyn, and Erik. Great-grandchildren, Jayden, Davvelynn and Zach. His sister Phyllis (Doug) Flint and brother-in-law Doug (June) Card and sister-in-law Roberta Card (Michael) Murdoch. Nieces, Robin (David) Newton, Bonnie McKenzie and Jennifer (Tory) Staggs. Nephew Derek (Jolene) Card and all their children. His aunts Bernice Serle and Lois Serle and many cousins. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church on the 29th of July 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Celebrant was Father Dominic Yuen. Cremation has taken place with interment at a later date. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral Directors, Brandon (204) 727-0694. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2008