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DAVE SHAFFER
Born: Oct 09, 1947
Date of Passing: Aug 31, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDAVE SHAFFER
Suddenly, and unexpectedly, on August 31, 2025, Dave passed away at the Waterloo Regional Health Network, in Waterloo, Ontario.
Known for his big frame (‘Moose' as he was known back in his football days) his sharp wit, his big heart and his ability to charm anyone and everyone he met, Dave was a tour de force and a person who lived and loved life to the fullest.
Dave was an incredibly proud father and grandfather (Gordon Shaffer and Nicole Rosenberg and Lauren and Sam Shaffer), a devoted son (the late Lou and Janet Shaffer of Winnipeg) a loving brother (the late Sandi Bloomfield of Winnipeg) and a wisecracking uncle (Mindy, Michelle and Gillian).
Dave spent his early years growing up in North Winnipeg and playing junior football. In 1974, he joined the Assiniboine Branch of Sunlife in Winnipeg, where he excelled as a financial planner. Dave soon moved in to middle management at Sunlife's Red River Branch in Winnipeg and eventually moved to Regina to become the branch manager for the Sunlife's Regina Branch. After several years with Sunlife, Dave moved to Canada Life, retiring in the late 1990s as the Regina branch manager.
After his family and friends, Dave's great loves were the Saskatchewan Roughriders (or is it, Rough Riders?) and spending weekends at Queensbury Downs in Regina watching the horse races (or, as his son described it, 'round and round they go and the brown horse always wins'). After retirement, Dave hosted his own television shown on local cable and radio giving out betting advice to patrons. He was in his element in so doing as he fancied himself both a bit of a local media star and a master handicapper. He soon moved to Sudbury to become closer to his family and also to take a media job at Sudbury Downs. In his later years, Dave relocated to Kitchener and devoted the majority of his time to his family.
He also leaves behind many close long-time friends from every city in which he ever lived and a huge extended family who will miss his kindness, laughter, big heart, love and sensitivity.
Dave will be dearly missed by all of those who loved him and his memory will live on in those whose lives he touched.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the medical team in Kitchener-Waterloo who supported Dave through all of his day-to-day needs and in hospital.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can consider Diabetes Canada, https://bit.ly/4lXCjVT 416-363-3373, or another charity of your choice.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2025
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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Dave and I were best buddies in Kitchener for 10 years. My favourite moment of our friendship was he invited me over to watch a football game. He had like 5 star menu happening I just wanted to drink beer and watch the game with him. He made chili for dinner and when he drove me home gave me all the Chili and snacks to take home. Tonight is the first night of NFL football. I ordered Chili for my dear friend. - Posted by: Robert (Friend) on: Sep 04, 2025
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I worked with Dave at Sun Life in Winnipeg. He was the funniest, kindest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed, condolences to his family. - Posted by: Debbie (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2025
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Dave and I were classmates for a number of years dating back to 1977 for Insurance industry LUATC and the CLU programs in Winnipeg. I really admired his wit and sense of humour. We reconnected in Regina in the late eighties and both of us bled Kelly Green being ardent Rider fans. I passed his house twice a day driving to and from work, and was shocked to see his house catch fire one day. Nobody hurt thank heaven. As we were both in the Insurance Industry we met a number of times per month at industry meetings and both served on the executive at the same time. Lost contact with Dave in the late 90s as I was transferred back to Winnipeg. I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing and wish to extend my most profound condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Ed Buraczewski (An Old Friend) on: Sep 03, 2025
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Sincerest condolences to the Shaffer family and friends. Dave joined me on air in Regina handicapping the harness races at Queensbury Downs. He had a personality larger than life. I will cherish the many fun times. Rest in peace ole friend. - Posted by: Willy Cole (Friend) on: Sep 03, 2025