David John Small

Obituary

Passed on

November 21, 1952 – December 12, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Dave Small at his home near Teulon, Manitoba.

He is survived by his beloved partner of 36 years, Cheryl, children: John (Evelyne), Terry, Sarah (Corey), Byron (Sandi), Matthew, and Christopher. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Ennessa, Juliette, Jason, Summer, Sidney, Serena, Kaylee, Maezlyn, Marissa, Victor, and Elizabeth, and his great grandchildren, Scarlett and Sierra as well as all of his brothers and sisters. David was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Florence Small.

Dave was the oldest of seven siblings. He was born in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario. The family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1971, and then to Richer, Manitoba in 1975. Dave worked at a variety of jobs before he began employment with Manitoba Hydro in 1982. He started as a utility worker and retired as a heavy duty equipment mechanic in 2017. Dave spent most of his career with Hydro in northern Manitoba, living for a number of years in Grand Rapids and Gillam.

Dave was a life-long learner. He had numerous interests and tackled every one of his many projects with intensity, whether it was gardening, building, mechanical endeavors, and so much more. He was an avid reader and was always interested in electronics, even writing codes to make games for his children on his first computer back in the 80’s, a Texas Instrument model. Anyone who knew Dave knew he was a collector. He would find or gladly accept items to add to his collection of things that could be repaired or repurposed some day. Often he would fix items to give away or pass things on to others who needed them. He was generous with his time and expertise. Dave enjoyed a challenge. He was steadfast in his beliefs and was a strong advocate for others, backing down to no one. He loved a good political discussion, whether you shared his views or not. Dave was a force to be reckoned with and will be sadly missed by family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in the summer, 2026.

We would like to thank all the emergency personnel who gave their best efforts and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association or the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“The cosmos is within us. We are made of star stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” – Carl Sagan

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