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Obituary of David Medford
David Lynn Medford passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Sprague, just shy of his 77th birthday.
Dave was born on April 2, 1946, in Greenville County, South Carolina, and was the youngest of four sons and two daughters of Gifford Elwood Medford and Daisy Bivens.
He grew up in South Carolina, and after high school, in 1969, he joined the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed reading immensely and owned many books. He also enjoyed the movies and radio programs. He will be dearly missed by his very dear friends Douglas and Diane Goltz as well as their children, Catherine and Peter who considered Dave their grandpa. He was a nature lover and he was passionate about science, literature, astronomy and geology. He often discussed the occurrence of eclipses, shooting stars, comets and all celestial events; and would observe the night sky faithfully. He photographed wildlife and enjoyed telling stories about the animals he encountered. He was very talented at crocheting lace, afghans, curtains and table runners. He also enjoyed travelling and motorcycling across Canada and the U.S.
After his stint with the U.S. Navy from 1965 until 1973, as a machinist, he obtained certification for Scuba Diving from the Tucson School of Scuba Diving in 1973 as an Open Water Diver. He received numerous awards and medals from the U.S. Navy.
First Award: Good Conduct Award 1969 for Fidelity, Zeal and Obedience; awarded for service completed on June 16, 1969
Navy Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service 1969-1970
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Korea
Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device
Vietnam Service Medal with Five Bronze Stars
Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy Achievement Medal
He received a Program Achievement Award in his study of Culinary Management at the School of Hospitality and Tourism and a diploma in Culinary Management at Canadore College, North Bay, on May 23, 1992.
He held numerous jobs as a diver, handyman, caretaker, cook/chef, arena manager … until his retirement. He will be fondly remembered for his sardonic nature, humour, his passion for books (J.R.R. Tolkien) movies (Star Wars) and for his love of Timbits, Tim Horton’s coffee and breakfast sandwiches. He was truly Canadian!
Dave enjoyed very much the meals and coffee get-togethers at Piney Community Centre, local fall suppers and gatherings for coffee. His unique perspective on life will be missed by those who came to know him. He was a very interesting individual and he will be greatly missed.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral.
Special thanks are extended to:
Gail, Caretaker, East Borderland Community Housing Inc., Sahd Elaste, (Sprague Division – RCMP), Michelle and Gordon of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Kris and Sheldon of Birchwood Funeral Chapel Coop.
Your compassion and kind understanding under these difficult circumstances are greatly appreciated.
