It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David Charles Donegan on October 30, 2023.
Dave was born in Watford, England on December 3, 1969. He grew up with his older sister Lisa, and attended Garston School where he established a tight group of lifelong friends. Dave played football (soccer) from an early age and was coached by his dad, Charlie, most of his early years. This is where his passion for football and Liverpool FC was born.
Dave worked briefly in England and then began his casino career onboard Dolphin Cruise Lines, where he met his wife, Melanie. He continued to work in the casino industry on board ships, and after he immigrated to Canada in 1997.
Dave married Melanie in St. Kitts in 1997 and they continued their married life in Calgary, Alberta. He became a proud father to Sarah and Jessica in June of 2004. Dave spent many a night tag team bottle feeding his infant twins.
Dave loved Canadian summers and especially enjoyed camping with his girls and walking his dog with a Slurpee and the girls in tow. Dave also looked forward to golf and camping opportunities with his casino friends, and to road trip adventures with his lifelong English mates. Dave was an avid darts and pool player and spent countless hours with family and friends in the basement. His daughters, unlike his wife, became proficient players of pool and darts.
Dave loved his family and enjoyed watching and coaching the girls’ sports from both the bench and the sidelines. He had a special affection for his dog Monty. We will miss his kindness, his laughter, and his sayings of “big girl’s blouse”, “cheeky monkey” and “gentle, gentle” when instructing us on our pool shots.
Dave will be missed deeply by his wife Melanie, daughters Jessica and Sarah, sister Lisa (Tony) Knight, and his large extended family, close friends, and colleagues.
Dave was predeceased by his mother Joan and father Charlie. At Dave’s request, there will not be a funeral service. We will have a Celebration of Life with date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.
6 Comments
Dave was an amazing human. He loved to talk sports and politics but was always friendly regardless. He was loads of fun and he will be greatly missed.
So sad to loose such a special friend. Although we were miles apart, Dave was always in my thoughts. He had an infectious laugh, the most competitive spirit and was always fun to be around. You will be sorely missed by me and your mates. X
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David was one of my favorite Englishmen, and a true gentleman. I will miss you, “Cheeky Monkey” 💖
Mel, Sarah and Jessica, we are heartbroken to hear of Dave’s passing.
We have lots of great memories of Dave from cheering on our girl’s soccer teams, playing in the men’s community football league with all of the dads and from a small stint in curling. Dave and all of the dads shared many laughs together on the sidelines and on the pitch. Our sincerest condolences to you all. We are thinking of you ladies. Jayme, Melanie, Olivia and Mateo Battle
I worked with Dave at two different casinos and he was always carrying his heart in his sleeve. He was quiet, funny and thoughtful. He would talk about his girls all the time and how they got into trouble (cheeky monkeys). He was a wonderful man and I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. My condolences to his family.
So very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Such a shock to lose such a special person so early in live. Thinking of you at this most difficult time. Huggs