August 25, 1944 – February 26, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Lee Culbertson on February 26, 2026 surrounded by loved ones at the age of 81.

Eighty-One Candles – A Life to Celebrate.

Each year tells a story — through sunshine and storms, through much laughter and strain, through moments of joy and moments of pain. Time may have brought aches to your body and slowed your steps, aging and illness placed before you challenges you never would have chosen.  But your true strength always lived in your heart. Your mind as sharp as ever, you remained the same remarkable man we have always known and loved.

We honour you — a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. We celebrate the life you built, the guidance you’ve given, and the many hard choices and sacrifices you made so our family could have the life we share today.

Your strength, your humour, and most of all your unconditional love mean more to us than words can ever fully express. And if we carry even a small part of your strength, your kindness, and your love forward, then everything you have generously given us will continue to live on — in this family, and in all of us.

Dave was a devoted husband to his beloved wife and soulmate, Donna, a loving father to his daughters Kristi and Kelly, a proud grandfather to Brayden, Ethan, Simon and Samantha and his grand pets, Charlie, and Lucy. He loved all our family quirks and wished us nothing but happiness always.

Dave was born in Salina, Kansas on August 25, 1944, and was raised in Algona, Iowa where he had many fond memories of his mother, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.  He was drafted to the military in 1966 and served as an Operating Room Specialist in Fort Carson, Colorado. During his service, Dave met Donna and feel deeply in love. They married in 1968 and started a family soon after.  Dave’s sole purpose in life was to ensure his family was loved and well taken care of and he worked so hard to make sure we had a good life.

Beyond his immediate family, Dave made deep and lasting impressions on his nieces, nephews, godson, Tyler and his many friends. He touched the lives of all who knew him with his kindness, wisdom, and witty sense of humour. His was genuinely curious about people, and treated everyone with dignity and respect.  For those who were not able to say goodbye, please know he held you in his heart and cherished you always.

Above all, Dave will be remembered for the love he shared with his family. His courage in the face of too many years of physical pain is a testament to how brave he was. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will never be forgotten.

As per Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a quiet family gathering will follow.

The family wishes to thank his many caregivers and the doctors, nurses, and health care aides at St. Boniface Hospital Cardiac Unit 4 & 5 for their care and compassion. He truly appreciated you.

Your fight is now over. May you rest in peace. Love you always.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice, in memory of our Dave.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on David’s memorial page using the comment field below.