April 16, 1939 - October 18, 2021
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of David Molstad on October 18,2021at the Comox Valley Hospital. Left behind to mourn are his wife Carol of 35 years, his son Forrest (Val) (Calgary); Daughter Carrie Staal (Grande Prairie) Grandson Tim Staal (Grande Prairie) and Brother Stan (Margaret) (Oakville, Ont) and his life- long friend from Winnipeg Al (Maureen) Luckaz. Dave kept and maintained many loyal friendships from coast to coast to coast.
Born in Winnipeg April 16, 1939, Dave was raised by his single mother. At the age of 9 was sent to Knowles School for Boys for 3 years which he believed was one of the best things that happened to him.
In 1965 Dave moved his first wife and his two young children to Aklavik, NWT. Dave fell in love with the North and its people and worked his way up from Area Administrator to Regional Director and Chief of Research and Development for Local Government while living in a number of communities in the NWT. Dave was especially proud of his work to enhance participation of Aboriginal people in governing and managing their own affairs.
After leaving the North he built a homestead in Bezanson, Alta and became the Executive Director of the GP Association for the Mentally Handicapped. This is when he met Carol and they married in 1986.
They lived in Fort McMurray - twice. Dave worked with the Fort McKay First Nation and helped them be prepared to deal with big oil that surrounds them. Holding positions of Band Manager, Business Manager and Consultant from 1986 to 2009, the people of Fort McKay held a special place in his heart.
In 2000 Dave and Carol retired to the valley full time and moved to Union Bay.
Dave had a soft heart protected by a gruff exterior. He loved music - classical to jazz to pop; and had a spiritual connection with nature. Animals stole his heart and he rescued worms from the road after rainstorms. Dave loved a good argument about politics or world events. He was an avid reader and was very knowledgeable about history. He had no tolerance for fools, but he could also be exceptionally generous, kind and compassionate.
A celebration of his full life will be held at a later date.
For those wishing to honour Dave's memory with a donation please consider an animal welfare agency or the homeless.