Dave Lefurgey passed away on September 6, 2011. He was born on Christmas Day,1930 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s St. Paul’s hospital. He was the youngest of seven children. He survived the depression, lost a brother to WWII, and saw many global and technological changes. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years Shirley and five children: Pat (Jim and Liam) of Dawson Creek, Lynn from Ft. St. John, Cam (Shelley, Alison and Sara) from Castlegar, Andrew from Castelgar and Glen, currently teaching in China. He is predeceased by all of his siblings except one, a sister Helen Toumi in Toronto.
He mined in the Yukon in his early twenties after leaving the family mink ranch in Saskatchewan. He loved the north country and came away with grand stories of cold and exciting adventures. Eventually he came to the west coast where he met Shirley and their five children were born. He continued to have mining claims on the west coast of Vancouver Island until the early 70’s. In 1971 they moved to the West Kootenays and raised a family while living in Thrums. Dad drove logging truck for many years for various companies including his own. In 1994 he left logging and went back to pursue his mining dream in Golden.
He preferred the outdoors, was a master of invention, enjoyed playing bridge and in his younger years he loved to play the piano and dance. He continued to walk right up until the day he was taken to Castleview for a final rest. He was often seen trekking up Columbia Ave on his way to Arby’s for a veggie burger or to Safeway for a cup of tea, or to Nealy O’Briens for supper. The staff at Safeway/Starbucks knew him as “Rocket” and Arby’s staff had his order ready before he made it in the door. Paramedics knew him by name and many caring residents of Castlegar graciously offered him rides.
The genuine care and compassion of the staff at Castleview made Dad’s last days peaceful and complete. He often said he was surrounded by angels and couldn’t ask to be anywhere better. We would like to thank them all. We would also like to thank the crew at Safeway/Starbucks, the staff at Arby’s, the residents of Castlegar, the homecare support system, paramedics, dad’s caring diabetic RN Jen and Dr. Lesperance for all the help they gave Dad. There is no service at his request. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to The Alzheimer Society of Canada or Canadian Diabetes Association.
Dad was at his best in the bush where he spent many hours in the mountains. He has made his final climb and we wish him a happy and contented final rest. You always said “Having a wonderful wish, time you were here”, now we are here, and we wish you a wonderful time. Love your family.