It is with profound sadness that the family of Arthur David Breward of Blenheim ON announces his passing on August 8, 2024 at the age of 94, surrounded by the love of his family, on the fifth anniversary of his wife’s death.
Beloved husband of the late Bianca (August 8, 2019).
Treasured father of Lynda (John) Miller, the late Alan (Feb, 2019), Michael (Katherine) and Owen.
Cherished grandfather to Michael (Samantha), Katy, Bianca (Steven Harismowich) and Natasha (Sean) Elliott and Great Grandad to Sophia, Charlie, Chase, Sawyer, Willow, Lucy and ?
Predeceased by parents Arthur (1950) & Florence (2001) and sister Madge (2006).
David was accepted to University of Birmingham Medical School in 1948, following in the footsteps of his much loved older sister. After graduating from medical school he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps for four years, achieving the rank of Captain. Although he was based for most of his time in the RAMC in Munster, West Germany, he served many British regiments throughout Germany as their medical officer, even having a call out once to the Soviet Embassy.
He emigrated to Canada in 1967 with his wife and three children, having a final (and in his words “true Canadian”) child three years later. His career as an Anesthetist/Anesthesiologist in West Germany, England and Canada spanned more than sixty-four years eventually retiring at the age of 88 in January 2019.
When not working, he loved spending every moment with his family, as they all equally loved spending time with him. Without complaint he spent endless hours on the ski slopes, as the designated boat driver while all of his children had a turn on waterskis and leading canoe trips into Algonquin Park. He always made the time to listen to all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whether that be at sporting events or performances or even just advising on various medical issues that any of them had.
Putting education above all else, he never hesitated giving his children the best education possible. A lifetime gardener, he was also a voracious reader, consumer of knowledge and an avid storyteller. All of his children and grandchildren were left in awe as he described his childhood years growing up during the Great Depression and in war-torn Britain during World War Two.
While we lost our Dad, many lost a friend and loved one. He has been a rock and guiding light to many, a master of humour and loved watching Britcoms, comedy shows and classic war movies.
There was so much more to him than just Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad, though to us, that was his greatest role.
As Ernest Hemingway wrote: “When my old man grinned, nobody could help but grin too.”
We love you Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
