March 18, 1930 - July 29, 2020
After 4 years 2 months and 25 days, dashing and daring David has finally rejoined his beautiful, loving and very patient Ruby. Their 5 children, 12 grand-children, and 6 ½ greatgrandchildren take comfort and joy through their sorrow in the belief that those two lovebirds are together again.
Dad was born in Admiral, Sakatchewan to Lutheran Reverend Knut and organist Nellie Kandal. His upbringing in this family created his devout Christian faith. Older sisters Margaret and Viola doted upon their rambunctious brother as the family moved around the prairie parishes. The teen-aged David felt he had come to paradise when his family was assigned to the Matsqui Church in the Fraser Valley. He became obsessed with basketball and eventually became an all-star in the 1949 BC High School Provincial Tournament. Our father was the type that if he put his mind and determination behind a goal, he would excel in it. He graduated with a degree in Education at the Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. Teaching and coaching were his main areas of focus and flying was a great secondary interest. While flight training in Penhold, Alberta, he met his future wife, Ruby Enno, at a dance. It was love at first sight for him. She needed a little more persuasion...three months later they were married. After a brief teaching career, he joined Trans Canada Airlines/Air Canada until his retirement. The family enjoyed the opportunities to travel and even spent a year in Jamaica while Dad helped start up their national airline.
It was important to Dad to contribute back to the community he loved so much. He became heavily involved in the School Board, municipal politics, the Airport Authority, his church and numerous charities. He was the last serving Mayor of the District of Matsqui prior to the amalgamation with Abbotsford.
Besides basketball, Dad enjoyed playing hockey, golf, and racketball. He spent numerous hours in the pool with his grand-kids and made trips to Disneyland with just them and Mom. No parents allowed! Our hard-working and energetic Dad suffered a major stroke 10 years ago and was paralysed on the dominant side of his body. We watched in admiration as he showed grit and determination to cope with and even overcome his physical challenges. Our family was truly blessed to have the love, support and mentoring of such a man. Dad's zest for life, high moral standards, and strong work ethic set a wonderful example for us. We know he made an impact upon many other people's lives as well. A very special thank you to the staff and residents of Hallmark on the Lake and the home care workers who took such good care of Dad during his time there.
No funeral service by request. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Archway Community Services or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.