DAVID WAYNE SHAVER (BOWERMAN)
David Wayne Shaver was born on August 22, 1958 to Sylvia Shaver in Toronto, Ontario. David was raised by his grandparents Alex and Gladys Shaver until he was 11 years old. He called them Mom & Dad and life was good in Cardinal, Ont. His parents played golf which he picked up at a young age. Fishing with his Dad or by himself was his favourite pastime. Lots of time was spent with extended family and David loved to tell stories of his early life. By age 11 his parents/grandparents passed on, just one year apart. He went to live with his birth mother Sylvia Shaver-Bowerman and her husband. His happy carefree childhood was over, and his life changed, the details were tragic. He got into some trouble at 15 and was actually happy to be incarcerated to be away from home. He learned how to take care of himself and it being his first time away from home he made the best of it. When anyone asked how he was doing, his prompt reply with a smile was "I'm just happy to be here!" And it was the truth. After a period of time he got out and he and his brother drove to Banff. This was exactly what he needed. He had several jobs in the mountains from ski-lift operator, to assistant chef, to felling trees. He loved it there in the vastness of the mountains and all the freedom he deserved. He moved to Winnipeg and won custody of his daughter from a very young age and it was just the two of them. He dressed her in brand name jeans and sneakers with Rock band Ts. He loved bringing her to The Forks and the Zoo where they spent countless hours. That's about the time I met them as neighbours across the street. I quickly discovered Ashleigh liked dresses and pretty girly things too, something he never considered. Through some struggles, we remained friends for 19 years, most of those years he lived in Winkler. David could be very kind, lending a hand to those who needed help. He always walked with a pep in his step and a friendly smile. His group of friends was always small and he kept to himself allot. He was a very stubborn man, especially as he got older, and did not care to be coddled by doctors as he put it. Unfortunately, that's what led to his demise. David was healthy with the beginning of aging in Feb 2026. Then in March he suffered from insomnia and lack of appetite. I noticed his weight change, tiredness and repeatedly asked him to check in with a doctor. He thought he could get well on his own. But the drastic weight loss continued. By April he laid in bed in a depressive state with the blinds drawn shut. My almost daily visits were difficult because he constantly repeated that tomorrow he'd see a doctor, but that tomorrow never came. Ambulance was called, but again he refused treatment. Two days later he was gone.
David leaves to mourn his daughter Ashleigh Bowerman and her partner Kingsley Heart of Winnipeg along with their three children Kathleen, Louise and newborn Kingsley. As well as newly found (through Ancestry DNA) half siblings Douglas Racine of BC , and Daniel Racine of Toronto. The remaining siblings have asked their names to not be mentioned. Finally, his long-time friend Nancy Wiebe of Morden. He was pre deceased by loving parents/grandparents Alex and Gladys Shaver of Cardinal, Ont., and his mother Sylvia Shaver Bowerman of Ottawa, Ont. Two uncles who he called brothers and a 1/2 sister Linda Racine of Detroit. No public viewings or service will be held. Cremation ashes will be scattered at his favourite fishing holes.
I know this is a lengthy story but my hope is that if someone out there who needs medical attention reads this, please seek help, and don't wait until it's too late. David will be missed.
David Wayne Shaver was born on August 22, 1958 to Sylvia Shaver in Toronto, Ontario. David was raised by his grandparents Alex and Gladys Shaver until he was 11 years old. He called them Mom & Dad and life was good in Cardinal, Ont. His parents played golf which he picked up at a young age. Fishing with his Dad or by himself was his favourite pastime. Lots of time was spent with extended family and David loved to tell stories of his early life. By age 11 his parents/grandparents passed on, just one year apart. He went to live with his birth mother Sylvia Shaver-Bowerman and her husband. His happy carefree childhood was over, and his life changed, the details were tragic. He got into some trouble at 15 and was actually happy to be incarcerated to be away from home. He learned how to take care of himself and it being his first time away from home he made the best of it. When anyone asked how he was doing, his prompt reply with a smile was "I'm just happy to be here!" And it was the truth. After a period of time he got out and he and his brother drove to Banff. This was exactly what he needed. He had several jobs in the mountains from ski-lift operator, to assistant chef, to felling trees. He loved it there in the vastness of the mountains and all the freedom he deserved. He moved to Winnipeg and won custody of his daughter from a very young age and it was just the two of them. He dressed her in brand name jeans and sneakers with Rock band Ts. He loved bringing her to The Forks and the Zoo where they spent countless hours. That's about the time I met them as neighbours across the street. I quickly discovered Ashleigh liked dresses and pretty girly things too, something he never considered. Through some struggles, we remained friends for 19 years, most of those years he lived in Winkler. David could be very kind, lending a hand to those who needed help. He always walked with a pep in his step and a friendly smile. His group of friends was always small and he kept to himself allot. He was a very stubborn man, especially as he got older, and did not care to be coddled by doctors as he put it. Unfortunately, that's what led to his demise. David was healthy with the beginning of aging in Feb 2026. Then in March he suffered from insomnia and lack of appetite. I noticed his weight change, tiredness and repeatedly asked him to check in with a doctor. He thought he could get well on his own. But the drastic weight loss continued. By April he laid in bed in a depressive state with the blinds drawn shut. My almost daily visits were difficult because he constantly repeated that tomorrow he'd see a doctor, but that tomorrow never came. Ambulance was called, but again he refused treatment. Two days later he was gone.
David leaves to mourn his daughter Ashleigh Bowerman and her partner Kingsley Heart of Winnipeg along with their three children Kathleen, Louise and newborn Kingsley. As well as newly found (through Ancestry DNA) half siblings Douglas Racine of BC , and Daniel Racine of Toronto. The remaining siblings have asked their names to not be mentioned. Finally, his long-time friend Nancy Wiebe of Morden. He was pre deceased by loving parents/grandparents Alex and Gladys Shaver of Cardinal, Ont., and his mother Sylvia Shaver Bowerman of Ottawa, Ont. Two uncles who he called brothers and a 1/2 sister Linda Racine of Detroit. No public viewings or service will be held. Cremation ashes will be scattered at his favourite fishing holes.
I know this is a lengthy story but my hope is that if someone out there who needs medical attention reads this, please seek help, and don't wait until it's too late. David will be missed.