David Thomas Chapella

March 2, 2017

CHAPELLA, David T.

It is with saddened hearts that the family announces the passing of David Thomas Chapella. Dave passed peacefully on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the age of 50 years. Dave will be missed by his daughter, Sydney; his ex-wife and friend, Tammy; and his many friends, old and new. Dave was predeceased by his father, Tom. Dave will always be known for his kind nature and his wicked sense of humour, his love of photography, art and history, and his strong writing skills. He was strong and silent through the years and displayed the meaning of grace during his two-year battle with ALS.

He was always very concerned about others and did not want to burden anyone. The family wish to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at the Didsbury Hospital for their outstanding care of Dave. You made him feel at home and always surrounded him with care and compassion. We would also like to thank the ALS Clinic and the ALS Society for their attentive care of David. You made every effort to ensure his comfort through a very hard time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the ALS Society of Alberta, 7874 – 10 Street NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8W1 (http://www.alsab.ca/donate).

There will be no service for David, in keeping with his wishes.

Messages of Condolence

You were my best friend, Dave. There will always be a Steinbeck on my shelf for you.

- Kelly Krogman

Our deepest condolences. Please feel free to text anytime you'd like to get together for coffee or if I can be of any support at all.

- Catherine Anderson

My deepest condolences to all. I haven't seen Dave in years and was very sad to hear of his passing.

- Neil Donnelly

I only got to meet Dave once....brought him some donuts from Tim's....what a sweet man. I've always felt like I knew him from the stories Ritchie told me from when they were roaming the neighbourhood on their bikes, I wish I could have known him better. I know Ritchie will always love and miss his best friend.

- Lisa Whyte

Dave was such a true kind spirit who was not only extremely humble, but gracious when others would have been cynical and unpleasant. You will be missed by everyone whose lives you touched! My deepest condolences to Tammy and Sydney.

- Enid Martin

I will always have the memories of our youth Your kindness and ways of perseverance with people and life may they shine through in your family I visited him a year ago in Didbury , It was the same man in a not so familiar person

- Glen Dobbs

We at Sunfab Welding are deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing . Some 8 years ago Dave worked for us as a journeyman welder. He was an honest hard worker and always had a good attitude despite all the challenges he faced in life. We were able to talk on a personal level about his life family situation and his loved ones. Dave shared his desire to have more interaction with his daughter and we are so happy that he was able to do that. Dave showed an interest in spiritual things and we were able to give him a Bible which he read. Periodically he shared his insights about what he read. We will all miss Dave. It is so unfortunate that his health failed him at such a young age. Ed and Anne Abramoff

- Ed Abramoff

Dear Sydney: We were so deeply saddened at the news we received recently of your Father's passing. Your Dad was a very special person who brought sunshine into the lives of everyone he met. He was definitely gracious, kind, humble, intelligent and had the best sense of humor ever. We would be multimillionaires if we had a dollar for every belly laugh we had with him. We are all better for having been able to call him our friend and you are blessed to have had him as a Father. Our deepest condolences to you, your Mother and your entire family. We will never forget Dave and he will always have a special place in our hearts. Sending our love to you all.

- Darlene, Jim and family

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I worked with him at the newspaper in Cochrane. He was an awesome man. My condolences to the family. RIP Dave!

- Cheryl Kennedy

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