It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of David Michael Vanwhy Jr, who left us on April 18, 2019, at the age of 32. He is pre-deceased by his grandmother Anne Gifford and his father David Sr. He leaves behind to mourn his mother Betty, his grandfather Bart, his many cousins, uncles, aunts, family members, his friends, and his fiancé Liz. He was a devoted and loving son and grandson, who adored his father and lovingly took care of him in his final years. He had a huge family who loved and supported him throughout his life, and who are devasted by their loss.
Originally from St Petersburg, Florida, David was born with Cystic Fibrosis and received a double lung transplant 8 years ago. He has lived every day since with positivity, enthusiasm, passion, and hope. He met Liz a few months later, and she has loved him ever since. He moved to Winnipeg this past year to marry her, and they had hoped to start a family and give her son Liam a sibling. They did many things together including trips to Las Vegas, playing video games, adopting a puppy, and walks in the snow. He loved the cold weather, and he had just had his very first white Christmas ever. They also argued about politics quite frequently, but he good-naturedly lost every debate. So she says. He was an attentive and thoughtful partner who showered Liz with attention, love, respect, fuzzy socks, and homemade pancakes. He will forever be missed and she will never be the same.
He was passionate and enthusiastic about everything he did and didn’t take any day for granted. He loved video games, horror movies, animals, and especially the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles. He didn’t want people to think he was angel, but he was an angel to many. He was not a forgiving man and did not give you a second chance if you hurt or disappointed him. But if you were lucky enough to be considered his friend, he would move the world for you and never let you down. He was funny with a quick wit and an infectious laugh, strong and kind to critters, and he was a softie with kids, especially his friend’s daughter Zoe, who had him wrapped around her little finger.
A special thanks to his Aunt Cathy and friend Ron, who made multiple trips to Canada to help in these darkest of times. I cannot name everyone who touched his life and made it better, but you know who you are. There will be a memorial service in Florida on June 23rd. There is no way to describe all he was and all he meant in one small passage, so I won’t try. Just know that the world is worse off without him, even if you never met him.
“This is true love – you think this happens every day?” The Princess Bride
8 thoughts on “David Vanwhy Jr.”
I miss how you used to make the bed so that the sheets wouldn’t become untucked. My life will now forever have untucked sheets. I love you. Always.
David was a great guy. I only met him a few times, but man did we hit it off right off the bat. We had a great time sharing the same interests and views on religion and politics. Man could we get each other laughing. I wish I had known David before, and had met him a lot more often than I had. David, thanks for the many laughs. You will be missed by many. Liz and David’s family, I am deeply saddened and sorry for your loss. I am happy to hear that his double lung transplant did at least give him another 8 years. Rest In Peace David. Breathe easy now, brother.
David, you made my beloved goddaughter very happy.Thank you.Wish I could have known you.
I can’t say all I want to say about David as this site says the message was too long. How can you put such a limit for such an amazing person he was. It can’t truly
Be summed up in only a few words. I feel almost offended! He was a sweet soul, the brother I wish I had, the family I would chose if we had a choice. I hate CF for robbing us of such a great person! Breathe easy David!
Dave was my best friend but I also considered him a brother, whom I could talk to about anything. I will always remember his witty and fearless sense of humor.
I met Dave through a video game 15 years ago and we have kept in touch every since. He was the one person I could call anytime I wanted to and talk. I done the same for him. We could talk on the phone for hours! You will be greatly missed my friend! You where like a brother to me!
I’m so sorry your family has to endure such pain. There are no words to describe the loss of you Jr. The only comfort I know your mom has is your dads with you. Of course telling jokes. I will never forget you or Sr. May God Bless your family and fiancée. I will miss you!
I met David on a video game 6-7 years ago. We became Facebook friends and I would “wave” to him every time he flew over my state to get to Liz. I just found out that you passed. I have been thinking about you and your beloved Liz ever since. Rest assured I will make sure she will be MrsSackofmeat as soon as classic comes out! I am going to miss you and you will always and forever be my favorite “Sack.” Fly high, my friend!