Obituaries

 

David Edward Wilmshurst

Passed 09/10/2022

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Obituary For David Edward Wilmshurst

David Edward Wilmshurst April 9, 1936 - September 10, 2022

Terribly sad to advise of the death of David (Dave) Wilmshurst, of Porter's Lake, on September 10, 2022. Dave had a long and wonderful career as a pharmacist at Woodlawn Pharmacy, later Lawton's Woodlawn. But his greatest “career” was as a very loving, caring, generous, husband, father, and grandfather. He lived so happily in Porter's Lake, a place that he loved, gardened, and spent so much time with his children and grandchildren, and their friends and families, until his sudden end. He loved seeing his grandson Zachary racing down the hill on his bike, his grandson Callum sailing out into the lake with (usually too many) friends on board, and his grand-daughter Taylor racing around the outside of the house while he timed her.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jean McKenna, his daughter Margot (Wilmshurst) Hayre (Scott Hayre ) Sackville Nova Scotia, son Nicholas (Angela (Maclellan) Wilmshurst) Porter's Lake; his granddaughter Tayor Hayre (Sackville), grandsons Callum and Zachery Wilmshurst Porters Lake); brother Gerald (Bev) Wilmshurst, Dartmouth, brother in law Rob McKenna (Porter's Lake) sister in law Dr. Anne McKenna (Saskatoon); nieces and nephews Paula Wilmshurst, Chris Wilmshurst, Shawn Wilmshurst, Sarah Fraser and James Fraser and many beloved cousins,

He was pre-deceased by his father John (Jack) Wilmshurst and his mother, Min Wilmshurst of Dartmouth

Dave adamantly insisted on NO funeral; a small gathering will take place in Porter's Lake in the near future. He loved his many cats and dogs; any memorial donations should be made to Bide a While, Dartmouth Nova Scotia.

A reference that the family would particularly understand, our daggerboard has suddenly shattered, and we are all a bit adrift. Loved forever, missed forever.

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  • 11/27/2023

    I'm just seeing this now and I'm truly sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a real part of the heart of our community. I worked briefly at Woodlawn Pharmacy. He was a lovely man and a skilled pharmacist. He is missed by many.

  • 04/18/2023

    Dave was as Good a man as there ever has been.

  • 09/26/2022

    Dear Margot & Family, Very sorry to hear about your father Margot. Our sincere condolences. Michelle Tully & Peter Craswell

  • 09/20/2022

    Jean and family, we were so sad to learn of the passing of Dave. Got to see and talk to him so often at Woodlawn Pharmacy when the kids were young, picking up prescriptions for them. On one occasion, he gave me a special concoction that he had specifically prepared for my daughter's diaper rash, after I mentioned to him that nothing on the shelf seemed to help. He was always so kind and helpful. I can still see him behind the pharmacy counter peering over his glasses as we chatted. Our sincere condolences to you on the passing of this gentle soul. Brad and Judy Barton

  • 09/18/2022

    I was deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing as were many of my friends - I can't imagine how saddened you ,Jean and all your family, must be. He was a legend in his own time and I feel privileged to have worked with him and the adorable staff at Woodlawn pharmacy during my first year of returning to work post divorce - he was a God send. His dry wit , kindness , generosity , wisdom and empathy were outstanding. He said so many quotable things and I've thought of them frequently over the years. He will be missed.

  • 09/18/2022

    Dave was the best pharmacist at Woodlawn Pharmacy! He was kind helpful and patient with everyone in a very pleasant way always! Condolences to your family! Linda & Gil Irwin

  • 09/17/2022

    Tears came to my eyes when I heard of Dave's passing. However, as I thought of my years working with him, I could not help but eventually smile. So many great memories of a very kind soul with the best sense of humour. Even on the toughest days in the pharmacy we would always have a giggle, if not a full on laugh out loud moment, over some comment from Dave. He had many little sayings or Dave-isms as I liked to call them. One of his Dave-isms was "purple for bravery" so in his honour I have added a purple candle to my message. How very fortunate I was to have had the pleasure and the honour of working with Dave for so many years. My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Dave made the world a more joyful place and is that not the best sort of legacy. Rest in peace my friend.

  • 09/17/2022

    Jean, we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. You and your family are in our thoughts. Lynn Burgess and Bruce Hilchey

  • 09/16/2022

    Jean: My sincere condolences to you and your family. While I only spoke with Dave over the phone, he impressed me as a kind and gentle man. May he rest in peace. Judith McPhee

  • 09/16/2022

    So sorry to hear the news. Dave was the BEST pharmacist - always had time for his patients, answered questions, gave advice, added his dry humour. I always called him 'Mr. Pharmacy', and told my students that he was the one to admire and respect. He was the best! He and Letty were the ultimate pair!

  • 09/16/2022

    I was saddened to hear of David's passing and offer my condolences to Jean and the family. David and I had a great relationship over the years and shared a lot of good conversations. I always appreciated the confidence he had in me professionally. I am sure your many fond memories will help you through this sad time. Mike Wild.

  • 09/16/2022

    My condolences to the family on this loss. I met Dave as a pharmacist; it was immediately clear that he was a person respected and beloved for his wisdom, kindness and integrity. I came to appreciate why, and feel fortunate to have known him. Sandra Aylward

  • 09/16/2022

    Dave and Jean showed so many kindnesses to me that I don't believe I can ever repay them. One of the first times we traveled together was a conference in BC. We managed a little road trip and went to explore the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge... with only one small snag. I was known in those days to always be wearing high heels. Dave made the experience even for hilarious by presenting me with a lovely little soapstone carving upon arriving back across that bridge. It was just one of those ways he made someone feel special and I will never forget the laughter of me teetering along on that bridge. Thank you Dave and Jean. Dave will be missed so much by so many but you most of all. He was your constant companion on so many road trips.

  • 09/16/2022

    Jean and family, I was so saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and colleague Dave. His passing will forever leave me knowing the pain of losing a valued friend. Many a story from all our Christmas Eve. store closings. Dave the true gentleman and story teller,you have touched many a soul. Greatly missed, Letty.

  • 09/16/2022

    Jean and Family- Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the sad passing our dear friend and colleague, Dave. Dave was one of my mentors and i worked with him for many years and will always treasure the many lessons I learned from him. His gentle demeanour, mastery of killing with kindness and the dry sense of humour that made any difficult or challenging situation seem very minor and easily surmountable was his hallmark. He was an icon in the pharmacy world and a role model of kindness for humanity. May the good Lord give you all strength to get through this difficult time . I am positive that you will all draw strength from the many many lovely memories each covered with a flavour of his tremendous sense of humour. Dave , my friend, may the good Lord bless your soul and may you rest in peace . Billy Sheikh

  • 09/16/2022

    Dear Jean, I am sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family. From reading his obituary and online messages, I can see that Dave was a hardworking, husband, father and grandfather who was full of kindness and love for his patients, community, family and friends. I hope all the memories of your lives together will bring you love and comfort at this difficult time.

  • 09/15/2022

    Jean and family, all though I never had the opportunity to meet David I did hear a couple of stories about him to know his essence. My deepest sympathies to all of the family and friends. Kindest regards, Jan Currie ( Donnas sister)

  • 09/15/2022

    Both Cindi and I would like to offer our sincere condolences on Dave's passing. Remembering all the fun times and hope you keep in your heart all the good times you,Dave, and family shared together. David Westerman

  • 09/15/2022

    Dave has been forever kind and gentle since I first met him at PerryHope Pharmacy in Rockingham around 1960.So sorry,Jean and family,on your loss of such a wonderful man.

  • 09/15/2022

    I met and worked with Dave at Lawtons Main Street. He was a very kind man with a wonderful sense of humor. He had a smile for everyone.. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends...Threasa Henwood..

  • 09/15/2022

    So very saddened to see that Dave has passed away. Sending our sincere condolences to you Jean, Nick and Margo and your families. Hugs... Lynn and Eric Naugle

  • 09/15/2022

    So sorry for your loss. Growing up on Grimes ave across the street from Min & Jack, I recall helping Dave set his concrete pad in Porter's Lake. Dave was a very kind hearted person. I will always remember walking into Lawton's and Dave would be Looking over the top of his glasses to see who he was talking to. Aways a professional he treated everyone with kindness. With his calming soft spoken voice and smile, Dave always made you feel at ease. Although I've not seen Dave since he retired, I will never forget his kindness. - Brian Bezanson

  • 09/15/2022

    So sorry to learn of your loss. Donna and Murray Forbes

  • 09/15/2022

    Jean, I was so sad to read of your husband's passing. Sending a big hug...

  • 09/15/2022

    Jean and family, In the days of Woodlawn Pharmacy, I remember Dave behind the counter, answering my endless questions so patiently. I am so sorry for your loss. The obituary tells of a life well lived and well loved. Janice Mason

  • 09/15/2022

    I worked with David many years at Lawtons Drugs. A very nice man. Ready to help anyone. He will be missed. Condolences to all his family and friends. Ronald Smith

  • 09/15/2022

    Margo, Nick, (children) and your mom. You have our deepest thoughts and prayers during this sad time. You had a wonderful dad/husband and grandad, who always had a smile for anyone he approached. He had a zest for life and enjoyed all of us who came over to visit with you all. His home was our home and we always felt welcomed. He will be missed.

  • 09/15/2022

    Jean - my condolences to you and your family. May your memories bring you some measure of comfort in the days to come. Kim Clarke

  • 09/15/2022

    So many lovely memories of chats with David he was so kind and helpful. He drove me to the church on my wedding day in his old Mercedes, a memorable drive. Condolences to all the family. Joy Wilmshurst

  • 09/15/2022

    Jean our condolences to you and your family. Sincerely Nancy&Sid Way

  • 09/14/2022

    I met and worked with Dave for many years at Lawtons Woodlawn. What a lot of fun it was. He was a very kind man, loved by all his staff and so many of the patients. Every shift worked with Dave was a pleasure. I am indeed saddened by his sudden passing. My condolences to his family!

  • 09/14/2022

    So sorry to hear if Dave s passing. He was a wonderful kind and caring gentleman who had a great sense of humor! I so enjoyed working with him at Lawtons for several years and will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. Sue Ripley

  • 09/14/2022

    Many years ago I came to spend the day with Dave while my kids were in summer camp. We, along with Freckles, decided to go for a boat ride. We got far up the lake when, unknown to us, Freckles, had stepped on the kill switch and the boat shut down. We were drifting into shore so Dave jumped out to prevent the boat from hitting the rocks, eventually I had to jump out as well. We brought the boat ashore and Dave went up to the nearby house to ask for help. There were just a couple of kids home and they wouldn't let this soaking wet man in their home. He came back down to the shore and said "they think I am a murderer, you go". I went up to the house and the kids were more receptive to giving me help but by this time Dave discovered what Freckles had done. We got the boat going and made our way back to his house. I had to immediately take off, soaking wet, to go pick my kids up from camp. This was such a funny day and I tell this story repeatedly. Never a dull moment with Dave whether it be at work, Lawton's Woodlawn or in Porters Lake. RIP Dave, you will be greatly missed but your stories live on.-Wendy Peters

  • 09/14/2022

    So sorry for your loss Jean and family. Thanks, Melanie MacIsaac

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