David Morrell
August 29th, 2022
David Morrell, after bravely facing cancer for three years, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022 with his loving family by his side. Dave is survived by his wife of 54 years Valerie (Pitzel), his sons Derek and Ryan (Dohee) and grandson Carter. He left behind an adoring clan of Pitzels and too many friends to count.
Dave came from very difficult circumstances. He was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on February 8, 1942. His mother Mae Rowe passed away when he was 4 months old, his father abandoned him as a toddler and at five years of age he was taken in by social services. Too old and too rowdy to ever be adopted he was shuffled from foster home to foster home, passing through 11 placements across rural Saskatchewan. His best years in social services were with “Gram” Ellison and the lifelong friends he made in Beatty, SK.
With a foundation like that you wouldn’t expect the much beloved father, husband, friend and treasured uncle that he became. Dave was gifted with boundless energy and a gregarious nature. Everywhere he went he had a friend. Not one to knock on a door, he would barge on in with a booming hello. Friendly conversation and lots of laughter always followed. He was at home in any crowd, always befriending someone regardless of class, creed or culture. From his incredibly difficult childhood grew a deep empathy for the underdog with no tolerance for bullies.
Dave was a very passionate guy. He worked hard, golfed hard and played bridge to win. A die-hard Rider fan, Elvis fan, and absolute hockey fanatic. Also curling, don’t forget curling. He had an incredibly sharp memory, but some stories were told with a little extra flair. He had simple tastes, meat, potatoes and a side of ketchup, lots of ketchup. An eternal optimist, he lived a happy life with gusto.
We will always remember and cherish this diamond in the rough.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in the Seven Oaks Hotel (Banyan A-B Room), 777 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan.
In lieu of flowers go drive a golf ball.
Messages:
Ryan and family. So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. We remember your dad as a wonderful always cheerful man. Take care, and extend our condolences to your mom and brother. Phyllis and Allen Lockert.
So sorry for your loss. The world has lost a passionate man! He will be missed by everyone who meet him! I have you in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of your loss Val. Even though we only knew Dave for such a short time, we felt an instant friendship with him. We will miss seeing him at bridge. Bill and Marion Schiller
From my perspective, as a young kid sitting next to Uncle Dave at the dinner table. You could just feel the "good times" energy oozing out of him. Ready to blast you with some warm-hearted fun. And man, that guy loved his ketchup! Muchlove to the family.
I have to say that I enjoyed meeting David. I got to know him while doing treatments for him in Moose Jaw. He shared his early life story with me and I must say he was a man to be admired. We shared a love of hockey and had many discussion about the Warriors. He was so proud of his family and spoke of you all with a smile on his face. A wonderful man who will be missed. My deepest condolences to you all.
Valerie & family, sorry to hear of your loss, Dave worked with me at Hausers in Regina & he really was one of a kind , it was a pleasure for me & I hope it was for Dave as well. He was a good salesman , a good friend & above all a pretty darn good person. Having known Dave I’m pretty sure he is teeing up on number one right now. He will certainly be missed by all who ever crossed paths with him
Val; So sorry to hear that Dave has gone to Heaven to straighten out any Bridge players and tell his many stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My caring thoughts Val! A great write up, my warm thoughts as you adjust to life without Dave!! I look forward to hearing from you whenever you choose to give me a call . Take good care!! hugs, Anne
Dear Val and family, All of us here send our sincere condolences to all of you. Val please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Auntie my fondest memory of Uncle Dave was ,going to the Grey cup Finals ,with him , and the Riders had gone all the way ,I think we had won the grey cup three times in a row by, then. How ?time does fly by so fast.Tanis Al are not here anymore ,etc. From Deana Pitzel.
Condolences to Aunt Val and cousins Ryan and Derek. I just loved talking hockey with Uncle Dave. Quite the guy he was,
We are so sorry for your loss Val. I think back to when the two of you come out to the farm for breakfast after a class reunion day. Good times. Condolences to you and your family.
Deepest condolences to Val and families.Such a beautiful story of Dales life struggles and wonderful success he accomplished to overcome his struggles.
I will always value watching curling in the basement of your house on Cormorant, Regina; his heartfelt reaction when he heard that brother Bob had died; and Dave taking my daughter to the football game in the old stadium. Eternal joy, now Dave, with so many celebrating with you in your new home, and in the new body you now have!
I will miss the brother-in-law who indeed lived life with gusto, was friendly to all and loved life regardless of the difficulties he came through. My sympathies to Ryan and Derek, his two sons, and to Carter who lost his grandpa, and to Dohee who has lost her father-in-law.
Dave was a guy you always looked forward to seeing.He had some great stories to tell ,he was honest and forthright at all times.Valerie worked very hard to make him comfortable in his final days ,he was strong and upbeat to the very end.He was a character that will be missed.
Sorry to hear about Dave— I always wish we had spent more time together with our cousins . Hope you are managing alright as I also know what it is like to lose your husband — the loneliness is overwhelming! Please know you are in my thoughts , prayers and heart!