David Fern

David Fern was born in Ituna, Saskatchewan, on October 15, 1922. He was the youngest of seven children born to Robert and Sarah Fern.
Dave lived his last few years in Maidstone, Saskatchewan, until he fell asleep in death on May 24, 2018. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joyce, who died just seven months earlier. They shared over 71 years of marriage and he was heart-broken when she died.
Dave is survived by: his children, Larry (Patricia), Gail (Jim), Joy, Doug (Shirley), Randy (Cheryl) and Trevor, along with 8 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Dave's story is certainly one of humble beginnings. He was born on a small farm where his family eked out a living during very difficult times, including the depression years in the 1930's. Not long after he was born his mother died leaving him, for the most part, to be raised by his father and the older children in the family. These older children would be instrumental in Dave's migration to the northern Saskatchewan farm country around Golden Ridge.
It was here that he was introduced to the Tupper family who had homesteaded in the area, and to one member of that family in particular - Joyce. They were married on June 10, 1946 and went on to have seven children. It was at this time that Dave was introduced to his God, Jehovah. He made a decision to dedicate his life to Jehovah and was baptized on July 07, 1944, in the Beaver River.
Life was not always easy and in 1957 their oldest son, Brian, died of leukemia at age nine.
After a few years it became apparent that farming was not going to support the family so Dave and Joyce moved to Cold Lake, Alberta. Dave worked from that time in 1957 until his retirement, as a carpenter. In 1966 the family moved to Nanaimo, British Columbia, and from 1974-1978 lived in Newfoundland before returning to the prairies.
Dave was well known for his strength and ability to work hard. He worked tirelessly for his family and during it all never waivered in his desire to praise Jehovah God. Despite the fatigue from extreme physical work he still made sure the family was taken to meetings and kept active in praising Jehovah.
During the years in Newfoundland he had an opportunity to increase his activity in service. It was not long before he endeared himself to the local congregation members, in fact, they referred to the scripture in Isaiah 6:8 when describing him. ('Here I am send me').
Wherever he went he was well-liked and will be remembered for his big barrel laugh that could positively affect the demeanor of everyone in the room. He was passionate about hard work and was especially fond of gardening and working in the yard.
Dave may have deteriorated physically in his later years but his faith grew stronger each day. That faith was based on God's promise in the Bible to put an end to sickness, old age and death. He clearly understood from the scriptures that these things were not a part of God's original purpose for humans. He was certain that Jehovah would resurrect the dead to life on a paradise earth (Revelation 21: 3, 4). Even in his helpless physical condition, he found the strength and courage to praise Jehovah and tell everyone he could about the wonderful promises for the future, his friends in Newfoundland knew him well.
David will be fondly remembered, dearly missed, but never forgotten.