David Daniel Basaraba

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of David Daniel Basaraba on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the age of 88. He was born to John & Anne Basaraba in March of 1935 in the family farm house by Ononole, Manitoba. Following the separation of his parents, Dave and his sister Betty spent their earliest years with their mother in Winnipeg. As a young teenager, Dave would return to the family farm to live with his dad.

At the age of only 16 he moved out to Jasper, Alberta and began working for Parks Canada. He remained in Jasper for 15 years and it was here that he began to apprentice as an electrician, starting the career he did for many years. After attending S.A.I.T. in Calgary, Dave worked for Furnacemen and Wilco Electric, and would have a 25-year-long career as an electrician with the University of Calgary.

In 1964, he met the love of his life, Merlyn Hedley. They were married in 1965, and would grow their family to welcome their two sons, John and James. Dave had a passion for cars. Dave started his own car parts business on the side, ‘Dave's Early Ford Parts’. He was a founding member of the Stampede City Model-A Ford Club and restored two Model-A Ford vehicles. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, going camping, and traveling with his family, taking them all across Canada. Dave was also a founding member of the Western Vintage Oil & Gas Collectors Club. Dave also had a business renting homes to university students. In his later years, Dave had a farm near Cremona where he lived part time during the summer. He touched many lives during his 88 years and his presence will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Merlyn; his sons and their families, John & Louise, and James; his grandchildren, Katie and Ashley; and his sister, Betty, and Merlyn’s extended family.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 20th, 2023 at 4:00P.M. at THE TRIWOOD COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (2244 Chicoutimi Drive NW, Calgary AB)

Memorial donations in Dave’s name will be gratefully accepted by The Salvation Army at https://www.salvationarmycalgary.org.