After a long and valiant battle with MS, David Edward Webster accepted his invitation and passed peacefully at home on Friday, January 18th, 2013.
Well known for years in the snowmobile and marine industries, David was born on September 28th, 1942 and grew up in Cotswold Lodge at Alcona Beach with his parents Jack and Muriel (Kelly) and sisters Ann (Seman-O’Donal) and Mary (Byers). His family had a deep love and mastery of music and this led to David attending Barrie District Central Collegiate and proudly playing the trumpet in their renowned Collegiate Band.
It was at Alcona Beach that David’s passion for anything with an engine grew. With his love of cars, boats, planes and snowmobiles, he became an accomplished and well respected mechanic and licensed operator of anything that ran. Moving to MacTier in the 1960’s, David and his family built Go Home Lake Marina and he raised his own young family there. It was then that Dave’s true legacy of honesty and integrity began and he built a huge base of loyal friends and customers that followed him to Huntsville in 1975. Dave and his wife Sharon managed Huntsville Marine until 1983 when they decided to move on and they established The Beacon in Dwight. With David’s knowledge and dedication to his business, The Beacon flourished and became not only a successful multi-faceted business, but a cornerstone of the community for 30 years, still proudly run by his family today.
An active member of the Lake of Bays community, David volunteered countless hours with the Algonquin Snowmobile Club, Dwight Winter Carnivals and organizing snowmobile races and radar runs.
For several years, David used his sense of humour to entertain actors and singers backstage and behind the scenes of the popular Rotary musical productions, while his wife entertained audiences front stage with her incredible voice.
David spent his 70 years enjoying the outdoors, travelling with his wife and family, making people laugh and creating with his hands. He expanded his passions early to woodworking and spent decades building boats, furniture and treasured clocks, still loved by family and friends today.
A musician, a mechanic, a craftsman and a comedian, David was a well respected businessman, a loyal friend and a devoted husband and father who entertained his family, loved them, protected them and cherished them. He leaves a lifetime of wonderful memories and funny stories to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
His last 8 years were difficult as MS slowly took over but Sharon’s fierce dedication and love for her husband kept David home, loved and well cared for until his final call home.
David is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Sharon (nee Wilson), son John (Leanne Sibeon), daughter Kelly (Ed Hammond), sister Ann (Seman-O’Donal) from Barrie, sister Mary (Barry Byers) from Midland, father Jack Webster from Bracebridge, his grandchildren Island, Nathan, Jorja, Josh and Kylie, his many loving nieces and nephews.
He will forever missed, forever remembered and forever loved.
Funeral Service to be held at Trinity United Church, 33 Main St E, Huntsville on Thursday, January 24th
at 11 am with lunch and celebration to follow.
An informal celebration of David’s life will take place at The Bush Co in Dwight, Friday January 25th from 2-4pm to raise a glass to David.
Donations in lieu of flowers are appreciated to the MS Society of Canada, Toronto Sick Kids Hospital or Algonquin Grace Hospice.
Pam Cresswell
Dear Sharon and family,
I am so very sorry to read of David’s passing. I have so many fond memories of the 60’s and early 70’s with David and all of your family at GHL. Those were the years of Kiting with my husband Eldon and building pyramids in our ski shows. The Carling Aerobatic bi-wing planes putting on a display then landing the executives from Carling in a Lake Buccaneer at the “dance Hall”
Saturday night dances with your family providing the entertainment.
We all could count on your friendly faces and help should we need it.
I could go on and on about “the best marina owners”
With deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Pam Cresswell
Donna Prust (nee Allinson)
I am so very sorry for your loss. I only just found out from my father a couple of days ago. Dave was a funny, wonderful man. My condolences.
Sharon,John,Kelly
I’m so sad to hear of your loss.
Dave was a kind and wonderful man.
My condolences to you.
Jim O’Neill
Don & Doreen Ritchie
Dear Mary and Barry,Our deepest condolences to you and all your family on the loss of your brother, Mary.
Although we didn’t know him, it seems he has left wonderful memories and an amazing legacy for you all.
Please pass on to Jack how sorry we are for your loss.
Don & Doreen Ritchie
Rita and Quint Crowell
Dear Mary and BarrySo sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved brother – in reading about all that
he accomplished – you must feel so proud – and I know you will miss him so much
All our Love
Rita and Quint
Dale & Jim Hajas
We are so sorry for your loss Sharon and family. David was an icon in the community and his absence will be sorely felt.
Mandi Boothby
Dear Sharon and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was such a great and fun man and will be greatly missed.
Mandi Boothby
Sandra & Joseph Pegg
Dear Sharon: So sorry to hear of your lose. God bless.
Melissa Stecker (Moore)
Sharon and Kelly..I am just hearing of the loss of Dave. Please accept my condolences. I enjoyed the time I worked with you and Dave at the Beacon. Dave was always kind and understanding. The world has lost a great man. All my best to Sharon and her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
James and Catherine Parsons
Kelly and family…..Your love for your Dad was an amazingly strong love. Cherish all your beautiful memories and remeber he fought hard. We are here to help you thru the days ahead. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. Hugs xoxo
James, Cathy, Sarah and Emma Parsons
Thomas & Meralee Beckett
We have just learned of David’s passing with sadness.He was such a nice man. It is so unfortunate that he had to spend his last years with such a terrible illness. The year he got sick he promised to take me on a trail grooming outing but we never made t
We are out of the country so could not attend service
Thomas & Meralee Beckett
We just learned the sad news of David’s passing. We both thought he was such a nice man and regret he had to spend his last years with such a terrible illness. The year before he got sick he had promised to take me on a trail grooming outing but sadly we never got to do that. Our sincere sympathies to Sharon and all the family and we are sorry we cannot attend the service as we are currently out of the country.
Jo green
My dear Kelly and family,
I never had the pleasure of knowing your father however having known his amazing daughter, he can only be am amazing man.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. May the love of the people around you help you through your pain.
My love and thoughts with you.
Johanna
Jo-Anne Taylor
Dear Sharon and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about David’s passing. The last time I saw the family was in the 1980’s when my daughters and I visited Canada. Gran (Doris Booth) took us up to Go Home Lake Marina and what a lovely place you had. I also remember when I was a kid going up to visit Gran in Stroud and going over to Cotswold Lodge. I remember David, Ann and Mary has teenagers. I know David will be missed by many and my thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Love,
Jo-Anne Taylor
(Joan Booth Lake’s daughter)
Candace Austin
My sincere condolences to you Kelly and your family at this very difficult time.I never had the pleasure of knowing your dad, but knowing the amazing family that loved him says more then words can described. I am so sorry I cant be there in person but please know my heart is with you…
Bob Jones
I met Dave about the time he was diagnosed with MS. I wish I had known him sooner. He sounds like a marvelous guy.
My condolences to the family at this very difficult time. Dave will be greatly missed by family, friends and business contacts.
Dale Peacock & Jim Hajas
Please accept our sincere condolences, Sharon, Kelly & John. We are thinking of you at this difficult time. He was so lucky to have you all with him at the end.
Jo green
My dear Kelly and family,
I never had the pleasure of knowing your father however having known his amazing daughter, he can only be am amazing man.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. May the love of the people around you help you through your pain.
My love and thoughts with you.
Johanna
Donna O'Connor
Sharon & FamilyMy thoughts & prayers are with you . Dave put up a good fight and Sharon you will always have him in your heart. Can’t believe that Dave will be buried the same day Larry was one year ago. I’m glad we don’t know what lies ahead, but I do know that God is good and He will see you through. I’m sorry that I can’t be there in person, but will be in spirit.
Love Donna
Joanne, Brian and Owen Shadwell
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. David will be missed by everyone. Unfortunately we are unable to attend but send all our love to the family.
Carol and Ron Dabous
We were sorry to hear of David’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers will be with you even though we will not be there in person. I’ll gladly come to keep his clocks ticking on whenever you need me.
God bless from Carol and Ron.
Todd Ottaway
Your dad was my mentor and a great friend to say least , Some times put I him threw hell , But he always stood behind me . So DAVE was way more than just a friend , He meant as much to my as my own Dad did . He will always be in my memories . SO SHARON ,JOHN,KELLY it is honor to have know DAVE ,Love TODD
Marian Carlsson Vehec, Dave Vehec
wE SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.DAVID WAS A HARDWORKING SKILLED AND CARING HUSBAND AND FATHER.I have many wonderful memories from past years.Sharon you have been so amazing.We are in Florida and will keep you and the family in our hearts. LOVE Marian and David Vehec.
Diane Noon
My thoughts are with you Sharon. Dave was fortunate to have such a loving family caring for him to the very end. He will be missed by many people.
Marian Carlsson Vehec, Dave Vehec
We send our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.what wonderful memories I have from past years.What a hardworking, skilled caring husband and father.How absolutely wonderful you have been Sharon.We are in Florida but our hearts are with you.OXOX MARIAN AND DAVID VEHEC
Judy Brain
My thoughts are for all of you. David fought the battle against MS with such grace and determination. He had a the best support system in his family. I will miss hearing ” how aRe YOU?”” when I walk in the door. Judy”
Heather Douglas
Kelly and family. Your love for your Dad was so amazing. He had a hard battle, but did it with his family by his side. How much love he must have felt from you all. Keep him forever close in your heart.
Heather
Chrissy , Debbie Woodruff
Dear Sharon and Family Sorry to hear about davids passing but may he rest easy now and no longer have anymore pain.Sharon you are a amazing lady and im so glad I got to spend that one morning with you guys (chrissy) you and are family are in our thoughts and Prayers xoxox Debbie and Chrissy Woodruff
Grant and Lisa Wager
Sharon and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. David will be sadly missed but never forgotten. May you find peace knowing he has touched many lives. Grant and Lisa Wager
Cindy Hopper
Dear Kelly and family,Please accept my deepest condolences with the ending of your dad’s (David’s) journey here. I am sending so much love and strength your way right now-hug each other tight and share the memories!
Love you so very much Kell! xoxoxoxox
Cindy Hopper
Dear Kelly and family,Please accept my deepest condolences with the ending of your dad’s (David’s) journey here. I am sending so much love and strength your way right now-hug each other tight and share the memories!
Love you so very much Kell! xoxoxoxox
Kim, Mike, Jacob and Nathan Gordon
Sharon, John and Kelly, Leanne and Ed, Nathan and Island;We are SO sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, but relieved to know that he is at peace. We have fond memories of Dave and his gentleness, his kindness and his great sense of humour. He will be missed, but he lives on in his children and grandchildren. Much love to you all. xoxox
Dave MacDonald
Great boss, great friend forever missed.Dave MacDonald