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DAVID SHINOBU YAMADA Obituary pic

DAVID SHINOBU YAMADA

Date of Passing: Apr 24, 2020

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DAVID SHINOBU YAMADA

On April 24, 2020, with his dear wife and sister by his side, David embarked on a brave journey to join his family and friends who predeceased him.
Dave is survived by his wife Linda; siblings, Janet Hirose (Gerry) and Patrice (Peri Venkatesh); stepdaughter Nicole Spelchak (Brian); stepgrandchildren, Zane, Danica and Everly; nephews, Jason (Cathy) and Darran; great-nieces, Zoe, Joan; and great-nephew Aaron.
Dave was born in 1944 as a Leap Year baby. His parents having escaped internment as Japanese-Canadians, Dave spent his early years on the Erb sugar beet farm in Oak Bluff. When his family moved to Vermette, Dave began his lifelong love of all things automotive. John Deere tractors, Chevies - anything with wheels that could get him somewhere FAST! When he joined the Cam Rods Car Club as a teenager, his fate was sealed - gasoline ran in his veins.
After graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate, Dave decided to article for his Chartered Accountancy certificate. However, his passion for cars overtook his math skills and he was able to spend the rest of his working life in the automotive industry - announcing at Keystone Dragways; selling Yamaha snowmobiles, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Jaguars, Fords; finding parts for customers at Piston Ring. He was the consummate car guy.
Dave loved to drive and drive he did! To NHRA drag racing events in the US, Las Vegas, all over Hawaii. He took to the road whenever he could, especially to golf. He truly enjoyed the sport and valued his membership at Glendale Golf and Country Club.
A special shout-out to the wonderful caregivers at Health Sciences Centre - the entire dialysis team, staff on WRS3 and Dr. Pelletier. You made his life bearable and he truly appreciated your competence and care.
Dave had a gruff exterior but a big heart. He will be missed.
At his request, no funeral will be held.
In his memory, consider having a meal at his favourite restaurant - The Headingley Grill. Just tell Alfred, the owner, "Dave sent you". You won't be disappointed!

Condolences may be left at www.alternacremation.ca.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 02, 2020

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Im very sorry for his loss. The first time i met Dave was at northwest cycle noted he was the best parts guy and never made a mistake with ever I ordered. The next time I worked with him at Garden Gate Pontiac. He had lost a lot of weight by then, and i initially didn't recognize him till we started talking. He was the best parts Mgr I had ever delt with always cherrful. When ever our paths crossed he always greeted me happily. HE WAS A GREAT GUY . - Posted by: robert kowerko (customer worked with ) on: May 04, 2020

  • Dave and I became good friends as two adventurous young boys and teenagers who shared a love of cars and drag racing. I clearly remember his first car a 1939 Chevy coupe that he was constantly tinkering with. I regularly attended Keystone Drag Ways where he worked and we often travelled to Brainard to take in divisional drag meets. It was during one of those trips that he offered to drive my new Chevy SS 427 Impala around the city. Virtually every stop lite turned into a drag race. He offered to pay the fine should we be pulled over. An evening I will never forget. Rest In Peace my friend and thanks for the great memories. - Posted by: Fred Ern (Friend) on: May 03, 2020

  • I first met Dave at North West Cycle! I loved the way he greeted me with that larger than life smile & his laugh. I bought a lot of dirt bikes from Dave and he laughed every time I told him how much he was costing me. I bought a few New Harley’s from Dave but the most memorable purchase was after the 86 blizzard. I was snowed in for 3-4 days and the first person I went to see was Dave. He had a special way of reading me cause when I told him I was snowed in his response was “I can fix that” that day I left with Honda’s biggest snow blower & two Honda 3 wheelers . Dave just laughed with that great smile! He cost me a lot but I can’t think of a nicer person to do business with. It was always a pleasure being in his presence! RIP Dave, you will be missed, God Bless - Posted by: Brian Segal (Client/Friend) on: May 02, 2020

  • Worked with Dave in the 60’s at Hawkins Ferguson CA’s as well as in the Tower at Keystone Dragways. Many a fun ride in his ‘56 Chevy Convertible. Fond memories of an old friend. Tom Crease - Posted by: Tom Crease (Friend) on: May 02, 2020

  • I knew Dave for over 56 years. Always a cheery guy that helped many a hot rodder find hard to get parts. We used to snowmobile on the Seine River. He was a member of the daily "lunch club". Just a bunch of car nuts that enjoyed talking cars! A great person who will be missed. - Posted by: Marvin Kemel (Friend) on: May 02, 2020

  • As a youngster, I recall Dave articling at Hawkins Ferguson (my father) Chartered Accountants in St. Vital then later as the PA Announcer at Keystone Dragways. I’ll never forget the excitement he exuded there after a racer smoked his tires by exclaiming, “Oowee! Smell that drag perfume!” As a young teen, Dad used to take us to the Harley dealership to see Dave, and the bikes. Though we haven’t seen each other in probably 40 years, I always recalled Dave with fond memories. Rest easy Dave! Sincere condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Douglas Ferguson (Old Acquaintance ) on: May 02, 2020

  • Very sad to hear of Dave's passing. Knew him mostly from buying so many parts for old motorcycles at North West Cycle. Became friends when we did a short stint together at Lone Star Harley Davidson. Loved the stories over lunch and his infectious smile, he'll be missed by many. My heartfelt condolences to Linda and all of Dave's family and friends.. JP - Posted by: John Prest (Friend.) on: May 02, 2020

  • I met Dave early in his accounting career and remained friends thereafter. Spent many hours visiting and talking drag racing. Just a great guy. - Posted by: Ken Ginter (Friend) on: May 02, 2020

  • I articled at Hawkins Harvard with Dave in the 1960’s. He was such a fine person to work with. I remember him as always pleasant and hard working. My sincere condolences to his family. Myrna Ferguson - Posted by: MyrnaFerguson (Former Co-worker) on: May 02, 2020

  • Please accept our condolences Linda. Wishing you peace and comfort at this difficult time. - Posted by: Doug Crabb and Lisa Kresz (friends) on: May 02, 2020

  • I met Dave at North West Cycle in 1976, he was larger than life with his great stories of experiences with racing and racing luminaries, we became quite close riding snowmobiles and competing performance wise with Doug Curtis, another of his drag race buddies. In winter, for 12 years, we were together most weekends having the time of our lives on trails all over Manitoba. New Years would see us at resorts for a snowmobiling long weekend. In the 80's we worked together at North West Cycle and had a great time mixing work with lots of horseplay. We just about lost him in 1988, with health issues, but with great luck or perseverance, he pulled through. He pretty much left motorsports for golf and we drifted apart, but he was one of the key relationships in my life. My condolences to his wife and extended family. Sorry for rambling, but I remember the day we received notice of his father, Nobuo, passing, while doing his favourite sport, fishing, an unbelievably sad day. - Posted by: Wendell Lees (Friend) on: May 02, 2020

  • My best memories were traveling to NHRA events all over the USA with Dave and our little group.Those were special times. Dave I hope they have nitro and the sound of a small block where ever you go. Rest in peace OBJ. - Posted by: Jack Rolls (friend) on: May 02, 2020

  • I always enjoyed Dave's love of the game of golf and always a pleasure to deal with. A very nice man! One of the good guys. My condolences to Linda as well as Pat, Peri and the rest of the family. Sincerely, - Posted by: Steve Wood (Golf Professional at Bel Acres where Dave and Linda were members) on: May 02, 2020

  • Just remember him as a great guy. - Posted by: Bob and Elaine Buccini (Friends ) on: May 02, 2020

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