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In Loving Memory Of
Dave Heise
June 25, 1924 ~ March 29, 2020
Age 95 Years
Edwin Davidson (Dave) Heise passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020 in Birch Lodge, Hamiota.
Dave was born on the family farm in Isabella to Russel and Thirza Heise on June 25, 1924. He was the oldest of 5 boys—Doug, Art, Lawrence, and John. On the farm, Dave learned an appreciation for nature, wildlife, and people. Throughout his life he was interested in growing gardens, in the crops in the fields and in his feathered friends. He also inherited a gentle nature, friendly disposition, and generosity which lasted to the final day of his life. He was able to converse with all, from young children to the staff in the nursing home, showing a genuine interest and kindness to everyone. As he grew up, Dave was also involved in sports and was a keen competitor, especially in ball and curling.
Dave took Grades 1-11 at Isabella school, then boarded at Miniota for Grade 12. He graduated in 1942 during WWII. A short time after this, he joined the RCAF, and was stationed at various points across Canada—training and serving as an aircraft mechanic. Following three years in the RCAF and the end of WWII, he came back to Manitoba and attended the Diploma Agriculture Course at University of Manitoba. He graduated in 1949, after serving as his class president for the year. Farming was in his blood and he purchased the Marshall quarter northwest of Isabella. He farmed initially with his father and brothers Doug and Art in mixed farming. Cows were milked by hand, cream separated and shipped in cream cans to Miniota Creamery. When he sold the cows, he then went into pig farming and lastly grain farming.
Dave married Margaret Doupe from Crandall, on October 27, 1951, and this marriage stayed strong until his passing, almost 69 years. They worked hard to establish their farm and home, starting off in a tiny house, then eventually building two more houses. Three children were born to them—Sandra Louise, in 1953, Allan Davidson in 1955, and Carolyn Jane in 1957. Dave became a wonderful dad to these three, and spent much time with all of them teaching them to play ball, taking them to different events, camping, and enjoying good times and fun with them. In later years, Dave and Allan farmed together. By this time, the land base had expanded and they were into grain farming.
Dave was a valued community and church member, always doing his part to help out. He was a community worker wherever he was, serving on boards in Isabella, on the Hospital and Heritage Condo boards in Hamiota, in Texas on the Pine to Palm Park Board.
In 1980, Marg and Dave took their first big trip to New Zealand and Australia. Travelling was of great interest to Dave and he enjoyed learning about new places. They had trips to Alaska, Ireland, Mexico, points in the United States and throughout Canada. They bought a home in Pine to Palm park in Weslaco and spent most of the winters there for the next 30+ years. Great fun was had with their winter friends—playing cards, golfing, having “happy hours”. After they no longer could drive to Texas, they went to Osoyoos for 5 years, and spent time there with some of the same friends.
In 1999, Dave and Marg left Isabella, and bought a condo on Heritage Drive in Hamiota. This was to be their home for the next 21 years. Here they also made many friends and participated in golfing and social events. Dave learned to “stick curl” when he was 91.
Dave always appreciated family, and stayed in touch with them all. When his grandchildren arrived, he became a natural grandparent, and shared many things with them. He was not too old to get down on the floor and play, or to jump on the trampoline! On Thanksgiving Sundays at family get-togethers, even into his 80s, he played in the yearly soccer match. He always showed his keen competitive spirit, and sense of good sportsmanship.
In the last two years of his life, Dave had some challenges to face. A stroke in 2018 set him back, and changed his mobility. He faced it with determination, and only entered personal care in January of 2020. Again, he became good friends with the staff and others in the facility, but eventually his body wore out, and he could no longer go on.
Dave will be missed by his wife, Margaret, children Sandra (Don) Armitage, Allan Heise, Carolyn (Rob) Somerville and grandchildren Brian (Candice) Armitage, Lyle (Loni) Armitage, Kerilee (Dustin Fouillard), Tegan (Emanuel) Vieira, Chelsea Somerville, and 9 great-grandchildren—Claire, Logan, Evan and Cole Armitage, Libby, Layne and Lochlan Armitage, Carter and Addison Fouillard. He is also survived by his brothers Lawrence (Lynn) Heise, John (Merle) Heise, sisters-in-laws Margaret L. (Art) Heise, Vel (Stan) Doupe, Noraleen (Ron) Doupe, cousins Shirley and Ed Zacharias, Margaret Schick, Jean Smithen as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great- nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Russel and Thirza, brothers Doug and Doug’s wife Shirley Heise, Art Heise, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Harold and Joyce Doupe, Ben and Audrey Doupe, Ron Doupe, Stan Doupe.
Cremation has taken place. A service of remembrance to honor Dave will be held at Isabella Hall on August 20, 2020, at 2:00 PM. It will be outside and COVID-19 distancing will be in place.
Donations in memory of Dave can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dave Heise, please visit our floral store.
Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba
100 - 119 14 St NW, Calgary AB T2N 1Z6
Web: http://www.heartandstroke.ca
A Charity of One's Choice