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David "Dave" John Barclay Obituary

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David "Dave" John Barclay

Walkerton, ON

December 12, 1962 - July 26, 2017

David "Dave" John Barclay Obituary

After a lengthy and bravely fought battle with cancer, David (Dave) Barclay of Chepstow, passed away at the Hanover District Health Centre on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the age of 54. Dave leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife of thirty years, Maureen, and their four children; Katie (Jason Gregg) of Cargill, Scott (Kirsten) of Barrie, Jake (Becky) of Dunkeld, and Max (Marissa Parsons) of Ottawa. He also leaves his mother, Carol Barclay, and two sisters, Leasa (Kris Birkby) of Stratford and Andrea (Richard) Osborne of Walkerton. Dave will fondly be remembered by the Kelly family and many nieces and nephews. His pickled eggs and three bean salads at Christmas will be missed by most (but not all) of the Kelly family. Dave was predeceased by his father and best friend, Jack Barclay, and his father-in-law, Len Kelly. Dave’s pall bearers are his longtime friends Jack Chou, Jim Dentinger, Pete Legace, Bill Pace, Bruce Osterndorff, and Steve (Chevy Lover) Wilhelm. Dave was born on December 12, 1962 in Walkerton where he grew up. He attended Georgian College in Barrie and in 1986, he graduated as an Electrical Technologist. On August 9, 1986, he married Maureen Kelly. Dave was a dedicated and loving husband and a terrific father to his four children. While one would never accuse him of being overly sentimental, he was a man who cared deeply about his family above all else. A reliable and hardworking fellow, and talented with electrical and mechanical devices, he was known to leave collections of nuts, bolts and small parts in places that were sometimes not appreciated. In Dave’s heaven there will always be an old car (a Chevy, of course) or an antique tractor that needs to be fixed up. Dave worked as an Electrical Operator with Ontario Hydro, as a Control Technician at Bruce Power, and finally as a Protection & Control Technician with Hydro One. Dave’s work took his family many different locations; Sudbury, Niagara Falls, Seaforth, and finally, the Kelly family farm near Chepstow. All of those places were home to Dave. Dave’s extraordinary wit and sense of humour were appreciated by everyone and especially treasured by those who knew him well. He had the ability to laugh, even while facing the most difficult circumstances. His ability to see the humour in almost any situation made those around him laugh too, an attribute that meant that Dave was always a most welcome addition to community events, baseball diamonds, hockey arenas and all gatherings of family and friends. Dave enjoyed attending Mass regularly, even when he was in significant discomfort. Not only did he listen to the gospel message but he lived it in every aspect of his life. He always thought of others first, putting his own needs aside even while making his difficult final decisions. Dave's family meant everything to him and he often mentioned what a wonderful gift they were. Even the hospital nurses noticed that Dave slept calmly and peacefully when his room was full of loved ones with the sounds of talking and laughter around him. It was when the room got quiet that he struggled. He so looked forward to having grandchildren and was blessed when he met Ava and Hunter Gregg. Of course, he loved them immediately. Throughout Dave’s struggle with cancer, he gratefully received the help, support, comfort and advice of those who had been there before him and was always willing to “pay it forward’ by providing the same things to those who came after. He was a valued participant in the Longest Day of Golf, and spoke at the Sacred Heart Relay for Life. Dave endured a great deal but refused to have his life defined by his illness. It has been said that out of adversity sometimes good things will come. The community fundraiser in March that paid for Dave’s recent cancer treatments is an excellent example. The support of friends, neighbours, co-workers and relatives was both humbling and inspiring. The community spirit that was evident during that fundraiser was well beyond anyone’s most optimistic expectations. A sincere thank you seems totally inadequate to acknowledge the time, effort, and generosity of so many people. It is a debt that can be acknowledged but never repaid. Dave Barclay’s epitaph is best summarized by the following quote: “In truth, no man is more successful than one who, whatever his calling or education, fulfills his duty to himself, his family and his community, living in peace and dignity with all three.” – Alan Fry, “The Ranch on the Cariboo” Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 31st, 2017 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church (221 Victoria Street, Walkerton). Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Walkerton. Following the interment, a celebration of Dave's life will be held at the Cargill Community Centre (999 Greenock-Brant, Cargill) from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Dave received blood which helped enhance his life. To help pay it forward, Dave's family wishes that you consider donating blood at your next clinic in lieu of flowers or monetary donations. If you are unable to give blood but still wish to contribute, donations to Canadian Blood Services would be greatly appreciated. Visit www.cameronfuneralhomes.com to view Dave's memorial.

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