March 25, 1967 - August 17, 2022
In loving memory ~
In loving memory of David John Herman Grypma born March 25, 1967 in Calgary, AB. He passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2022 travelling through Creston, BC on his way to Alberta to visit his children. His family is comforted knowing he passed doing what he loved most; riding his motorcycle and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Kootenays.
David was always so proud of his son Richard, 32, and his daughter Meagan, 30. His son was a true embodiment of his father, sharing his interests working with his hands, hunting, fishing and loving the great outdoors. Richard just like David would do anything for his family and loved helping anyone in need. His daughter Meagan, was his little princess and he would do anything to protect her from the hardships of the world. He was always there to be a shoulder to cry on and a sounding board to listen to. She manifests this into her life just like her father did. David passed along his best qualities into his children.
He started his family when he was young with the love of his life, Jeanine. David enjoyed fishing, weekend hunting trips, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and camping in the mountains. He passed along his passions onto his family and they will miss him, but think of him every time they're out doing what he loved.
Although he did not go into the Grypma family business at Georama Growers, David had a love for vehicles all his life which lead him to study autobody repair and painting in Kelowna and Dawson Creek. He continued on to be a pioneer in his field, becoming the first journeyman to hold tickets in both fields in British Columbia. David worked for Nelson Chrysler Autobody for over 30 years, and loved everyone he worked with and met along the way.
It brought David such pleasure to lend a helping hand out to his friends, family, and the community, tinkering on any piece of machinery that needed looking after. He enjoyed connecting with friends at local bonfires and concerts in the Ymir Park. David always had the most contagious smile to go with his incredibly large heart. He had a sense of humour like no other and a laugh to match. He will be remembered for all of these things and his steel blue eyes just like his father, Sjoerd (George) and his unconditional love from his mother, Anna.
David is survived by his sister Marianne (Andy) Cichowski, brothers Case (Imelda) Grypma, Simon (Lee) Grypma, George Grypma, sister Wilma (Brian) Champlin. We loved you so much little brother. David is also survived by many nephews, nieces, cousins and aunties.
A Celebration of life is planed for September 24 at one o'clock downtown Ymir. Everyone is welcome to share their stories and memories of Dave and his many life adventures. Donations will be accepted for a memorial in Dave's memory.
While his absence will be missed deeply, his memory will live on with the people he touched during the time he spent on this earth.