Obituary of David Michael Filipchuk

David Michael Filipchuk is lovingly remembered by his parents, Michael & Helen Filipchuk; his sisters Janet Sparks & Susan Schroeder; his wife Mary; his daughter Sarah and numerous extended family members and friends. David was predeceased by his close friend Mick Crawley. David was a fun-loving and adventurous person. In his youth, he made his way to visit his paternal relatives on the family farm in Garland, Manitoba. He made many memories backpacking across Europe and Morocco with his brother-in-law Dan O’Neil. Upon his return to Brantford, he finished up the remainder of the hockey season and still won an award for most goals scored in his league. He played lacrosse and he especially enjoyed playing tennis with his friend John Carmichael. David and Mary travelled North America in the “Rabbit”, a car he proudly paid cash for. Even after a disabling accident at age 19, David continued to seek fun, games, adventure and sun. David accepted a job in marketing at Petro Canada and he and his wife moved to Calgary for their next big adventure. He created his own backyard Olympic Games with Cathy & Dave Moncur to celebrate the ’88 Olympics and the birth of his daughter. He coached women’s fastball alongside his brother-in-law and friend, Jesse O’Neil for over 5 years. "D.F." enjoyed fishing with Jesse, especially when he caught a 23lb 10oz Rainbow Trout in Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho and when they were deep sea fishing for salmon and halibut in the Pacific Ocean with friends Dwight Loree and “Red Dog”. He also dug for clams in Nova Scotia with his maternal relatives. “Flipper” also played lots of frisbee with his friend Chris Cooper. He took advantage of the opportunity to go parasailing in Osoyoos on one of his many camping trips with friends John & Carole McLaren. "D.F." loved the Stampede and his chuckwagon race. He spent his lunch hours playing bridge with his friends at work. His online bridge playing opened the door for more adventures, even playing bridge in New Orleans with “MagesticSlam” and others. Dave loved seeking the sun and other adventures with his lifelong friends and bridge partners Tammy & Dave Misener. David found his piece of paradise on Pelee Island and purchased the Turtle and the Hare cottage sight unseen. In his retirement, the cottage gave him the opportunity to soak up the sun on a sandy beach and reconnect with childhood friends including Hillary Jamnik. It was on the Island that his daughter Sarah met her boyfriend Ben, who David liked very much. He spent his last birthday teaching Sarah & Ben how to play bridge. David will hold a special place in all our hearts forever. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider supporting Spinal Cord Injury Ontario https://sciontario.org/. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE CREMATION CENTRE (519-254-2585). In David’s memory, his wife will be hosting a patio party this summer (dates & times to be determined). Cherished memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca