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DAVID M. BREARS
Born: Mar 30, 1940
Date of Passing: May 01, 2024
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Winnipeg Humane Society
DAVID M. BREARS
Dave passed peacefully at Brightwater Senior Residence, his home for the last three years. He enjoyed his time and many thanks go out to the wonderful staff who provided such good care.
Dave was born on a farm in Bredenbury, Saskatchewan to Robert and Annie Brears. One of nine children, he learned early on about sharing, problem solving, hard work and getting along with others. Dave explained that, once reaching 18, it was time to strike out on your own as there was always someone needing your bed space.
As an 18 year-old, he made a choice he would never regret: he saw the Hudson’s Bay Company was needing employees to go north in to remote locations. His first job was as a clerk, fur buyer and then into store management. One summer he was rotating through communities as acting store manager while the managers were on vacation. In Split Lake Manitoba a life changing event occurred when, to be helpful, he met a float plane with a new nurse arriving. Within 48 hours he proposed, 14 days later he had married his life partner, Beverley. They celebrated 58 happy years together until she passed in March of 2018. Their union produced three sons, Garry, Dennis and Garth in three years. The early years had the family moving around the northern communities with a final move to Winnipeg in 1969. Dave’s career continued as an assistant district manager, now learning on the fly. Without a formal university education and over a 40-year career, his persistence and hard work had him spend his last ten years as the Senior VP of Operations of the North West Company as it transitioned from its Hudson’s Bay Northern roots. He was so proud to be a true Nor’wester, and cherished the many relationships he built along the line, far too many to list.
In 1998, all good things must come to an end, Dave and Bev designed and built their dream home in the country. He found more time to travel South in our winters, Curl at the Charleswood CC, Golf with his many friends at Breezy Bend, where he had been a member since 1970, and he found new found enjoyment in wood working and gardening. Dave enjoyed his many dogs (Holly and Molly) and many cats over the years.
In 2018, with the loss of Bev, he remained independent in his home for several years, Covid further isolating him. He then transitioned to Brightwater where he made friends with many staff and other residents. He had occasional health issues but never let them bring him down, remaining his happy-go-lucky self. Dave passed with dignity thanks to the hard work of the Brightwater staff. Further thanks go out to CancerCare Doctors, Dr R. Koul and Dr J. Gingerich, for their 16-year treatment.
No formal events are planned per his wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2024, May 04, 2024
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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Dear Garry, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Dave was a good man. I met Dave back in 1985 in Norway House. Then I had many dealings with Dave at Gibraltar House from 1990 to 1998. Dave has a heart for people and always has that smile on his face! He cares about the stores. I had the privilege of visiting Dave many times at the assisted living place in last 3 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for God to give you peace and comfort that only He can give. Stay blessed and know that Dave is in a better place and continue to cherish your good memories of him. - Posted by: Abraham Simon (Work friend) on: May 07, 2024
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To Garry (Bear) and Garth, My heartfelt condolences for you both at this time. I was so sorry to hear of your Father passing recently. I also thought about and recalled pleasant memories of your Mom. She was such a kind lady. Take care guys, from yet another Charleswood boy. - Posted by: Michael Hinson (Family Friend) on: May 07, 2024
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Fond memories of driving to Hudson’s Bay House with Dave. He very kindly drove me to work for many years. We had many very interesting conversations. Dave and Bev attended my wedding and I still use the tablecloth Bev made for us. Peggy (Butler) Ansons - Posted by: Peggy Ansons (Friend/coworker) on: May 06, 2024
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Condolences to Dave’s family. Dave was a great leader of the North West Company making this former division of HBC into a vibrant public company and leader in northern retailing. Dave always championed the managers and staff working in remote and northern communities. He fostered a healthy loyalty and many friendships. He championed and supported the development of hundreds of local and indigenous managers and executives. He was a good friend and a great help to me in my career with NWC. We will miss you Dave. - Posted by: Ian Sutherland (Friend and fellow Nor’Wester) on: May 06, 2024
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Judy and I send our condolences to Gary and other family members. I have fond memories of years of working with, and later for Dave. I travelled frequently with Dave on business trips, but Judy and I also enjoyed a great trip to Vegas with he and Bev, and many other social occasions. He was a definite contributor to the success of the HBC and later NWC stores. - Posted by: James Buck (friend and co-worker) on: May 06, 2024
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Our sincere condolences to all Dave's Family. Dave was one of the first people that I met in 1979 when I was interviewed for a position with Hudsons Bay Company. Since relocating to Winnipeg 2 years ago, we enjoyed visiting Dave at Brightwater, & he was always appreciative of our visits. He will be missed by many people. A life well lived. RIP. Paul & Jean Krepps - Posted by: Paul and Jean Krepps (Work colleague) on: May 05, 2024
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All thoughts to the Brears family. I am a tole painter and teacher for many years. Alway enjoyed going to your parents house for a wood pick up. I was part of your mom’s lunch group for many years meeting at the Olympia Restaurant on Portage. The friendship and lunches have been missed for many years. Your Mom and Dad are sadly missed by all my students and myself. - Posted by: Dorothy Anderson (Friend) on: May 04, 2024
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So many memories of our time in Hudson Bay House and then Gibraltar House. I will always remember, “ are u trying to tell me”. The Golf Tournaments and the Saturday morning curling, Dave, you really didn’t like to lose. Haha, always in good spirits, and amazing lucky how you always ended up with a good curling team when the names and positions were drawn from a hat. LOL, we loved you in sports and business.. Condolences to your family Dave. You were indeed “ Mr Retail “ and will be missed. - Posted by: Dale Brydges (Coworker ) on: May 04, 2024
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My heart goes out to the Brears Family, Mr Brears was so incredibly kind and generous, he changed the course of my career at The North West Company. A career path that set the tone for my entire life. He will always be in my heart. Rest peacefully Mr Brears, know that you are loved and cherished for life. - Posted by: Miriel Robidoux (Worked for Mr Brears at TNWC ‘92-96) on: May 04, 2024