December 2 1949 - July 11, 2011
David was born in Nelson, BC where he lived his entire life. As a young boy, David was interested in trains, ants, chickens, and model buildings. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. His favourite hockey team was the Canucks, and he hoped to live long enough to see them win the Stanley Cup.
David was well versed in history, in particular, World Wars I and II. His maternal grandfather, J.A. Leslie, had served in both Wars. Remembrance Day was always of importance to him. He kept up with world-wide current events and would often phone and discuss these with his mother, Doris.
The hard work and dedication to wildlife rehabilitation by Helen Jameson of Blewett impressed David and he ensured she would know that.
David appreciated how fortunate he was to have the strong, positive presence and love of his Uncle, Lloyd Brock. A close family friend, Dal Fry, also had a significant influence in David’s life. He always spoke kindly of both these men and enjoyed the countless times he spent with them.
Employment included: night watchman at the Nelson Vocational School; C.P.R. diesel shop; Westar Timber (Nelson sawmill) cleanup, green chain and boiler house keeper; and forestry crew person.
Music was always enjoyed by David. Two of his favourite singers were Johnny Cash and Chris De Burgh. He also liked the musical West Side Story and Pink Floyd’s The Wall.
David was well known for his banjo and 12-string guitar playing. Occasionally he would play and sing for the classes at Rosemont Elementary where his children attended. Often he could be found performing, sometimes with his friend Milton Langill, at the Royal, the Zoo (Civic) or Lakeside Park.
Wildlife and nature were important to David, but his lifelong passion was DOGS, and they were a constant presence in his life. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds, several with Wolf genes, enriched his life. He liked to have two dogs at a time so that the older one could help the younger one “learn the ropes”.
David was far from perfect, but he did love his dogs - so much so that he was determined to remain at home until the end, in the house he built, next to his father Rolfe’s place on Silver King Road. David had a variety of health struggles throughout his life. After his health began to decline, it was the dogs that helped him carry on. Unfortunately, his dog Joe, an Afghan hound,died about four months before David - but David still had Candy.
Candy, an Akita/Great Pyrenees cross, was a skittish, one-person, rescue dog. A few days before David died, a decision had to be made about what to do with Candy. David, unable to speak due to his esophageal cancer, indicated his agreement to let P.A.W.S. in Creston try to help when needed. Candy, sensing that David’s condition was worsening, started staying near the bed and then on the bed beside David - only leaving his side for a few minutes a couple of times. She was “standing vigil” dog style.
Candy continued to look for David even after he was gone. A couple of days later she was taken to Creston. What an outstanding job P.A.W.S. did - she was a challenge as she continued to look for her David. Our family is so very grateful that P.A.W.S. - Creston was able to work with Candy and then find a perfect forever home for her.
Castlegar Funeral Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements for cremation. Bill Strilaeff, the Funeral Director, upon arriving at David’s house, was touched to see Candy still beside David, with a knowing look in her eyes. It is not possible to thank Mr. Strilaeff enough for his sensitivity, compassion and understanding.
David was predeceased by his father, Rolfe Brock (August, 2004); mother, Doris Brock (née Leslie) (February, 2008); and uncle, Lloyd Brock (February, 2004). He is survived by his siblings, Beth, Heather, Ray, and Susan. Also surviving David are his children, Nikki, Leslie, and Stoney, twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three nieces, two aunts and several cousins
David is loved and missed every single day.