NELSON David (Dave) Stanley
Passed away on 22 August 2002 at the age of 64 while waterskiing, one of his favorite activities. Dave is survived by his loving wife Anne of 41 years. Also survived by son Scott (Kyoko) of Burnaby, son Kelly (Barbie) of Courtenay, daughter Kim of Courtenay, and grandchildren: Shawna, Cheryl, Zack, Rebecca and Marcy. Also survived by brother Ray (Carole) Nelson of Langley, and sister Carol (Don) Dunham of Burnaby, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Annette (Howard) Nelson and infant grandson, Jake.
Dave had been in the RCAF and the CAF for 25 years. He had been stationed at RCAF Stn Sea Island; 4 (F) Wing, Baden, Germany; CFB Cold Lake; CFB Edmonton and retired his career at CFB Comox in 1981. He was a Safety Systems Technician and retired as a Sergeant. He always said his claim to fame was to have packed the drag chutes for the AVRO ARROW fighter jet. Before joining the air force he worked for a short time at the CPR in Vancouver. After leaving the air force he worked during summers doing maintenance painting for the Cadet Camp at Goose Spit. He worked at the Honda motorcycle shop in the ‘80s just so he could feed his passion for motor sports.
Being an avid skier, Dave had raced all over Europe with the NATO military ski team during 1961 - 1965 and also was on the military ski team for the western zone in Canada from 1965-69. To help fund his ‘habit’, he became a ski instructor in 1967 and taught skiing in Cold Lake and the Edmonton area and was on the ski patrol at various ski hills in Alberta and also here on the island. He taught skiing in the Mt. Washington Ski school from 1980 to the present and was so looking forward to the new season. Kite flying was a big part of his life and he loved to fly his kites on the local beaches and particularly on the beaches of the Oregon coast. He loved boating, water-skiing, fishing and camping with all his family and many friends. In his retirement he was becoming a very knowledgeable birdwatcher which was a great enjoyment to him. For many years, Dave was a drummer with the Comox Valley Pipe Band Association and formerly with the Courtenay Legion Pipe Band where he passed on his craft to many young people.
Dave was much loved and will be sadly missed by all who were touched by him.
Services were held in the Protestant Chapel at 19 Wing Comox, Tuesday, 27th August 2002 at 2:00 PM with viewing one hour prior to the service.
Donations in memory of Dave may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, P.O. Box 1225, Comox, B.C. V9N 7Z8.
COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1101 RYAN ROAD, entrusted with arrangements.
Should friends desire to participate, a website has been established at www.geocities.com/dave_with_angels, in Dave’s honour for reflection and celebration.