David John Lorette

We announce with heavy hearts that Dave passed away peacefully at Nanaimo Hospital on January 18, 2023, at the age of 81. Dave is survived by Keni, his beloved wife of 42 years, his Boston Terriers, Monkey and Austin, and many cherished friends and loved ones.

Born in Swan River, Manitoba, Dave was the seventh of 10 children born to Frank and Julia. The family bought a dairy farm and moved to Abbotsford, BC in 1944.  As a young man, Dave made his way to northern BC where he worked in the logging industry until he discovered a passion for fishing while on a trip to Prince Rupert. Working in the fishing industry and eventually owning his own boat and business, Dave fished for 35 years. The biggest catch for Dave was the love of his life, Keni, who he met on a fishing boat in Nanaimo in 1979. They were married the following year, and in 1981, they moved to Gabriola Island, where Dave operated a gravel and excavation business for the next 40 years.

Dave loved all animals; he also enjoyed travel, vegetable gardening, and had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and new adventures. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years.  Dave was known for his quick wit and jovial demeanour, but lesser known is the fact that “Twinkle Toes” was also a Ball Room dancer.  Dave put passion and energy into everything he did. Nothing was too much for him, as he could figure anything out, and he enjoyed doing just that. 

Thoughtful and generous; Dave was always there to help people out, whether by mentoring, motivating, being supportive, or just plain listening, something he was wonderful at doing. He was always ready to contribute in any capacity; he thrived on doing this throughout his life.

Dave, you will be missed terribly by all those who were lucky enough to know you.

Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 6234 Spartan Rd., Nanaimo.

Farmers Market

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Ferry docked during day

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Polar Bear Tea

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Descanso Park

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Twin Beaches calm

Clinic

Ambulance on ferry

Gabriola Ferry docked at night

The Malaspina Galleries

Potato Cannons

Remembrance Day

Chamber awards

Car Show

Lions Concert on the Green

Market Musicians

Peace Doves

Lnd Gathering launch

Sail Past