David Thomas Huzel was born in Dawson Creek, BC, on July 14th, 1951, to John and Bonnie Huzel and passed away on August 16th, 2012 at the young age of 61.
David was predeceased by his grandparents John and Katherine Latimer, niece Shelann Emery, sister Linda Emery, father John Huzel and father-in-law Allan Carlson.
David grew up in Dawson and loved sports--hockey, basketball, baseball to name a few--and would even sneak out of his house as early as 6:00am on the weekends to play outside.
David started his coaching career when he was 18 years old. He coached the SPSSS High School girls basketball team. This started his passion for coaching.
Throughout the next 15 years David coached High School Girls Basketball, Women’s basketball and Women’s fastball. Many friendships and good times were created in those early years.
When his children were old enough to play sports he found another passion: coaching his children. Paige in basketball, Jon in hockey, baseball, and basketball and Jake in hockey, baseball, volleyball, and basketball. His children learned many lifelong lessons with their dad coaching. Every member of a team is important, never quit trying, and always do your best. It doesn’t matter if you are losing by 50 points, just get out there, work hard, and have fun.
David was a very private person who was not demonstrative, but those who knew him well also knew of his droll sense of humour and his amazing ability to always see the best in everyone.
David loved connecting with his children--whether it was cutting wood with Jon, spending hours on Skype with Jake or supplying Paige with coolers full of loaves and meat from the Butcher Block. His priority was his family and this was clearly felt by all of them.
David was known by many names throughout his life--Boyfriend, Husband, Best Friend, Dad, Grandpa, Mr. Huzel, Coach, Large and in Charge, Big Foot, Super Dave, Big Guy, Financial Advisor, and Income Tax Specialist. Each name given in love and will be cherished along with a lifetime of memories by Wanda, his girlfriend of 40 years, his favourite daughter Paige and her family Jeff, Bennett and Lincoln;
his favourite son Jon and his family Trina, Paxton and Kendra;
his favourite son Jake and his wife Marketa, along with extended family and friends.
Say not in grief ‘He is no more’, but live in thankfulness that he was. - Hebrew Proverb
An Inurnment was held in Brookside Cemetery on September 28, 2012.
Funeral arrangement under the direction of “Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium.”