Obituary of David (Easy) John GENTILE

March 12, 1939 – Coleman, Alberta    
February 7, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Unexpectedly and sadly on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at the age of 81, David Gentile, of Calgary, Alberta, left our hearts and this world for another grand adventure.
 
Dave was born and raised in Coleman, AB. Growing up in the Crowsnest Pass, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad, playing hockey, and being an army cadet. Dave attended the University of Montana, Missoula where he obtained his geology degree and became a loyal U of M Grizzly alumnus, encouraging both of his children to complete their undergraduate studies there as well. 

Dave’s first job was with Imperial Oil, based in Dawson Creek, where he played a technical role at well sites. It was in Dawson Creek that he met Shirley Yamkowy, and the two married in 1965. In 1968, Dave accepted an overseas assignment with Exxon, moving to Sydney, Australia with Shirley and their young son, Darren. There he worked on offshore exploration projects in Papua New Guinea and off the coast of Australia. This is where their daughter Amanda was born. Dave and family returned to Canada in 1972, moving to Calgary. His next international assignment took the family to Tripoli, Libya in 1977. The family embraced this adventure to the fullest, exploring other countries and experiencing other cultures – for this, the family is eternally grateful to Dave. A few years later, they returned to Calgary. Dave continued his career with Imperial Oil until 1991 when he took early retirement, embarking on his next adventure. 

In retirement, Dave enjoyed playing golf, marshalling at D’Arcy Ranch Golf Course, curling, hiking, and doing other activities with the Esso Resources Annuitant Club of Calgary. He looked forward to the annual Sheep River Picnic, regular gatherings with his classmates from Coleman, watching sports, and finding new pie shops. Dave was a man of faith never missing a Sunday service, and he never lost his love of the Crowsnest Pass, visiting often over the years. 

Dave will be remembered by family and friends as a loving and adventurous husband, a supportive and generous father, a proud grandfather, treasured uncle, trusted and loyal friend, and respected professional. He was a gentle spirit with an easygoing nature and voracious appetite for all foods, especially Italian. He was always the last to leave the dining table to ensure nothing was left behind and everyone enjoyed themselves to the fullest.

Besides his loving wife Shirley (nee Yamkowy), Dave will be remembered by his son and daughter-in-law, Darren and Laura; daughter Amanda, and grandson Miles. He is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Donna and George (sons, Greg and Jason) and Julie (son Michael); brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Joan (sons, Shawn and Chad); brother-in-law Jerry and nieces, Laura and Donna. He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (“Noni”) and Bruno (“Nono”) Gentile; his sister Jeannette and brother-in-law Gary Haughey.

A Private Funeral Service will be held, on Monday, February 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of David Gentile, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.