Obituary of David (Dave) Ronald Boldt

January 2, 1926 – Gretna, Manitoba
November 8, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Dad on Monday, November 8th, 2021 at the age of 95 years.

He considered himself to be a true prairie boy: “conceived in Saskatchewan, born in Manitoba and growing up in Alberta”. Dad’s parents, Peter Boldt and Anna (Braun) were Mennonites who emigrated from Russia: the Volga region north of the Black Sea (now known as Ukraine) to a communal farm near Holdfast, SK in 1924. Dad was born in Gretna MB on January 2nd, 1926 and grew up in Standoff, AB with five brothers and three sisters. With the Oldman and Belly Rivers as his childhood playground, Dad was in his element outdoors: fishing, boating, biking, hiking and camping. He attended high school in Coaldale. During the summer months, he worked on farms in the Pincher Creek area. After high school, Dad followed in the footsteps of his father, attending Normal School in Calgary and Edmonton training to be a teacher.

Dad’s first teaching assignment was a one-room school ten miles south of Cardston. His second posting was in Spring Coulee where he met the love of his life, Doris Margaret Bossingham. They were married on August 18, 1947 and were inseparable for 49 years. After a short time teaching school in the Longview-Turner Valley area, the newlyweds moved to Coutts where Dad was a customs officer. While in Coutts, he also built and operated his own Esso gas station. Throughout his life, Dad was industrious and hard-working. Mom was always his champion.  

They started their family in Coutts with David, Terry and Lauren. In 1957, Dad accepted a promotion and moved the family to Calgary. In 1964, the family welcomed Jade. During this time period, Dad purchased five acres of land just outside of Waterton Park where he built a cabin by hand and later maintained several outbuildings through hard work and tenacity.

The family spent most summer weekends and all summer holidays at the prized cabin. It was Waterton where Dad hiked, fished and golfed with family and friends. Dad and Mom also entertained countless gatherings of family and friends at the cabin. Throughout his life Dad was an avid sportsman. At different times he engaged in badminton, basketball, baseball, bowling, boxing and curling. When he retired, Dad and Mom looked forward to the sunny weather and reuniting with friends they met in El Cajon near San Diego, CA during winter.

In 1997, Dad’s life tragically changed when the love of his life, Doris, suddenly passed away. Dad never fully recovered from the loss of his beloved Doris. In March 2019, Dad suffered a serious illness. In June, he moved to the Newport Harbour Care Centre where he spent his remaining days. Although Dad’s quality of life was impacted by macular degeneration, he took enjoyment in reminiscing with his family and fellow residents. When visitors arrived, Dad could often be found listening to Wilf Carter and watching the birds on the lake outside his window. Though he was a humble man, years later Dad would recount stories with a glint in his eye, rightfully proud of his accomplishments.

He will be deeply missed by his sons, David, Terry, Lauren (Gail); daughter Jade, granddaughters, Auralea, Lynsey(Paul) and Suzanne; grandsons, Michael and Andrew; great-grandchildren, Tristan, Juno, Rylie and Rocco; and brothers, Rudy and Ed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Doris, brothers, Johnny, Menno, and Peter ll; and sisters, Anne and Elizabeth; his parents and infant siblings, Waldemar, Peter I, Lydia and Freida.

A private family gathering was held at Queens Park Cemetery on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dave’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), https://foodgrainsbank.ca/donate/tribute/, or Operation Eyesight https://operationeyesight.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/donate-now?_ga=2.68637396.473468544.1636416580-1418339904.1636416580. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Our thanks and appreciation to the compassionate, caring staff and management at Newport Harbour. 

In living memory of David Boldt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.