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DAVID JOHN PHILIP NERBAS Obituary pic

DAVID JOHN PHILIP NERBAS

Born: Apr 15, 1939

Date of Passing: May 20, 2017

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DAVID JOHN PHILIP NERBAS April 15, 1939 - May 20, 2017 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dave Nerbas, after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave is survived by Dawn, his beloved wife of over 50 years, daughter Nadine (Todd) Black, son Russell (Suzanne) Nerbas, adored grandchildren Bradley (Carolyn), Brittany, Ryan, Jordan, Brendan, and great-granddaughter Mya. He is also survived by his sister Donna Burton and family of Lethbridge and Thompson, and by his loving second family in Brisbane, Australia, Beryl and Ian Hatcher and families. Dave was born in Kenville and raised in Swan River, Manitoba. After school, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving on the HMCS Ontario from CFB Esquimalt where he travelled the South Pacific. After returning to Winnipeg he discovered his love of cars and, while working at a dealership, in walked the love of his life. Along came marriage, children, and the family business D.N. Auto Sales for 20 years. In semi-retirement he enjoyed driving tours for Vital Transit with 20 more years of loyal service. In all aspects of his life Dave was known for being hard-working, humble, kind, patient, respectful and generous. Qualities we all aspire to achieve from his example. He was an avid reader, had a passion for animals, nature and photography. He will be missed and remembered with love by us all forever. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family memorial will be held. In honour of Dave, donations to Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated. Mizpah Dave

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 27, 2017

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

  • I was told at the time of your passing that "it" would get easier to accept eventually. - It Hasn't!! not one little bit. After over 3 years without you it is just as painful as it ever was. No One can even come close to filling, or even taking a place in my heart & thoughts. Neither of us was "perfect" - who is? but we were perfect for each other over almost 50 years, even through any differences we had from time to time. NOTHING or NO ONE could come between us Darling. I hope one day to be resting in Peace with you forever. - Posted by: Dawn Sylvia Nerbas (Wife of almost 50 years) on: Oct 24, 2020

  • Dave's pet name for me since the beginning was Tweety - his version of Sweetie I guess, but it stuck til the day he died. He would even call me that in front of people,the kids or anyone else around we knew.He bought me a big stuffed yellow bird then too = guess what it is called ? right, and my dearest treasure. One of the last things he said to me was "It's only ever been you Tweety, for me. Still is and always will be for ever" Ditto darling. How I loved that man, warts and all. - Posted by: DAWN NERBAS (WIFE of over 50 years) on: Mar 11, 2020

  • Thank you Suzanne, our loving,beautiful, Daughter-in-law for the heartfelt tribute she composed for Dave's obituary. They had a close loving respect & bond from the very beginning. He loved you like another Daughter. Love you Sue, always, Dawn xoxoxo - Posted by: Dawn Nerbas (Wife) on: Feb 22, 2020

  • Once again it is the time we always started to plan our family winter ski trip to Sugar Hills Minn: USA. in the new year.Leaving early New Years day morning (usually with a bit of a hangover from the night before)LOL. We all looked forward to that trip, with just our kids,or just the two of us. Usually we enjoyed the trips we took with just the four of us. Inviting someone else to go with us wasnt one of our best ideas!!!!! my bad !!! as we found out. Still, hindsight is all very well. But the earlier ones were fantastic.I sure miss those days and trips sweetie as I miss you still now..Thank goodness for the earlier memories,those will stay precious forever. \ \ - Posted by: Dawn Nerbas (Wife) on: Nov 12, 2019

  • It is funny how you think you know someone, especially after all those years,yet since you have passed I have learned So much more than I ever imagined. I hope you are resting in Peace Dave. - Posted by: Dawn Sylvia Nerbas (Wife) on: Oct 05, 2018

  • It,s been over four months since you went away David,and it seems like a lifetime.Think of you and miss you every single day. I have so many precious Memories, but when I saw you sleeping so peacefully free from pain,I could not wish you back to suffer that again. Always in my heart with Love and a million tears.xoxoxox - Posted by: Dawn Sylvia Nerbas (Wife) on: Sep 29, 2017

  • I was just informed today (June 9) of Dave's passing. I worked with Dave at Vital Transit for a number of years & enjoyed my time with him, especially when we did trips together. Those were good times. My thoughts and prayers are with Dawn & family. RIP Dave, you will be missed. - Posted by: Jack Tomkins (Co-Worker & Friend) on: Jun 09, 2017

  • I had the pleasure of having Dave as the driver on my bus tours for many years. He was a kind, gentle, considerate man who was very well liked by everyone. He always went the 'extra mile' to ensure the seniors were looked after and always got us to and from our venues safe and sound. George and I enjoyed your visit to our farm this past year. It was nice he was able to do that as he always wanted to see our little horses in person. He will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Marilyn and George Peters (Friends) on: Jun 05, 2017

  • I’ve been fortunate to meet Dave at events through his son Russ and daughter-in-law Suzanne. He has always come across as a kind, genuine person and it was very evident there was a lot of love from him towards his family which they openly returned. I’m sorry for the loss of such a special part of your lives. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. - Posted by: Patricia Gagnon (Friend of Russ and Suzanne) on: May 29, 2017

  • David Nerbas was an outstanding human being. He was always involved with all his grandchildren at sports events, etc. My children were so lucky to have had such an amazing Grandfather. He would do anything for his family. He will be missed. - Posted by: Kristin Rempel (Former Daughter-in-law) on: May 28, 2017

  • I am so very sorry for your loss! From what Russ has always said he was a great father and grandfather. - Posted by: Tonya Sobhani (Friend of Russ. ) on: May 27, 2017

  • You were everything a grandfather should be. You led by example and could be counted on no matter the situation. The world is a better place because of you. This isn't good bye, this is see you later grandpa... "life is short, family is forever" - Posted by: Brad Black and Carolyn Black (Grand children ) on: May 27, 2017

  • So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Dawn at this time. Mona - Posted by: Mona Desilets (Friend) on: May 27, 2017

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