David Jeffares

David passed away peacefully with family by his side. He will forever be in our hearts and always remembered by his wife Dolores, daughter Heather (Christian), son Timothy (Larisa) and four grandsons, Oliver, Lander, Alden and Ethan. He also leaves to mourn his sister-in-law Gerry Jeffares and nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Brian.

David was born to James Jeffares and Sheila (Bampfield) Jeffares on March 14, 1935, at a farm near Huxley, Alberta. He completed high school in Red Deer and his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Alberta.

He married Dolores Fast in Saskatoon on July 19, 1969. Together, they were fortunate to celebrate their 55^th wedding anniversary.

David had a distinguished career as a teacher and as a principal in Canada and France. After returning to Canada, he assumed the role of director of Early Childhood Services for Alberta Education. He was then invited to Australia to develop early childhood programs for the University at Armidale in New South Wales. David also taught in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta.

Other career highlights included travelling to the Soviet Union to study early childhood programs and educational systems, publishing academic articles, assisting other scholars with their own thesis writing, acting as the editor of the Early Childhood Education Journal and receiving the Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding work in Education.

Dave cherished his family dearly and loved his four wonderful grandsons. He loved to decorate the house and yard, especially at Christmas time. He enjoyed sharing time and supplies to create beautiful Christmas floral arrangements with his family.

David loved to entertain and have formal family dinners. He loved camping and equally enjoyed travelling to Asia, Europe, the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous places in the United States. While he enjoyed going on cruises, his favourite destination was Hawaii.

During the summer of 2000, David and Dolores embarked on an antique car journey that would see them cross the entire continent, from coast-to-coast, with members from antique car clubs from across Canada.  This trip was written about in a magazine called “The Running Board,” that David went on to edit for many years.

David was an avid volunteer. He decorated the storefront window for Ten Thousand Villages for 7 years while it was located on Whyte Avenue and volunteered for 20 years at the Glenrose Hospital, assisting with Sunday morning services.

Three and a half years ago, David suffered a severe stroke, which affected his quality of life and independence. He still appreciated visits from friends and family and enjoyed celebrating family milestones.

Today, we bid a final farewell to David.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, December 7, 2024. 10:00AM
First Mennonite Church
3650 91 St NW, Edmonton, AB

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.