David Francis Podruzny
For our dad, “gramps”, brother, cousin, nephew, friend and more.
Dave passed suddenly and unexpectedly, out doing what he loved, taking a summer evening jog, near his home in Edmonton, Alberta.
Dave was active right up until his final moments and had been planning an ambitious and personally rewarding excursion back into the Alberta Rocky Mountains for a multi-day hiking trip. He was an avid jogger, walker (dog walker!), hiker, alpine skier, and of course more recently, keeping up with the grandkids on their many days of adventures! On some days, I would wager a guess that they likely needed to keep up with him. Dave was not well known for sitting still, which has added to the inevitable shock that the family has experienced in these past few days, but certainly also adds some important levity to an otherwise intense situation.
Dave had just retired from a long and very illustrious career that he still was so fond and so proud of talking about. He was able to travel the world from his time spent in the Federal Government to his time in the private sector; those travels were such a pivotal part of his life, and added such an important layer of understanding and cultural awareness to the way he lived his life. He was also sure to add a day or two to each trip to explore the city his own way, go for a few jogs to take in the sights, and since the dawn of the Smartphone, be sure to snap as many pictures as he could. He was very proud of his career and even in retirement, will be remembered for the work he contributed to. He was a rare breed that not only loved the work, but also the challenge that it offered.
We know that Dave will be remembered in so many ways by so many people. Not least of which for his affinity for a bad pun (in more recent years, given their own aptly named description in pop culture, now known as “dad jokes”), his relentless quest for knowledge, his professionalism, his faith and connection to his extended church family, his voracious appetite for reading and profound enthusiasm in combing old, second-hand bookstores for hidden gems (extra points if they related to Peace River Country or historical Canadian rail lines), his participation in community and church choirs, and his absolute reliability if anyone ever needed a hand (or a chain saw, or some “man power”).
Dave and Faye had just recently relocated from their home (of many years) outside Ottawa to Edmonton to be closer to the grandkids, and to begin the transition into what would become the retirement years. They have many friends and family in cities across the continent and in this, the year punctuated by Covid, our time of memorial will look a little different.
A small graveside memorial service and green burial will be held on Friday, August 28th at Rosehill Cemetery at 1:00pm (mountain time) and will be live-streamed thanks to our high-tech and generous family members.
Rosehill Cemetery: 1605 141 Street SW, Edmonton
The livestream for those who cannot make it can be viewed in YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/WQvKcPqC1cc
Incidentally, August 28th, the day we will lay Dave to rest, is also Dave and Faye’s wedding anniversary. This will be year 49.
In lieu of flowers (which are not permitted to remain at the grave site) donations may be made to:
Laurentian Camp Cherith
268 River Farm Lane
Lanark, ON K0G 1K0
St. Felix Centre
25 Augusta Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2K7
C&MA Global Advance Fund
c/o Beulah Alliance Church
17504 98A Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5T 5T8
Faye, words can’t express how sorry I am for this devastating loss. Take comfort in your family.
Our thoughts will continue to be with you Faye. Love and hugs from Eliza and Chi Wai
Dear Faye and family
I pray for your healing and your comfort in the coming days. Hold on to your faith and know that God is there with you.
Gail Boutilier (AJN choir)
In lieu of flowers (which are not permitted to remain at the grave site) donations may be made to:
Laurentian Camp Cherith
268 River Farm Lane
Lanark, ON K0G 1K0
St. Felix Centre
25 Augusta Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2K7
C&MA Global Advance Fund
c/o Beulah Alliance Church
17504 98A Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5T 5T8
Dave was a great friend I met at church. A humble, well read, intriguing and out reaching individual. Enjoyed the bible studies and just general conversations I had with him.
Our deepest sympathies, Rae and Debbie Dulmage
So very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. It has been a pleasure knowing the family over the years when you were in Ottawa, and serving together in various ministry roles. Dave was always ready with a helping hand, a kind word, or a silly joke. My condolences and prayers are with the family.
Faye so sorry to hear…. our condolences to the whole family…. Gordon has been thinking of you lately and we both appreciated both of you so much…. May the Peace that comes for God alone be with you…Our best to Kyle as well….
Sandra and I send our sincere condolences to Faye and the family. I worked with Dave at the chemical industry trade association where he was a hard working employee, well liked and respected by all in the association office, the Canadian and international chemical industries and governments. Following my retirement 15 years ago, we enjoyed staying in touch with Faye and Dave, keeping up with their family developments and attending numerous excellent concerts presented by their community choir based in Almonte, Ontario. He will be missed by many people here and around the world.
Dear Faye: We are just so shocked by the news of Dave’s death. May the treasured memories of the 49 years you had with him bring you comport in your grief. We hope he is now with your little daughter you lost so many years ago. God bless you in your time of sorrow. Sincerely, Peter and Ruth Nelson.
Faye, Kyle, Nadia and family,
When you hear that someone dear has passed away, one often asks how did they die?
I think it’s more important to question, how did they live? Dave lived each day with a passion for those around him. He cared about others in a way that made him unforgettable. He will be surely missed; but those who knew him will remember him, and carry him in their hearts all of their days. I send our sincere condolences and love at this sad time, and wish you peace and blessings in the days ahead. With love, Deena and Rick.
To Faye and Family, our heartfelt condolences to the entire family.
Faye,dear Sister in the Lord, my sincere condolences for your loss. God Keep you and protect you Peace to you and family.
Sorry to hear that Dave passed. I was once in the same bible study group and singing group to seniors with Dave and Faye. Knowing that he touched so many hearts in this life. God will keep him safe. God bless Faye.
To Dave’s wife and family: My deepest condolences on Dave’s sudden and unexpected passing. I worked with Dave (when he was with CIAC) for many years and marvelled at his passion for petrochemicals, for nature and for an enlivening conversation. By my reckoning, Dave led a commendable life; he taught us so much about the petchem industry and, most importantly, about how to take a great hike in the mountains. His loss will be felt by many and from many walks of life…
Dear Faye and family,
What a shocking event for you and all of us. Dave was always one of those “forever” folks who would always be there, for wisdom, caring and laughs. Our thoughts are with you.
Faye and family,
On behalf of A Joyful Noise Choir please allow me to express our shock and condolences at David’s sudden and tragic passing. David was an appreciated member of our community and will be greatly missed. May you soon find the peace and healing that time will bring.
With deepest sympathy,
Art Hughes,
A Joyful Noise Choir Association of Edmonton
Dear Faye,
Words cannot Express how sorry I am for this sad news. My condolences and prayers are with you and your family.
Faye, Dave was very a very supporting force during my career at CIAC and both of you were also present to remember my father with me when he had passed. I am very saddened to hear about Dave and your loss. He will not be forgotten. I believe that there may be some solace and faith to be found in that he was pursuing one of his many passions at the time. I wish you comfort and peace in all your memories and with your family during this difficult time.
David was a tremendously unique person and a force that pushed us all to perform at our best. He was also extremely generous with his peers, his vast volunteering community, and his family.
You will each have your own memories of Dave and some of you spent many more years with him the decade I was fortunate to share with him.
On a personal level, I will be forever grateful to him for reintroducing me to the Rockies after a 30 year absence. We enjoyed many hikes together over the past six years and I won’t see Lake Louise or the Kananaskis Lakes again without pausing to think of David.
I worked with Dave as senior policy advisor and VP in Business and Economics at the Chemistry Association. I am proud to say that I hired him to be VP to fill the very big shoes of David Goffin. David P was a total hard working and dedicated professional. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the industry and very good at building critical relationships with members and government. David never shied away from telling it like it is and going for the policy solutions that made a difference. I was fortunate to travel with him on some of those ICCA international trips and we always found time to explore museums,art galleries and cities while getting our work done. It with great sadness that I write this note.
Dave was my role model, from his leadership in church, to his policy insight, to his passion for singing and helping others. He will be dearly missed. My prayers and condolences to Faye and the whole family.
Dear Faye and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We will miss him very much. At our weekly Bible studies, Dave always gave us thought-provoking responses during our discussions. His answers often challenged us to think deeper into what the scriptures is saying to us. Faye, we are praying for you and your family at this time.
Our heartfelt condolences to Faye and family.
Dave was a great brother we met and served together at church. He was a loving, humble, gentle and intelligent brother who did not hesitate to commit himself to a church of different culture to serve faithfully with the rest of us for many years. Much liked and respected by us, he will be dearly missed.
Our deepest sympathies and prayers.
My deepest condolences to Dave’s family at this very difficult time. I worked with Dave on the CIAC board. I would simply say Dave was one of the good guys. I always appreciated his support and wisdom. Dave was kind enough to stay in touch with me in Calgary after I retired – it’s just how he operated. May the many great memories offer some comfort to you.
Faye, I would smile every time I saw you two at choir practice, thinking how nice it was that it was something you shared as a couple. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.
Dear Faye,
My heart is broken to hear of Dave’s passing. He was an amazing member of our choir and will be truly missed. Wishing you peace with time and happiness in memories.
Always,
Sheila (A Joyful Noise Thursday Choir)
Elaine and I send our heartfelt condolences to Faye and her family. We were terribly sorry to hear about Dave. Dave and I were colleagues for many years at the chemical industry trade association as well as friends. During our working years we enjoyed travelling together to many meetings. I always appreciated his extensive knowledge, wit and sense of humour. Following retirement, I know that he really looked forward to their move to Edmonton to be close to family and be a very involved grandfather. He certainly made a lasting impression on so many of us.
To Faye and the whole Podruzny family, our family offers our deepest condolences and our hearts also ache for our brother in Christ Dave. It is still difficult for us to think that someone we had all served with, worshipped with, and laughed with, has gone to be with the Lord before we could have imagined. Dave was not just a faithful servant, but he was one of the most sturdy yet inviting, strong yet friendly, and someone that we all saw who really modeled the love of Christ. Right now, there are no other words we can say to reflect anything more about Dave or what he meant to us that could carry our grief, instead, we want to just say that we are all there with you at this time. That as we mourn, we also remember and celebrate that Dave had a life full to the bursting with the love and peace that Christ brings, and we pray that it would be with you until you meet again.
From Eric, Adriane, Justin, and Bettina
Dear Faye, John and I were shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. We so enjoyed getting to know the 2 of you at choir. We’re thankful that you are closer to family than you were in Ontario. We will pray that as you work your way through your grief that you will feel peace and comfort and experience God’s love for you in many little ways.
Our family wishes to send heartfelt and deep condolences to the Podruzny family as you process the sudden loss of your husband, dad and grandpa. May your time of grief also bring with it a true sense of comfort and peace from your Heavenly Father who sees your pain and desires to carry you close to His heart. We have fond memories from our days pastoring at Redeemer Alliance Church in Orleans of Dave’s energy and willingness to serve. We are certain that Dave is now in the company of his Creator and we anticipate that day when we can be reunited for eternity. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate his life.
I was very saddened and to hear of David’s passing. I had the honour of working with David during my 10 years on the CIAC Board. He was dedicated to his work and a true gentleman. My heartfelt condolences go out to David’s entire family.
Dear Faye and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences to you on your sudden loss. From EACO to Beta Group activities back in Ottawa, Dave had touched so many lives. We truly appreciate his cordial smiles, friendship, support and guidance during his time here in Ottawa. Though he will be sadly missed, we are rest assured that he is now savely in the hands of the Father.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter & Grace.
Dear Faye, Nadia and Kyle – we were so sad to hear of Dave’s unexpected passing and wish to extend our most sincere condolences to you and your families from our family. In the coming weeks, may you find comfort in your many shared memories of this amazing and funny man. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the service through the YouTube link – it was wonderful to hear the well deserved tributes to Dave. With Kindest Regards, the Langille family
Faye,
I so very much appreciated you and David in the Thursday choir! Watching your face as you sang (with much joy and emotion) was always the highlight of my Thursday! I’m so very sorry for your loss, it came as such a shock! I will be praying for you throughout this time!
Marcia Hamm (AJN choir)
Faye, Nadia and Kyle. My deepest sympathies on the passing of Dave from his earthly home to his heavenly home. I have such fond memories of sitting in your living room on Wednesday nights for bible study. May the Lord comfort you at this time and grant you peace in the days and months ahead. Blessings with love, Cindy Woodruff
Dave’s warmth, thoughtfulness, hospitality, and devotion to the people around him is fondly remembered during the time in Ottawa serving, singing and ministering together. My condolences and prayers to Faye and the Podruzny family
Dear Faye and Family,
We are sorry to hear the passing of Dave. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you comfort, peace and strength.
I worked with Dave for many years when I headed up Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. We would have long conversations about economics and tax policy, hardly scintillating stuff for most, but we enjoyed trying to devise new and better ways of helping manufacturers and always had a great laugh doing so. Dave had a great sense of humor, but his work also made a big difference influencing the federal government. He was committed to helping others, but would always be very keen to talk about his family and that latest trip he’d taken. He was taken away from us too soon. I will miss him.
Dear Faye, Nadia & Kyle – I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My sincere condolences to all of you. I have many fond memories of you in the days you were at Redeemer. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Joan Fletcher
Dear Faye, Nadia & Kyle – I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many memories of all of you during your time at Redeemer. I know Bob enjoyed working with Dave especially in those early days. My sincere condolences to all of your family.
My thoughts & prayers are with you, Joan Fletcher
To Dave’s family,
my deepest condolences for this far-too-sudden loss. Dave was a force of nature. We worked together on the ICCA Trade Policy Network. His depth of knowledge were invaluable, but what I truly appreciated was his commitment to bringing everyone together. Global consensus is hard, but Dave was dedicated to getting us all there, together. Most especially, that gave me the chance to explore some of the world with him at our global meetings, and his unending enthusiasm and energy were a real inspiration, even with the dad joke/puns. I will miss his warmth, his energy, his humour and most of all his friendship. In Sympathy, LIsa
Faye, Kyle, Nadia,
Such a loss, far to early. Having an abundance of cousins I can say that David was one of the best. He treated Mom( Jeannette Borysiuk) with great generosity and that meant the world to her.
My deepest sympathies to all
Dawn Coupland
Dear Faye and family,
Please accept heartfelt condolences on the too early death of David from my wife Jane and me. After working closely with David Goffin, I got to work with Dave in the last six years before my retirement, as a representative of a member company of the then Canadian Chemical Producers Association. Working with Dave was inspiring, dare I say fun? Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Dave was one of my favorite people to see at the many CIAC events we both attended over the years. He was so passionate about every topic that caught his interest – of which there were many. I don’t remember every conversation – but I remember the feeling that Dave had our best interests well in hand.
I am so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a person that I hoped would “live forever”.
Faye,
I was shocked to hear the news the other day of David’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family. David (and you, of course) were always a joyful addition to any family gathering. I wish you peace and contentment as you, Kyle, and Nadia move forward.