David John Cappon

Dave passed away suddenly on December 6th in Langley, B.C. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 35 years, Bonnie; his four beloved children: Nicole, Adam (Jessica), Bradley (Alexis) and Alyssa; his three cherished granddaughters: Blaire Elizabeth, Holland Maria and Whitney Lynn; his brother, George; as well as numerous much-loved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Dave was predeceased by both his parents: father, Renato Cappon (November 8, 1993) and mother, Ines Cappon (nee Giuriato) (June 14, 2019).

Dave grew up in Burnaby, B.C. where he attended and graduated from Notre Dame Regional Secondary and was a member of the Holy Cross Parish. During his youth and teen years, he enjoyed many activities including soccer, football, foosball, pool, pinball, and electronics. He received many awards during these years for debate and public speaking, which we believe allowed him to perfect his gift of speech. This talent of Dave’s served him well throughout his lifetime, including being recognized and awarded with the Optimist Club.

Dave enjoyed many pursuits during his younger adult life, including boating, waterskiing, dirt bike riding, motorcycling, camping, fishing, skiing and driving his Trans Am (from which the song “We're Not Gonna Take It” by Twisted Sister could be heard from miles away!). This is also the period of his life where his fascination with new technology and electronics began, which continued throughout his lifetime. We could always count on him to have the latest electronic gadget or toy--- if you witnessed his flamethrower demonstration, you know what we mean!'

On January 2nd, 1977, shortly after high school, Dave began his long career at Cullen Detroit Diesel. His career began as a shipper/receiver before he rapidly worked his way up to parts man, parts manager, general manager and, finally, Vice President. Dave was known as a dedicated, loyal, fair and honest employee and leader. As he rose in the company, he continued to use his conversational skills, quick wit and his ability to debate and rationalize to not only lead but to also develop close working and personal relationships. Dave was happy to retire before the age of 65 (on September 25, 2020), as he was looking forward to spending more time with his children and grandchildren.

Dave was known by everyone who knew him as someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand of support and encouragement, who was readily available for wise and steadfast counsel, and for his sarcastic and inappropriate humour. His reliability and willingness to help those in need made him a rock that many people often leaned on. These wonderful qualities were never more evident than in the way he loved his three children through the joys and trials of their lives. His overzealous and expressive support during their activities was noted by all, particularly at soccer games. It might have been said that he was overly enthusiastic as he cheered from the sidelines, but the pure joy on his face as he watched his boys play soccer or his little girl dance was a delight to watch. With passionate enthusiasm he introduced them to the activities he loved (such as snowboarding, swimming, fishing, boating, wakeboarding and camping), because his true joy was doing these activities with his children. When one of his children took up an activity outside of his wheelhouse, he good-naturedly (albeit, reluctantly) was even willing to be a horse.

Dave was beyond proud of the adults that his children became. Their life choices, their accomplishments, their love of family and their character were badges of honour he wore proudly. Although he could not always express his deep love in words, his love for them was ever present and ever constant.

One of our deepest sorrows in Dave's passing is knowing he will not be there to see and experience the great and momentous joyful occasions that are yet to come in our lives. We know you'll be watching down on us with love and pride during these occasions, but send us a sign, will you Daddy?

In the last five years, Dave began fulfilling some of his retirement dreams. He purchased a motorhome and had dreams of driving across the United States and Canada. However, his biggest dream of retirement was to just enjoy and spend time with his grandchildren. His greatest pleasure and contentment was in being a Papa. We are sure Dave's most constantly used phrase these past five years has been “When are the girls coming over?” or “When are we seeing the girls?” He was never happier than when he had one of his granddaughters on his knee or calling out for Papa to help. Another one of his retirement dreams was to take his three littles camping. Hopefully one day, when they are out experiencing the joys of sleeping in a tent and looking up into the twinkling night sky, they will look at the brightest star they see and think of their Papa who loved them so very much and feel his love envelop them.

Bye Bye Butterfly