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Dave was born September 28th, 1925, in Westview BC. in the house built by his parents, early pioneers Al and Dorothy Hansen. He recently celebrated his 93rd birthday on the farm after a very full, rich and happy life. He died in "Old St. Joe's" in Mountain View on November 27th, with Kaye holding his hand and by his side, as throughout the past 67 1/2 years.

Dave spent his boyhood in Powell River and had many happy hours on the water. He recently re-told his fish story of a 43 pound Tyee caught at age 12 while out with his Dad very near the Yuculta Rapids. He also wrote about a harrowing storm-crossing tale from Powell River to the Courtenay estuary which his descendants are all happy he survived!

He went on to UBC from Brooks High to earn his BA and BSc in forest engineering, working "in the bush" to put himself through university. He continued to work in the woods for the next 27 years. Dave and Kaye (Templeton) were married on April 4th, 1951 in Powell River and then settled in Terrace, where they repeated history and built their own home. Over the next 12 years they went on to have a family of five, all but one of whom was born in Terrace, as there was a short stay in the Charlottes, as well as other coastal communities, including Kingcome Inlet. Three horses joined the family and Dave became an avid horseman. He brought them with us when the family made the big move to the Comox Valley in 1967.

After a short stay at Kitty Coleman, "The Old Harmston Farm" became home and thus began a lifelong passion of chasing cows, fencing, haying, and "full on" farming! He also spent 30 of those years as a local realtor, hunting down corner pegs, homes and farmland for folks until he "retired" at 75. Dave & Kaye travelled frequently across the strait back to their hometown for reunions and celebrations. They enjoyed many RV trips throughout BC ... not all to bull sales, but always after haying season! The kids, grandkids and great grandkids all have lasting memories of hard work, hot dusty hayrides, Nana's lemonade and a jump in the river!

His family was Dave's pride and joy. He loved spending time together and especially loved the family jam sessions. His love of music and dancing was evidenced on the dance floor, "rockin and rollin" or especially when swirling Kaye around the room on Sunday afternoons!

Dave is truly and deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his lifelong wife, Kaye, and his "farmhands": Jennifer (Colin), Maureen (Andrew), Chris (Marg), Kathleen (Juji), and Paul (Lisa), his brother-in-law Mike Templeton, his nephew Kim Hansen (predeceased by Pam and Ivan Hansen) and all of his beloved 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews.

The family would like to sincerely thank all of the wonderful VIHA home support team and Dr. Nishio for their kind and skilled care of Dave this past six months. To the staff at Mountain View and Dr. Hunter, our gratitude for your excellent and compassionate care.

There will be an open house on the farm 5051 Headquarters Road, Sunday, December 16, 1 - 4 pm if you'd like to come by and remember Dave with us.

Cow calls echo across the farm,

and the rhythmic sounds of feeding time still echo in the barn

And post pounding hard pan begs for a break,

but five more he says, you see theres a bit of pride at stake

Coils of rusted barb wire lay in piles in the weeds

best hang onto those for any future needs

The racoon hotel is filling up fast,

better buy more cat food Smokey's bin will never last

Theres a map to the tool shed, well maybe a trail of sorts,

where you might find the right part, and a few wrenches of course

Oh joy, it's haying time again on the farm,

and another new haying crew, now that's a bit of a yarn

The baler falls silent, an unwelcome sound.

As the clouds roll in moms got her list, and is on her way into town

The fence posts are coming down now, one by one.

And the unfinished chores wait to be done

And the woodpile waits for the swing of the axe,

to warm the house that loves us so very much.

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Sunday, December 16, 2018
1:00 PM
5051 Headquarters Rd, Courtenay


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