DAVID BOESE -

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DAVID BOESE 1918 - 2009 On September 3, 2009, Dave died in Emerson, Manitoba. With Dave in failing health over the past few months, family and friends took this special time to share love, laughter, appreciation, challenges, reflections and gratitude. Dave is survived by his wife Shirley and their seven children - Blythe, Brian, Robyn, Jeri-Lynn, Darcy, Beverly and Tracy. Along with his children, 12 grandchildren will continue Dave's legacy. Also surviving are his older brother and best friend Philip and his sister Agatha. Dave always said that he was a gentleman in allowing his twin Agatha to be born first. With over 91 years of life experience, Dave had a lot of stories to tell. Immigrating to Manitoba at the age of six from a Mennonite colony in the USSR - Ukraine, Dave settled with his family in Arnaud, Manitoba. After high school, he farmed until volunteering to serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. Dave was trained as a wireless electrical mechanic working in communications in Newfoundland-Labrador and England. Upon return to Manitoba, he earned an Agriculture Diploma from the University of Manitoba and purchased a farm near Dominion City. After moving his family to Emerson, he continued to farm this land in addition to working a 20 year career as a customs officer. Thirty-one years of retirement allowed Dave to pursue his passion for golf. He participated as a member of the driving force behind the redesign and development of the Emerson Golf and Country Club. Dave and Shirley were fortunate to spend several winters as snowbirds in the southern USA and British Columbia escaping the harsh Manitoba winters. Dave spent an incredible number of hours enjoying various golf courses and was finally rewarded with a hole-in-one about 15 years ago. Participating in recreational activities at the Emerson New Horizons Club with his friends enriched his life. Being a man of integrity, Dave lived his life guided by the principle embedded in the Golden Rule. His fine sense of humour supported his opinions on various events of his life and on his understanding of the world in which he lived. Our family is very grateful for this rich time together especially over the past few months. Appreciation is expressed to the Canadian government for the Veterans Independence Program. In addition, thanks are offered to the Manitoba government's Central Regional Health Authority Home Care and Palliative Care programs. We are grateful for Dr. A. Kolakowski's support. To friends and neighbours - thank you for being in the lifeboat with us. Respecting Dave's wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will not be held. Donations may be made in Dave's memory to the Emerson New Horizons Club - Box 261, Emerson, MB R0A 0L0. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. - Ralph Waldo Emerson.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 12, 2009