Obituary of David Bruce Engeland

February 25, 1953 – Orillia, Ontario

September 21, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

David Bruce Engeland, beloved husband of Dr. Shannon Engeland (nee Donnelly), father to Parker MacKenzie (26) and Abigail Ryan (20), of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the age of 71 years after a short, but valiant battle with cancer.

Dave was born in Orillia, ON, on February 25, 1953. By 1976, the “big O” couldn’t hold him, and he and his best friend Mark headed west! Since his boots first touched down on prairie soil, Calgary held his heart. In 1995, he met a young blonde from Edmonton, and the rest as they say is history! He married Shannon in 1996 and welcomed daughter Parker Mackenzie in 1998, and Abigail Ryan in 2003. Soon, the Engeland ranch was transformed from wild parties and pig roasts to Easter egg hunts and princess birthday parties. Dave’s Porsche was out, and Shannon’s SUV was in. Early morning tee times were gone, and early feedings, swim practices, or horse shows were in.

A self-made man, Dave was a very successful, hardworking, respected, and generous businessman. Work hard to play hard. Dave played hard as a member of Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club for more than 30 years, enjoyed fly-in fishing trips with the boys, his annual Superbowl guys getaway, golf, beach, and ski vacations.

Dave did not have acquaintances, he had family friendships lasting 30, 40, 50, and even 60 years. Dave will be remembered by all who were lucky enough to call him a friend for his unwavering loyalty and generosity. For Dave, there was no favour too big, no request too inconvenient. If you needed him or something from him, you only needed to ask.

But, most of all, he will be remembered as a man who knew what mattered most: his girls—Shannon, Parker, and Abigail. For almost 30 years, it has been Daddy Bear and his Little Girls, and although we are a little lost in the forest right now, his love lives in us, and we will remain safe in his arms.

Besides his girls, David is survived by his brother Paul Engeland of Orillia, ON, sister Mary Wassenaar of Bala, ON, brother-in-law Andrew Donnelly of Edmonton, AB, fathers-in-law, Ron Steele of Calgary, AB, and Gary Donnelly (Kathy) of Edmonton, AB; honourary brother Mark (Karen) of Calgary, AB, honourary daughter Marielos of Santa Tecla, El Salvador, nieces, Amy Back (Aaron), Jennifer Lynch of Orillia, ON, Angela Kavanaugh Munroe (Paul) of  Orillia, Kayla, and Kayte Donnelly of Edmonton, AB; nephews, Josh Wassenaar (Kathy) of Bala, ON, and Paul Kavanaugh of Orillia, ON; and numerous great-nephews and great-nieces.

David was predeceased by daughter Georgina, son Thomas, mother Elaine Brooks, sister-in-law Linda Engeland, and brother-in-law Koos Wassenaar.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Engeland's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the SHARE Foundation, https://share-elsalvador.networkforgood.com/projects/191692-general-campaign-share-foundation. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with David’s family here.

In living memory of David Engeland, 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.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book & Watch David's Funeral Service