Peacefully, and with great dignity, David Clayton Wegelin (Dad) left this world for his next adventure surrounded by family and with the thoughts and prayers of so many.
Dad was born in the Turner Valley hospital one fine summer day in 1942. He was the baby of the family, with two brothers and a sister who were a few years older than him. As a child, Dad knew and loved the life on the family farm just south of Black Diamond. His mother, Phyllis and father, Jacques, coordinated Scouts, Girl Guides and participated in many community events. Through them, Dad learned that participating in your community is an essential part of rural living.
To say Dad was kind was an understatement. He took the time to be present, listen attentively and would regularly offer help with a “let me know if I can do anything at all”. With a small smile and a quiet nature, Dad was that guy in your corner - always loving, caring and supportive. We will miss him very much.
Dad often talked about his joy in growing up in what is now called Diamond Valley. He loved telling us about riding his horse to school and how the Turner Valley golf club house was once his high school. Driving with Dad was always a great history lesson; he knew so much about the Foothills Region and the many farming families with whom the Wegelins became acquainted over the years.
Dad attended SAIT to become a radio technician - something with which he credits Bill Abess with instilling an interest in him. In early 1960, Dad eagerly grasped the opportunity to work on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line on Baffin Island. He and four other men were in charge of operating and maintaining the system during the Cold War.
After the DEW line, Dad worked for the BC Ministry of Forests as a radio technician as well as for Motorola, Tad Radio and Daniels Electronics. He retired in 2012. He and Mom (Carolyn) moved back to the family farm in 2013 to care for his only sister, Ida.
When Dad wasn’t floor curling at the Griffiths Centre or Valley Neighbours, he could be found walking the quarter section of the farm he loved so much. He also enjoyed dinner events at the Griffiths or at the Turner Valley Legion, where he was a dedicated member for more than 50 years.
Gone far too soon, and loved greatly, Dad is survived by his son, Austin (Traci), nieces Danielle (Troy), Megan (Phil), Leah (Bob), Gail (Mike), Susan (Steve), Allison (Shawn) and nephews Steven, Pat (Penny) and Jim (Pao). Dad is predeceased by his wife, Carolyn, daughter, Adrianne, sister, Ida and brothers Etienne (Paul) and Gaspard (Gus).
A memorial will be held on November 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm at United Church in the Valley, followed by a reception at Turner Valley Royal Canadian Legion #78 at 3 pm. Austin and Traci want to express their gratitude for the loving care of nurses and doctors at both Rockyview and Oilfields Hospitals.
