DAVID PETRIE

1948 DAVID PETRIE – 2025
It is with inconsolable grief that we announce the unexpected passing of David Wayne Petrie this July at Foothills ICU, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a good fight, having beat colon cancer ten years ago, but it got him in the end no pun intended (though that would have made him chuckle). David’s sense of humor was ever-present, even in the hardest moments.
Born in Toronto to David Petrie and Anne Massie, David was an only child who faced early loss with resilience, after his father passed away when David was just eleven. He graduated third in his Engineering class at the University of Toronto with honours just a month after his mother’s passing. A natural leader from a young age, David was one of only two Eaton’s Junior Councillor Representatives at Nelson Boylan Secondary School. His early career was as diverse as it was energetic selling real estate, installing carpets, teaching scuba diving, and even winning some rally trophies. In 1973, David met Heather at Toronto’s CIL Paint Lab at Castlefield and Caledonia. Ever the strategist, he sent his friend Wayne Voyce to her desk to scope things out. What followed were many late-night conversations about the meanings of time. David never wasted time when he knew something was right, and by December 1974, they were married a union of unconditional love that has lasted 50 years and will continue into eternity. A few years later, they welcomed their daughter, Meredith. From that moment on, David was her unwavering champion offering encouragement, wisdom, and a safe harbor through life’s storms. David’s career was marked by integrity, ethics, and unstoppable drive. During a challenging period of unemployment, he found fulfillment teaching Adult Education in Red Deer and still made it home each night to Calgary to be with his family. Soon after, he joined TransCanada Pipelines, a company he had always dreamed of working for, as a consultant for its subsidiary Cancarb. After becoming permanent and making the move to Medicine Hat, he finished his career as President of Cancarb (Tokai Carbon Group). He loved the job dearly and considered his colleagues family. David loved to cook, especially with Meredith, sharing a passion for bold flavours and wok hei. He read the Medicine Hat News daily, enjoyed the “Ticked Off and Tickled Pink” section, and had a soft spot for every stray cat that crossed his path. Honest to a fault likely the last person feeding parking meters at YXH he always sought the good in others. He is survived by his beloved wife, Heather; daughter, Meredith; and son-in-law, Michael Paget. Also grieving are Michael’s parents, Don and Jan Paget; his sisters-in-law, Dr. Jacqueline (Paget) Pradko (husband, Dr. Jim Pradko and son, Blake) and Christine (Paget) Rimac (husband, Zvonko and sons, Matthew and Spencer); and David’s brother-in-law, Bradley Scott (wife, Agnes). David also leaves behind countless friends across the globe. The family would like to thank those at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital who really connected with David during his time there, and to Candice from the Foothills ICU whose compassion was immeasurable! A celebration of life will be held in September 2025. Details to follow on the Saamis memorial page (https://www.saamis.com). The family invites those who knew and appreciated David to share a memory on the memorial page In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta to support a fund that will serve as a lasting legacy in his honor. Ways to give can be found at https://cfsea.ca/donate/. Donations over $25 will receive a tax receipt. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading David Petrie. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.