David Stanley Gooding passed away peacefully in the hospital in Burns Lake on January 30, 2005, after a courageous fight with cancer.
David was born in Vernon on Jan. 25, 1931. He spent his early years in Rossland and Lumby.
In 1951, he joined the reserves of the BC Dragoons and took officers training at Camp Borden. In 1952, he attended Normal School in Vancouver and taught in the Prince George district before moving to Burns Lake in 1954 with his wife Pat.
Dave spent the next 50 years in the Burns Lake area. He taught school in the Burns Lake Elementary and for 14 years was principal of Grassy Plains Elementary Secondary School.
In 1974, Dave left teaching and opened a sporting goods business, D&D Service and from 1988 to 1998 he sold Real Estate for Frame Realty.
Dave was a member of the Kinsmen and in later years, the Rotary.
Dave loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, and a long time member of the Rod and Gun Club. He was most content on the river or in the forest. After retirement, he enjoyed his times with the seniors, curling and golfing. His greatest delight was in his grandchildren.
Dave was predeceased by his parents Louis Joseph and Rose Alma Gooding and by his granddaughter Stephanie.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, his sons; Dave, Steve (Adele), Gordon (Lee), and his daughter, Chantal Phillips (Lyle), grandchildren; Tasha, Jeremy, Katie, Cisco, Brittney, Jordan, Betsy, Alec, Christopher, River, Jonathan, Emma and Lucas.
Dave was a man of integrity; loyal, loving, and always a gentleman.
“The love you’ve given remains behind to light our lives”.