David Ross Barclay

David (“Dave”) Ross Barclay passed peacefully while surrounded by family and loved ones during the evening of Sunday, July 14, 2024. Dave was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Ada, who passed in April, 2007. Dave’s passing will leave a large hole in the lives of his family. He will be sadly missed by his partner of 16 years, Carol Matchette, with whom he spent many happy times skiing, golfing, travelling and generally enjoying a very active lifestyle. Also left to mourn Dave’s passing are his two sons, David (Sonia Apostoliuk, and her daughter Kaylee) and Bruce (Sharon), as well as his five grandchildren and their families: Trevor (Cathy); Melissa Bridle (Bill, and their daughter Tlell); Robert (and his son Owyn); Kaitlin Carlberg (Sam, and their four children Ember, Arlo, Milo and Asher); and David (Rebecca), as well as many other extended family members and friends.

Dave and his elder sister, Peggy, were born in Prince Rupert, BC. They both loved sharing stories about the times that were spent at nearby Salt Lakes where they had a vacation cabin. During his teens, Dave’s parents relocated the family to the Vancouver area, living in homes located in both West Vancouver and North Vancouver; this is where he finished his schooling.

Dave tried his hand at a variety of jobs including working on the barges for Esso, then working as a shift foreman at the Alcan smelter in Kitimat. However, he truly came into his own when he attained his license as a realtor in Kitimat, eventually owning his own firm in Kitimat.

Dave’s greatest thrills in life were during times spent on the ski hill. In his younger years he took up ski jumping, then in retirement he became a ski instructor and eventually a professional ski patroller. He made sure that every family member, including great-grandchildren, learned how to ski. He spent many happy hours chasing his kids and grandkids around the hill. Some of his grandchildren's favourite memories were of skiing with their grandfather on Hudson Bay Mountain and then Sun Peaks. Dave spoke about these times and his love of skiing until his final hours, being such important times in his life.

When he retired in 1987, Dave and Ada took up residence in the home they built on Tyhee Lake in Telkwa. It was while living in Telkwa that Dave came out of retirement to work as a ski instructor, attained his Industrial First Aid “A” ticket, worked as a ski patroller, and eventually he returned to sell real estate in the Smithers area. When he was truly ready to retire, he and Ada decided to relocate to Kamloops where they moved near to Bruce, Sharon and children.

Community service was always important to Dave. He was active in a variety of service groups, most notably as a Shriner and as a Past-Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge. Over the years he was also involved in Gyro and Kinsmen.

And it may make you smile to recall that Dave had a sweet tooth that was often most satisfied when freshly baked homemade cookies were sent his way, or when a couple of Tim Horton’s sour cream glazed donuts would miraculously show up on his counter.

Dave’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nurses that cared for him, in particular Dr. Stephanie Bourdeau and staff, Dr. Sarah Trudeau, and while spending his last few days at Trinity Hospice, Marilee (R.N.), and many other caregivers too numerous to name. They brought dignity and grace to the end of his life.

No service arrangements have been made at this time. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children (www.shrinerschildrens.org) who dad spent many years volunteering with. Similarly, the BC Lung Foundation (www.bclung.ca) or a charity of your choice.