David Freddrick Mayor
Born Jan 9, 1944 Died September 30, 2018.
Survived by wife Pat Wally, children Matthew Mayor (Kathy Clark) and Chandra Mayor, stepchildren Tamara Coutu (Roger), Owen Wally (Lianne) Quentin Wally (Chavon) grandchildren Julika, Xavier, Munro, Zetta, Kaitlyn, Honora, Isaac and great-granddaughter Bellamy.
Dave was born and raised on Tremblay Street in St. Boniface to Emily (Rawlings) and Fredrick, with his brother Terry and sisters Carol and Rilla. He loved to recount his exploits as a child playing near, on and in the Seine River, which joins the Red River in North St. Boniface. As a child and youth he spent many days at the downtown YMCA where he especially enjoyed the swim and youth leadership programs. In high school at Nelson McIntyre, he was very involved in school and community sports, such as football, basketball and curling. A problem with depth perception kept him out of racket sports, otherwise he would have been even more active.
Dave had a special aptitude for numbers and worked as an accountant throughout his professional career. He kept track of many important projects and was especially proud of his involvement in the building and management of the Cargill Inland Grain Terminal at Elm Creek, which at the time was the largest of any country elevator in Manitoba. He also helped develop software for Cargill out of their Minneapolis office and worked for the student union at Red River College, for The Reh-fit Centre, for Country Meats and at a trucking firm in Blumenort.
Dave was always generous with his time, working as a Scouts leader for many years during his son Matt’s involvement, and served as a volunteer fireman in Elm Creek. He was also a Rotarian for decades, and for many years was on the executive St. Boniface Rotary, and also served as president and founder of the South East Manitoba Rotary group. He was treasurer for the Rainbow Society (now Dream Factory) for several years and treasurer at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church. At the time of his death he was an enthusiastic roadie and dedicated executive member of the Sisters of The Holy Rock. He was treasurer at Gordon-King Memorial United Church, where he was a devoted member of the congregation.
He loved country living maybe because of the wonderful summers he had at the family farm near Amarath (on the west side of Lake Manitoba). He built a house in Elm Creek, lived in Giroux and especially enjoyed the house and acreage he shared with Pat in Lorette. He was reluctant to return to the city in 2017, but did it to please Pat. He had transformed the country house and yard in Lorette before moving, and soon got to work on the house in Winnipeg, where he had lots of plans in the works.
Dave was a longtime Blue Bombers fan and was especially proud to be able to maintain the family season tickets that his parents first purchased over 55 years ago.
He enjoyed driving and he and Pat’s road trips covered all the provinces and Yukon as well as 49 states. On their annual visits to the West Coast to visit family they extended their trips by exploring different routes. One time it was north through the Yukon, another south via San Francisco and another along the Colorado River. Their adventures also took them to Europe, China, Cuba and, for several winters, to the Gulf Coast in Texas.
Dave was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, telling anyone who would listen of their many achievements and accomplishments. He passed on his love of nature and woodworking and always had time to share his skills with those he loved.
Dave was proud a Winnipeger and liked to show the city off to visitors, taking them on animated driving tours through historic neighborhoods and along the scenic river corridor.
He was a Super Mr. Fixer and talented renovator, an avid bird watcher, a two-string kiter, a wine maker, and a fisherman who caught salmon in B.C. and big catfish on the Red River.
But most importantly he was a loving husband, father and grandfather to those he valued most – his family.
He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Gordon-King Memorial United Church 127 Cobourg Ave, Winnipeg R2L 0H4.