David Gould

September 14, 1946 - November 14, 2023

David Gould passed away unexpectedly, tragically and too soon and our lives were forever changed on November 14, 2023. He will be deeply missed by his wife, family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Despite the tragic event and shock of his passing it will never mar the love and memories shared with his family and friends.

Born and raised in Dawson City, David cherished the freedom and simplicity of his childhood, where dirt roads and close-knit communities were the norm. He attended school in Dawson, where he formed lifelong friendships.

After leaving Dawson, David pursued a career in accounting but eventually felt drawn back to his roots in mining. He joined his father (Allen Gould) in partnership under Daval Mining, where he thrived and found fulfilment in the chase for gold. He later revered a lifelong business partnership with Ian Thomas and later with his nephew Mark Wierda.

At the age of 40, Dave and Linda met and began a love story that flourished over four beautiful decades. They enjoyed the best of both worlds, spending summers in Dawson and travelling to tropical destinations every winter and loved visiting friends and family along the way. They always cherished returning to their cosy home in Whitehorse.

Dave and Linda's journey was filled with laughter and mutual respect, evident in every shared smile and comfortable silence. Dave loved Linda's cooking and spirited wit, while Linda was drawn to Dave's natural charm and wise words. To everyone who knew them, Dave and Linda were not just a couple—they were a reminder of what it means to find and nurture true love, inspiring all those who knew them.

Dave stepped into the family as a cherished father figure and as an adored grandfather, lovingly known as Papa. You will hear everyone in our family say that Dave was our rock and the missing piece that completed and held our family together. His impact extended far beyond his immediate family, touching the lives of countless others with his kind and loving soul. He will alway be in our hearts and we will honour his love and life forever.

Those who knew David understood his appreciation for life's simple pleasures. He found solace in the pages of a good book, being an avid reader he could spend countless hours getting lost researching maps, equipment and all things mining. He loved the company of family & friends over a good meal (and dessert, naturally).

A lover of nature, he thrived in the great outdoors. He would often spend hours walking along trails, sitting by the river- often lost in deep thought. Despite his quiet demeanour, David's words carried weight; he was an astute observer who mentored many. He exuded genuine happiness, living each day with a joy that was infectious to all who knew him.

David was a devoted husband to Linda Gould, a father figure to Paula Lewis, Scott Briemon, and Blair Briemon, and a beloved grandfather (papa) to Brett Briemon, Ashley Lewis, Tyler Briemon, Bo Martindale, Julin Davies, and Sam Woywitka. He was a brother to Diane Wierda (husband, John Wierda) and an uncle to Mark Wierda (wife, Georgette McLeod, along with their children, Darrius and Katie) and Tammy Wierda (husband, Gerald Ventriet and their daughter, Megan).

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our neighbours on Bates Crescent, the RCMP Constable Maggie Walsch and Corporal Gillis, Coroner Heather Jones, Insurance Advisor Don Gnomes, Investigator Kevin Wedick, Linda's Counsellor Madeleine Piuze (thanks for saving her life), Bank Manager Kunal Bhosale, Mandy Jack at Victim Services, the amazing team at Heritage Funeral North, Ken and the Arctic Backhoe Team and Demolition Crew (for going the extra mile) and our lawyer Brian Phillips.

Also all those who flew into Whitehorse on a moment's notice- Tanya Firman (for saving the family), Jill Stromsmoe (Linda's niece), Heather McIntyre & Sharon Walsh who provided support and assistance during this unimaginable time. We are also grateful for the unwavering support and kindness from friends who sent flowers, cards and the countless amazing meals cooked and delivered by Tammy Bazylinski.

Also to Brett Briemon, Taylor Bradley, Terry Dyck, Nathan Hines and Tarek Boss for the impossible job of helping clean-out the house of any remaining sentimental items and boarding up the house before demolition.

Thank you to the Dawson Family: Doug Hunter, Kim Biernaskie, Riley Brennan, Frank Herbig, Ryan MacArthur, Tracy Abbott, Priska Wettstein for helping open Linda and Dave's property for the summer. Your efforts in turning the water and electricity on, for the property spring clean-up, chopping wood and so much more made it possible to return to the only home remaining filled with my memories of David. Tanya Firman for making the trip and being by Linda's side in Dawson. We deeply appreciate the army of family and friends, your support is a testament to the incredible spirit of David Gould.

Mark Wierda, for his unwavering support and patience, always by Linda's side through endless appointments and difficult times. Ashley Lewis for her daily assistance with every challenge and seemingly impossible task. Paula Lewis, for her invaluable support in managing the daily tasks that kept everything running smoothly. Thank you to all who shouldered the burden.

Our lives have been turned upside down over the past six months and we hope that more information will come to light to help our family heal and find closure.

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

REST IN PEACE OUR BELOVED DAVID

A Celebration of Life in honour of David will take place on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at 40 Eureka Drive, Dawson City.

Please join us between 3 PM and 8 PM to celebrate David's remarkable life with laughter and memories.