On Wednesday, August 9, 2023 the world as we knew it changed forever and the humour scale dropped a few points around the world, when David Allan Rowbotham, age 71, of Red Deer, Alberta passed away after a short but fierce battle with cancer with his loving wife, Irene, by his side.

David was born on November 16, 1951 in Red Deer, Alberta, the third of seven children to Aubrey Andrew Rowbotham and Margaret Sophie Rowbotham (nee Bodnarchuck).

David’s childhood was spent in the Delburne and Pine Lake areas of Alberta where he grew up, played, learned, and worked alongside his parents, grandparents and siblings. Life wasn’t always easy and the work was hard – “they had to walk up hill both ways to school in the snow without shoes”,(his words and his “true” story). The Rowbotham clan worked hard but always had time for pranks and goofing around. This hard work ethic and sense of humour was the foundation of the man David would become and live throughout his life.

When David was around fifteen or sixteen, after the tragic death of his younger sister Linda, his family would sell the family farm and move to Black Creek, British Columbia to reside alongside his grandparents. After a short period of time, they would then move to Gold River where David would work for the city in his late teens and then finally settle in Campbell River in the late sixty’s early seventy’s.

In 1970 David’s mother Margaret orchestrated the beginning of a lifelong love story and introduced her son, David to his future wife, Irene Louise Pelletier. Margaret worked at a local A&W with Irene and quite often offered to give Irene a ride home after a long day at work, however she seemed to get just too tired to complete the drive when she got close to her home (only on the nights she knew her son David was home) and then would have David complete the task of driving Irene to her destination. Eventually Irene’s ride home from work would end at the Rowbotham’s home.

In early 1971 David moved back to Red Deer and started his lifelong career in the Oilfield industry, first working for Lemco and then in 1980 started his lifelong commitment to Roll’n Oilfield. David did not have any formal education or training but he had a natural ability and love for the workings of oilfield equipment and all that went with it. The man was a MacGyver of all things mechanical even if no one else could figure out what he was doing he seemed to make it work. His loyalty and love for his career was present even in his last days. He had a few pain induced conversations about having to pick up parts and was mad at the nurses one day because they wouldn’t let him leave the hospital to run to the yard to fix something.

In late 1971 Irene joined David in Red Deer to start their life and family together. David and Irene married in April of 1972, and continued their love story of fifty-one years until his death.

David and Irene would go on and have two children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. David’s sense of humour, quick wit, unwavering patience, and loyalty would become the foundation of these relationships. David will always be known as the man who, listened without judgement, helped without asking for anything in return, gave you a shoulder to cry on, and of course the man that could find humour and joy in every situation (even if it meant embarrassing his children or grandchildren)

David was predeceased by his parents Aubrey and Margaret Rowbotham and his younger sister Linda Rowbotham.

David is survived by his wife Irene Rowbotham(Pelletier)
Daughter – Jacqueline (Gaetano) Carramusa and their children
Grandson – Sheldon (Kila Kieth) Johnston and their daughter Rhylynn Johnston
Grandson – Logan (Desiree) Carramusa and their sons Liam & Ryker Carramusa
Granddaughter- Caitlin Carramusa and her children Kloey Carramusa, Branson & Bailee Marshal
Son – Chad (Devin Stanley) Rowbotham
Siblings – Ron (Kelly) Rowbotham, Dwayne (Audrey) Rowbotham, Margy Johnston, Lloyd (Barb) Rowbotham, Rick (Tracey) Rowbotham
David (Uncle No Neck- as he was affectionately known) is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and an abundance of friends.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chalet located at Westerner Park, 4847A – 19th Street, Red Deer, Alberta.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the multiple doctors and nurses who cared for Dave with such kindness and compassion over the last few months at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, memorial donations in David’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society at support.cancer.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

• Date : 2023-08-22
• Location : (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com