Obituary of David William SHIRLEY

October 11, 1946 - February 13, 2021 Peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with cancer with his children Jason Shirley and Lisa Shirley by his side at Headwaters Hospital on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Loving Fiancé to Joyce Cowen and her three children James Cowen, Angela (Nigel) Dearsley, and Tammy Cowen (John). Beloved brother to Diane (Bob) Brett, Lorraine (Harvey) Clark, Bob (Brenda) Shirley, Karen Sherrard (Ted). Grandfather to Alexander, Lucas, Nick, Tim, Lorissa, Kevin, Dylan. Great Grandfather to Nathan and James and many nieces and nephews. David took great pride in his work as a general contractor for over 50 years and ensured that his customers were satisified. In his early years he enjoyed playing many different card games, hunting and spoke fondly of his hunting camp friends and secretly wrote poetry. His brother and sisters were always playing practical jokes on each other, which they all laugh about. Anyone who ever met him, always remembers a joke that he told or how he helped lift their spirits. As the years passed, he loved going to Bingo and periodically the Casino with his long time fiancé Joyce and sometimes children. Written By David Shirley: It's Not Just A Tear I'm lying in the hospital bed, with tears coming down my cheeks. There's beauty in my tears, remembering my childhood playground, my dad's farm. It was alive with my brother and sisters and my mom and dad too! The hard work and the hard times gave me a sense of responsibility towards my future. The unspoken love throughout our home always played a part in my business and friendships towards anyone I met. Because of that, there has been no one that I have met, that I could not find love, passion and friendship towards. Then life started to take its course, found a job, started to date, bought a car and a house. Engagement and marriage was not on my endeavor to succeed. Wow, tears of life where next when my wife gave birth to Jason, then Lisa. Now, a few years past before my divorce; that too was not sad tears, for two children, that I love as much were born to the Shirley name. Only the Lord and I truly know how happy they have fulfilled my life. Then in my 40's, Joyce entered my life. She had raised three children and was a widow for over two years. From then to now, she has five grandchildren. My son and daughter were both single parents. Jason had a son Alex, and Lisa had a son Lucas. More tears, more love, more joy, and smiles all around. Can you imagine in our 70's we have seven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren? Jayce has had a stroke and I have had a heart attack. Then the doctors have found cancer in my body. I am not sad. Cancer had spread throughout my family. This I hope, is where it stops. Life and belief has been good. Another tear, another smile; life as we know it may end, but memories can go on and on. Can you even think about living without a tear, without love, trust, a companion? It would be like, married to yourself with no children, no friends and no responsibility. I'm so fortunate to have so many grandchildren; two by blood and five by friendship. I don't drink liquor nor beer. I've never done drugs all thru my life. But to catch a tear any time of the year Is to help someone through their strife. As expressions of sympathy, donations to The Canadian Cancer Society made in David's memory would be great appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Shirley Family.