DAVID HENRY HARVIE

15 July 1979 – 13 December 2021

 

It is with profound sorrow that the family of David Henry Harvie announce his passing at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital on December 13, 2021. We have lost a loving father, son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Born in Kenora on 15 July 1979, he was the elder son of Darwin & Gloria (nee: Innard) Harvie. He was predeceased by his father, both sets of grandparents – Dorothy & Henry Harvie and Margaret & David Innard, and cousins Devon Forsythe, Curtis Harvie & Rodney Harvie. Surviving are his mother, his brother James Harvie, his children Michael and Lilly Harvie and their mother, Jenn Barrette.

David attended school at Valleyview, Evergreen, Lakewood, and Beaver Brae. Life long friends were made during these early years, playing clarinet in school band, acting in Shakespearean plays, and making movies with his friends. This interest in filmmaking led him to study Communications at the University of Windsor, while a part-time job in the duty-free shop on the Ambassador Bridge provided experience for his future career.

During employment at various establishments (Rushing River Provincial Park, Keewatin Place, LCBO in Keewatin, Clearwater Bay and Kenora) Dave connected with staff and customers and his list of friendships grew. Outgoing, helpful, and reliable are descriptors for David’s work ethic. He loved his job at the Kenora LCBO and was looking forward to getting back to it once he had beaten his cancer.

David was a patient and kind father to Michael & Lilly. He enjoyed family game nights and was eager to share his hobbies with them. They were the light of his life and he treasured watching them grow and learn as he fostered their individuality.

Dave was a man of eclectic interests. His music tastes ran from Marilyn Manson to Great Big Sea. He was an avid reader and was known to have 3 or 4 books on the go at once. He collected books by his favorite authors and was always on the hunt for the ones missing from his collection. David remained a student of film to the end – watching, critiquing, and learning from each one he viewed (Space Truckers was a favorite). He loved to play Magic Cards, D&D and other tabletop games. During long hospital stays he managed to arrange games with friends online. Besides books, Dave collected hats, pins, ties, beer cans, stamps, coins, and oddities from garage sales. He was a big fan of Sumo wrestling and anything Disney. He was a beer blogger and had an extensive collection of Port wine. Halloween was his favorite holiday with costume planning the highlight, not that he would wait until then to dress up.

Dave was artistic and creative and had a unique sense of humour.  Although he was nostalgic about the past, he was also full of dreams for the future and had so many things he wanted to experience.  While his plans to travel in a double-decker bus didn’t reach fruition, we expect his spirit is checking out Machu Picchu.

The most amazing thing about David was his warrior spirit when it came to his three-year battle with cancer. With a positive outlook and a fierce determination, he took on each treatment and set back. He was and will always be, an inspiration to us all.

Thank you to his care givers – doctors, nurses, friends, and family – who supported his journey.

Due to current COVID restrictions, a celebration of David’s life will take place next summer. In the meantime, remember his mantra - “every day is a gift”.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations can be directed to the Terry Fox Foundation.