David Wilson Boatman

We are very sad to announce the passing of our beloved dad, grandpa, brother, and Uncle David Boatman at the Victoria General Hospital on December 16, 2022 with family at his side.

David was predeceased by his loving wife Janet, parents John and Margaret Boatman, and brother John. Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughters Connie and her husband, Greg, and two daughters, Arianna and Amelia, Jacquie, her daughter, Shanleigh, husband, Donovan, and great granddaughter, Oaklynn. Also left to mourn are his sisters Margaret (Peter) and Agnes (Marie) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Born March 10, 1936 in Edinburgh, Scotland, David immigrated to Canada in 1957 and joined the Canadian Armed Forces later that year. Dad met mom in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1961. After sweeping her off her feet, they married in 1962 and shared 49 years together. They enjoyed postings to New Brunswick, Germany, and Shilo, MB. Dad loved serving his country. After his retirement from the Forces, he worked in commercial business cleaning and eventually owned his own company Bison Building Services. After selling his business, he and Janet enjoyed trips back to Scotland for great family visits. Dad shared Shanleigh’s love of Tae Kwon Do and obtained his black belt at age 69 proving that age is only a number!

In February 2021, he moved into Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence. David loved living there and cherished his new friends who felt like family. Dad thrived there participating in activities of all kinds and making many new friends. He wanted everyone to experience the joy he felt so he included, and encouraged everyone to participate. Dad was so proud to be Chef de Mission of the ASC Summer Games in August of 2022.

Dad was so loved by everyone he met. He believed you should treat everyone with kindness and have a positive attitude in life. The most important thing to dad was his family. He put his family before everything and his greatest joys were his grandchildren, great granddaughter, and soon to be born, great grandson. He loved all the friends he made at Sturgeon Creek and always told us you were like one big happy family!

We would like to thank dad’s medical team-physicians Dr. Kristen Creek, Dr. A. Malik, Dr. P. Muns, Dr. R. Pierce, and Dr. E. St. Godard as well as nurses we met-Jeena, Johnny, Teadora, Beth, and Ian. Thank you to each and every one of you for your compassionate care.

A very special thank you goes out to the staff at Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence 1. You made the last two years the absolute best for him! Whenever friends or family asked about dad, we always said he was living his best life and we couldn’t have been happier for him. A heartfelt thank you to Danielle and Tara. Danielle, dad loved working with you setting up activities and helping you out however he could. You held a special place in his heart, and ours. Tara, thank you for always taking time for a quick chat and keeping an eye on dad for us. Your kindness means so much to us.

Dad didn’t want a funeral so we are respecting his wishes and cremation has taken place. What dad did want is people to laugh when you reflect on your memories with David. Dad always believed life is too short to be serious. Dad’s way of living was-laugh more, be kind to each other, and above all else take it one day at a time!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Boatman family.