David Morrell, after bravely facing cancer for three years, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years Valerie (Pitzel), his sons Derek and Ryan (Dohee) and grandson Carter. He left behind an adoring clan of Pitzels and too many friends to count.
Dave came from very difficult circumstances. He was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on February 8, 1942. His mother Mae Rowe passed away when he was 4 months old, his father abandoned him as a toddler and at five years of age he was taken in by social services. Too old and too rowdy to ever be adopted he was shuffled from foster home to foster home, passing through 11 placements across rural Saskatchewan. His best years in social services were with “Gram” Ellison and the lifelong friends he made in Beatty, Saskatchewan.
With a foundation like that you wouldn’t expect the much beloved father, husband, friend and treasured uncle that he became. Dave was gifted with boundless energy and a gregarious nature. Everywhere he went he had a friend. Not one to knock on a door, he would barge on in with a booming hello. Friendly conversation and lots of laughter always followed. He was at home in any crowd, always befriending someone regardless of class, creed or culture. From his incredibly difficult childhood grew a deep empathy for the underdog with no tolerance for bullies.
Dave was a very passionate guy. He worked hard, golfed hard and played bridge to win. A die-hard Rider fan, Elvis fan, and absolute hockey fanatic. Also curling, don’t forget curling. He had an incredibly sharp memory, but some stories were told with a little extra flair. He had simple tastes, meat, potatoes and a side of ketchup, lots of ketchup. An eternal optimist, he lived a happy life with gusto.
We will always remember and cherish this diamond in the rough.
A Celebration of Life will be held in November, 2022. For further details (TBD) and to leave condolences please visit: www.MyAlternatives.ca.
In lieu of flowers go drive a golf ball.