DAVID EDWARD PISCHKE

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DAVID EDWARD PISCHKE It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden passing of David Edward Pischke, aged 56 years, of Steep Rock, MB. David was born in Ashern on February 8, 1948 and left home at the age of 15 years. He worked first with Ramsay Bird as a heavy equipment operator building the Red River floodway, in the sawmills around Williams Lake, BC, and constructing the highway near Lumsden, SK. A job at the Spear Hill quarry brought David home and he settled in Moosehorn, MB. In 1969 he married Bonnie Shiells and they had two sons, Dale and Ian. In 1985, after his divorce from Bonnie, David married Lynne Jensen, adding three step-children to the family. Ten years later, Dave and Lynne moved to Steep Rock, MB. Diligent and hard-working, David took great pride in his position with Graymont Western Canada Inc., where he worked for 36 years, most of those on the rock crushing machine. He derived great enjoyment from his job and the fact that he worked with his twin brother Dennis and some of their closest friends. David was a people person who loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending time with people of all ages. Davids door was always open and a helping hand extended whenever needed. He was a valued community member who worked tirelessly on community projects. He was a jack of all trades who could build or repair pretty much anything and was proud of the log home he constructed himself. The day before he died, David finished tuning up his Honda motorcycle and was looking forward to a road trip. He especially enjoyed travelling during the winter months, so he and Lynne took holidays in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico whenever they were able. Mostly, David enjoyed "putzing" around home. He could be found most Sunday afternoons working in his garage or in the yard while listening to the Portage Gospel Hour. In 1995, David and his twin, Dennis, embarked upon a courageous journey when they began telling their life story in an attempt to raise awareness about child abuse. In May, 2000, David began another journey, but this time on foot, when he walked from Banff, AB to Steep Rock, MB. During the three months he and wife Lynne were on the road, they met numerous people who shared a common bond with David and he returned from the adventure with an even stronger sense of life purpose. David spent the last eight years travelling throughout the province speaking at various forums. He was a passionate speaker who with a few simple stories could have an audience doubled over with laughter, or reaching for a tissue. His message was far-reaching, but in his modesty, David never realized the profound effect he had on others. David leaves to mourn beloved wife Lynne; son Dale and his daughter Haley; son Ian and his sons, Marc and Luc; stepchildren, Sherri and her husband Clayton Duncan and their nephew Jake, David and Sandra Jensen and their sons, Conor and Niall, Bill Jensen and his daughter Brooke-Lynn; siblings, Dennis (Robynne) Pischke, Walter (Lorie) Pischke, Steven, Eunice (Mel) Bullerwell, Rose (Al) Gardner, Kathy Domko, Mark (Eileen) Domko and Jenny (Bart) Thomas; and sister-in-law Sharon (Louis) Cote. He will also be remembered by nieces and nephews, Deanna, Dawn, Ryan, Gene, Kim, Rhonda, Marlo, Melissa, Drenna, Teresa, Tiffany, Vanessa, Lee, Trevor, Daniel, Stephanie, Jeffrey and many other relatives and friends. David was predeceased by his loving father Bill in 1951; brother Norman in 1979; half-brother Raymond in 1987 and mother Caroline in 1987. David was an extraordinary man who touched the lives of many people. Though his early life was fraught with difficulty, his character and inner strength shone through at a young age and he grew into an optimistic, generous, kind and fun-loving man. He had a tremendous sense of humour and a unique way of making every person he met feel special. He will be sadly missed by his family, countless friends and the community of Steep Rock. It can easily be said that meeting David was an experience not soon forgotten; and knowing him, placed him in your heart forever. A viewing will take place on Thursday, June 17 between 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Arnason Funeral Home in Ashern. A celebration of Davids life will be held on Friday, June 18 at 2:00 p.m. at the Faulkner Community Hall. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Faulkner cemetery. Bill Watson will officiate. Pallbearers will be Dave Greene, Gene Pischke, Ken Koch, Eric Nielsen, Glen Clearwater and Ken Price. Everyone in attendance will be considered honourary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Davids memory to the Kids Helpline, 439 University Ave., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5G 1Y8 or to the David Pischke Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Diane Price, Box 665, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0 "Did you ever know that youre my hero? Everything I would like to be, I can fly higher than an eagle, You are the wind beneath my wings." ARNASON FUNERAL HOME, ASHERN In care of arrangements 768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 16, 2004