Obituary of David Knowles

On May 17, 1922, in the growing town of Regina, Saskatchewan, David Eldred Knowles was born to Fred and Beulah Knowles. He was a younger brother to Vera and Harold, and later, an older brother to Irene. David's father worked on the railway, and while in Saskatchewan, the family lived a comfortable life. David recalled riding on the train with his father, eating fruit in the winter, and having hired help. In the fall of 1929 Beulah packed up her young family and moved them first to Rolla and then to Bonanza, where they settled. David's father was to follow, but he passed away while still in Regina, leaving the family in a harsh new environment without a breadwinner. David 's strength of character was developed on the cold prairie. Winters were hard and they sometimes relied on the kindness of neighbors in order to survive. There were good times as well. David was a natural athlete who loved to play ball. He also loved to hunt and be in the outdoors. On a warm spring day in 1940, handsome young Dave happened to stop in at Cookies Restaurant in Pouce Coupe. He became smitten with the beautiful young girl, Edith Warren, who served him his meal. In 1941, when he was 19 years old, Dave joined the army and had to move to Edmonton. Edith soon followed and on July 19th, 1941, Dave and Edith were married. Because of army regulations, Dave continued to live on the Base and Edith lived nearby. The newlyweds didn't like being separated, so Dave told his commanding officer that his wife was sickly and he received permission to go home every night. Anyone who has tasted Edith's cooking knows one of the reasons he wanted to be home every night was to enjoy his wife's cooking. Edith was the love of Dave's life. She spoiled him with home-cooked meals, baking, canning, and unconditional love for the next 70 years. In January of 1942, Dave's unit, the Grenadier Guards, was transferred to Hamilton Ontario and Edith followed. In September of the same year, Dave sailed for England. Dave's firstborn, David Allan, was born a month later. Dave crossed the ocean on D-Day +7 and helped to liberate Holland. The war was not something Dave enjoyed talking about. In his eyes, hee did what he had to do. On Remembrance Day he would don his Legion jacket and hat at the urging of his family. We were all proud that he fought for our freedom. In 1946 Dave returned to the Peace Country and was reunited with his wife and young son. They settled in Bonanza and then in Dawson Creek. Patricia Lee was born in 1948, Frederick Keith was born in 1951, and Beverly Jean completed the family in 1953. Dave was a very intelligent and well-read man. He was successful in many different fields and worked as a farmer, a retailer, an entrepreneur, a welder, and a hunting guide. Of all of his trades, hunting guide was most likely his favourite. He became a B guide under Billy Warn. He loved to fish, and he hunted with bow and arrow as well as a rifle. Out in the mountains on his horse, Eagle, was one of his most favourite places to be. On of his favourite activities to do with his family was to go camping at Gwilliam Lake. Many weekends and summer holidays were spent fishing and enjoying the stars while around the campfire. Dave was a master at finding the hole where the grayling were biting and he managed to pull more than one big old elusive Dolly Varden out of the Murray. He had the quiet patience required to be a master fisherman. That patience came in handy when dealing with his growing family. It seemed like Dave always had a gaggle of kids around him, whether it was his own children, or later, his grandchildren and then great-grandchildren. He was always taking someone fishing, 3-wheeling, for snow mobile rides, hikes, canoe trips in the ditch, or hunting; whether it be for game, lady slippers, or berries. He took great pride in his children and his grandchildren and loved to talk about their accomplishments. His lap was always occupied. Dave was always an active member of the community. He curled, and was involved in the Seniors' Games as an organizer, and as a swimmer. He was a lifetime member of the Legion. In 1966 Dave and Edith purchased the Dairy Bar, a popular tourist stop, in Chetwynd, where they resided for over 40 years. Dave was a gentle person with a quiet strength. He loved to spend time with his family. He had 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He taught them to fish, to read, to enjoy lively discussions about current events, to sit and visit over tea, and to take in the view of the mountains. He shared his love of Patsy Cline, Freddy Fender, and Willy Nelson. He never said a bad word about anyone. He loved to lean against a tree, throw his line in the water and smoke a cigarette. Right now he is sitting with his brother Harold drinking tea, smoking a cigarette, eating a sardine sandwich, and looking out at the mountains. We are so blessed to have had such a man in our lives. He loved us all so greatly. He will be greatly missed. Dave passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 in Chetwynd, BC at the age of 89 years. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Chetwynd Baptist Church. Pastor Bill Evans officiated. Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Beulah Knowles, his brother Harold, and his grandson Michael. He is survived by his loving wife, Edith (Warren), his children :David and Anne Knowles, Patricia and Bill Schilds, Fred and Yvonne Knowles, and Beverly and Barry Embree, 11 Grandchildren, and 15 Great-Grandchildren