David Birtwistle

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Lorne Birtwistle at Sakura House Hospice, Woodstock on Friday March 17, 2023 at the age of 65. Born in Mount Forest, Ontario on March 15, 1958, the eldest son of the late Donald and Lorene Birtwistle.

Survived by his loving wife Dona of 35 years and partner for 40 years. Beloved brother of Heather Schmidt, Holly Osgerby (Tom), Kelly Laughlin (Laurie), and Drew Birtwistle (Vanessa Rae).  Remembered as a great Uncle by Dana Schmidt, Chris Schmidt, and Nicola and Darcy Birtwistle.

As a teenager, Dave worked at Quartel's Greenhouse and KFC. He attended Mohawk College and the University of Guelph and had a varied work career in Community Planning, Mobile Alarm Response, and as embroidery manager at #1 Apparel, along with his home business Toucan Punchworks, and Canada Post as a Postie and /secretary/ treasurer of the Local Union for CUPW. He is fondly remembered by all that he met as a person of integrity, honesty, and fair man along with all the employees at Canada Post as a good man and a memorable boss.

Dave inherited his Grandma Birtwistle's green thumb and excelled at gardening. His passion for dogs began when he and Dona acquired a German Shepherd named Echo. David loved to breed, train, and successfully showed a long line of Echolane German Shepherds and was well respected in the German Shepherd and dog world. 

.....then Stonecroft Cane Corso’s kennel caught his eye and Ali joined the family.  From then on, it was always Ali who was David’s most beloved companion.  

Dona wishes to thank the Doctors, VON, and entire Staff of Sakura House Hospice for their kindness and compassionate care of David. In keeping with David’s wishes, there will be no funeral service or funeral home visitation.  A Celebration of Life will take place at a date to be decided, and those details will be posted here. Donations in David’s memory to Sakura House Hospice (Woodstock) are appreciated by the family.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Avenue, Woodstock, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements. Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at wareingcremation.ca