Grief is like the ocean, it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing.  Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do it learn to swim.

 

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of their husband, brother, dad, papa and “great” papa, Dave Kraus, in the St Boniface Hospital, early in the morning of April 29, 2021, at the age of 75.

 

Dave is survived by Emily, his wife of 52 years; three daughters, Deborah (Rodney), Susan (Colin), and Rebecca (Lee); six grandchildren, Sarah (David), Ryan, Eric, Thomas, Hayden, and Paige; two special great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Holly; sister Margaret (Bohdan); and niece Vicky and daughter Ashton.  Dave was predeceased by his mother Julia in 1962, when Dave was 17; father Charles in 1980; and nephew Justin in 1993.

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Dave was the third boy born to Charles and Julia.  Years later they were blessed with the addition of Margaret. Margaret and Dave still chatted regulary, until his passing

 

Dave met Emily as teenagers and were married in 1968.  Three years later, Debbie came along, at which point they decided to settle in Transcona.  Two years following that, Susan arrived and Dave quickly learned about raising girls. Skipping ahead six years, one last blessing in Rebecca’s arrival and the Kraus family was complete.

 

Born and raised in Winnipeg, as a young man Dave began working at various car related businesses from Esso gas, to John Deer.   A few years later in 1976, he settled down and began his career with Frontier Toyota and was lucky to make many lasting friendships throughout his time with them.  Later in life Dave and Emily decided to venture out on their own and from a small room in their home, All About Computers was born.  Dave loved speaking to customers and took so much pride in his small business until his very end days.  He was so proud to be from and enjoy the customers from Sunny Transcona.

 

Dave was a man who loved the outdoors.  Family trips were spent driving across Canada and venturing to a few of the States with a small pop up trailer making tons of family memories at various campgrounds.  Trips varied from just the five of them as well as many with numerous family friends. As the girls grew older, summers were often spent in Sioux Narrows with Margie and Bo out on Lake of the Woods fishing.  He taught all three daughters to love water, boating, how to fish, and that relaxing outdoors was good for the soul.

 

Dave was also very involved with the Kinsmen Club and so many of their close friends from this association. Many weekends were spent enjoying so many good times, country music and drinks with lifelong friends. These friendships lasted right until the day he passed.

 

Dad was a joker.  His family all recalls the jokes he loved to play on others.  Whenever anyone asked him how he felt – the answer was always “with my hands” and we would all eye roll immediately following it.  One winter, a short time after Christmas he called all the Christmas tree lots to voluntary remove their trees for them and delivered them all to a friend’s front door. Upon arrival from their winter vacation they could do nothing but laugh at the over 150 trees covering their yard.

 

You could never ask Dave for serious directions around Winnipeg.   If you ever asked if he knew where something was, the answer was ALWAYS “do you know where Inkster is?”  And regardless of your reply, he would say – “well it is nowhere near there”.

 

Dave loved to read, and passed along this trait to his kids. He also LOVED to talk about and cheer for the Winnipeg Jets.  We remember vividly that he would passionately talk about the game he had watched and how good they team played, or where they could improve.  But he always had a “Go Jets Go” in him.

 

Those who were “Facebook friends” with Dave will miss Dave’s Drivel – a very great story of what was on his mind and always a fun read. From the Jets, to politics, the weather, to our family events, it was always so enjoyable to read.

 

Dave was one of the most proud family men there was.  He so often boasted about the love that his family shared.  How he was so proud of all three daughters and how they had made such successful lives for themselves.  He adored each of his six grandkids and two great-grandkids and they all had such a special relationship with Papa.

 

His 52 year marriage with Emily was one that we all admire.   They never needed to have the best or glitziest material things as they were happy just having each other. They enjoyed many years at their home in Transcona where all three girls and their families still live.

 

In recent years Dave’s health slowly deteriorated. He pushed through many ailments. His family were all so very thankful that Dave just recently got to get out to celebrate Hayden’s 21st birthday, all safely distanced, but so close together in their hearts. The last time they were all together was one they will never forget.  One could tell that he was so proud to have them all there.

 

Dave’s family thanks all of the home care workers that visited the house throughout the years; keeping him comfortable and taking good care of him. These visits, as much as they were necessary, were nice for Dave to visit as his ability to get out of the house was diminished.  They would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer their support and condolences as well as sharing their memories.

 

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family kindly requests that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories using the comment section on this page.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making contributions to Abundant Life Baptist Church – donations@albc.ca in his memory.

 

“We love you dad, a day will never pass that we do not think of you and the amazing man that you are.

 

​Our minds know that you are in a better place, where there is no pain.  You are at peace.  We understand that.  We just wish we could explain that to our hearts.”