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DAVID BIRNIE LAIRD
Born: Jul 14, 1948
Date of Passing: Jul 07, 2022
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
DAVID BIRNIE LAIRD
July 14, 1948 – July 7, 2022
David was a true St. James boy. He attended Assiniboine Elementary, Deer Lodge Junior High and St. James Collegiate. He earned a B.A. at St. John's College University of Manitoba, 1970. Travel was whetted through hitch-hiking in Europe for eight months with three months in Spain, no doubt where he picked up his liking for Spanish red wines. David considered this travel experience to be an important part of his life's education. He received his MBA from Western University in 1975, started working in Human Resources for the City of Calgary for a year and came to Winnipeg where he spent his career working in the City of Winnipeg Corporate Human Resources Department. He married Dale Evans in December 1979 and they enjoyed many years of travel together exploring Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, the Greek Isles, Turkey, Scotland, England, Ireland, Wales and China. There were a few years experiencing Puerto Vallarta in winter and they also enjoyed a number of years at the cottage in Sioux Narrows. David was a constant support for Dale's many musical activities. David himself enjoyed flamenco, jazz and classical music.
David was a Board Member of the Irish Association of Manitoba for a while and organized many beer and whiskey tasting events. He was a member of a number of human resources professional associations, a past member of the Opimium Society and Chaptermaster and member of the Amici dell'Enotria wine club. He also volunteered to serve on the WRHA local involvement group for River Heights-Fort Garry and two cancer related research studies.
David was predeceased by his mother, Katherine, father, Alexander, brother, Robert and wife, Dale.
David is survived by family: sister-in-law Debra Gydé, husband Bob, niece Meagan and husband Mike, their kids: Sadie, Nathaniel, Daphne, Sawyer, nephew Sorel and wife, Krysta, and good friend, Nancy.
David chose to be part of the Medical Assistance in Death Program. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at a later date. Please consider a donation to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), Accounts Receivable, BA104, 791 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0M1, The Winnipeg Foundation, The Manitoba Conservatory of Music or other cultural charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at The Irish Club, 654 Erin Street, Winnipeg, July 14, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
David wanted to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff involved in his care, especially CancerCare and St. Boniface Hospital. It was greatly appreciated.
*David was quite honoured that France would hold Bastille Day the same day as his birthday.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 09, 2022
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I met David at the bus stop in the early 7 am mornings of winter. I can see him standing in his trench coat holding his briefcase on his way to work. We would sit together and chat until I got to my work stop. He was so delightful and interesting. I ended up at a wine tasting and later a show featuring Dale, and whiskey tasting. I would bump into him in the back-lane coming home and we would stop and chat. I didn’t know he was sick. Last year, I was on my bike and saw him in the lane and we had a wonderful conversation. It would be the last time I saw my charismatic, smiling, and chuckling neighbour. David, it was a joy to know you. So sorry. You are greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to the family. Marlene, your neighbour down the lane - Posted by: Marlene Dieter (Neighbour and friend) on: Jul 12, 2022
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Both David & Dale made a significant contribution to the success of cultural programs for many years at the Irish Association of Manitoba. It was pleasure to have known them, sharing laughs and good times together. Memories of two special people. Now both will be sadly missed. Brendan Carruthers - Posted by: Brendan Carrruthers (Friend) on: Jul 11, 2022
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David and Dale were good friends of Mary-Anne and me. We spent many a good time with Amici as well as enjoying Dale's productions at the Irish Club. David was responsible for getting me involved with the Irish Pavilion at Folklorama where I ran The Whiskey Snug. We will miss them both (already do). SLAINTE MHATH!!! - Posted by: John Derrick (Friend) on: Jul 10, 2022
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Dave: As neighbours across Guelph for our 22 years, we always appreciated your and Dale's generous friendship, quick laughter and friendly smiles. A quick tipple in your courtyard or coffee shared in the middle of our street was always welcome. We thank you SO much for the time you were able to share. Blessings and much love. - Posted by: John & Joy Loewen (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2022
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David though our friendship was short I will always be grateful for the good times we had together and the constant laughing and laughing we did. Walks at the Reh-Fit and dinners out over a bottle of wine and drinks on your beautiful lanai with a view of your beautiful gardens. It was a gift to me to find such a wonderful friend and I will always be grateful and miss you. Dale Too.. your wicked sense of humour! How you enjoyed telling me about the times you said to friends and family things like “I was talking to Dale last night.” You enjoyed their shocked and silent reactions before you clarified that you know your wife has passed but you have a new friend which you call Dale too. - Posted by: Dale Ward (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2022
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Mary-Anne and I remember the many good times we had with David & Dale, particularly the Wine Tastings with both Amici and the Winnipeg Wine Festival. David was also responsible for getting me involved with the Irish Club and running The Whiskey Snug during Folklorama for many years. They were True Friends. SLAINTE MHATH!!! - Posted by: John Derrick (Friend) on: Jul 09, 2022
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On behalf of the Gydé family who knew both Dale and David as extended family, we can only remember the kindness that radiated from David. As a couple, they were full of life and love and always ready to entertain. God saw that you were tired and took your hand, where you will once again hold the hand of your loved one. - Posted by: Laurie Anne Gyde (extended Family member) on: Jul 09, 2022
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Very sad to hear of David's passing. I always enjoyed crossing paths with him at various wine and drinks events in Winnipeg. - Posted by: Ben Sigurdson (acquaintance) on: Jul 09, 2022