It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David Newcombe on May 25th, 2017 after a horrific battle with ALS. Left with loving and cherished memories are his soulmate and beloved wife, Susan (nee Jeanveau), his cherished mother Eva Laitinen-Burlock, his treasured children Flex “Christopher” Nukem (Ashli Norheim) and Kimberly-Anne Gour (Mike Labre), and the jewels of his lifetime, his treasured granddaughters Ashley Gour (Will), Kaylie Gour, and Azalea Norheim-Nukem. A special place in his heart was taken up by his loving siblings, brother Robert (Susan), sister Sandra, and sister Lori (Bob Merritt). Cherished brother-in-law to Florence, Diane, Floyd, Bonnie, Rolly, Gisele, and Ronda.

David is now resting and has joined his father Norman “Ed” (Rosetta Mae), his best friend Hans and Sandy Kreitlow, his son-in-law Peter Gour, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Aldege and Jeanne, as well as his in-laws Leo, Robert, Jean-Paul, Diane, Mark, and his nieces Lisa, Chantal, and Misty.

David will always be remembered as a workaholic, having retired with over 30 years’ service as a crane operator at Vale. Later in life, farming became his love. A gentle man, his way with his animals was evident in the way they responded. He called them by name and they came running. His farm animals were the happiest, most content and spoiled animals alive. The cattle, pigs, and especially the donkeys adored him and waited patiently to hear his voice. His love of Rosa, Rosie, and so many others will be missed. He would still be working, had ALS not struck him down.

“Courageous” and “brave” can do nothing to describe the time spent in David’s company, facing life as it came with grace and dignity while he suffered from this terrible illness. He was so grateful and so overwhelmed by the various acts of kindness and sympathy demonstrated by family, friends, and colleagues, who visited, traveled from out of town, and sacrificed their time and energy to be there for him when he became ill, in so many different ways. David cherished every minute in their company and loved the time spent together. Years of company at David’s home left everyone with memories to treasure. The house was a gold mine of cherished moments with a lot of love and memories. Your love and devotion through the years were treasured, and our home was constantly full of love, easing our suffering and our hearts.

We wish to express a very special thank you to our wonderful friends and family for all their compassion and care, Diane who always kept every one fed well, Rob, Sue, Kim, Mike, Bobby, Lori, Justin, Benson, Guy, Steven, Denis, Chance, Chris, Rolly, Gisele, Jeanne and so many others who gave up so much of their time, drove long distances and gave such energy and determination to labour at the unfinished jobs and things that needed to be done while David suffered with ALS. Also a very special thank you to Michel Richer who, daily, spent so much of his strength, patience and time helping David and Sue with the chores and yard work that seemed to be never ending in his last years. Thank you to everyone including so many of his nieces and nephews, family and special friends from all across Canada who had been a great source of comfort and strength and many who were steadfast in their thoughtfulness and moral support all through the years. Special thanks to Claire Warren, Natalie Fretz, for their care and kindness. He could not sit still, he had to go.

Funeral Service
in the
R.J. Barnard Chapel
Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home
233 Larch Street, Sudbury
Sunday, May 28th, 2017 at 11:30 A.M.
(Friends may gather after 11:00 A.M. Sunday)
Interment in the Estaire Cemetery.
Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.