Peacefully, at the Pinawa Hospital surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer, it is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David Pochinko at the age of 70. 

David is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Christine; their children, Danah (Mike) Bellehumeur and Conrad Pochinko; his grandchildren, Hope and Cole Pochinko; his brothers Fred and Calvin Pochinko; brother-in-law Rick (Lise) Black; nieces Shauna Black, Kerri Black, and Krista (Elie) Katzin; his dog Piper and grand-dog Lily. He was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Betty Pochinko.   

Dave grew up in Parkdale, Manitoba, where his parents built and owned Parkdale Esso for many years.  Dave shared his father’s passion for racing cars, building and racing a stock car and sprint at the Brooklands Speedway in the 1960s and 70s.  He met Chris at his best friend’s wedding in 1967 where he was a groomsman and Chris was a bridesmaid.  Dave won Chris over with his red 1964 Chevy Impala 409.  They married in 1969, built their first home in St. Andrews, and took over his dad’s garage with his cousin Ron in 1970.  He later went back into the sprinkler fire protection trade, working for Grinnell and Vipond.  He then went on to own and operate several fire protection companies, including CDP Fire Protection with his son Conrad. He was very proud of his trade and the fact that his son followed in his footsteps.  He was also very proud of his daughter Danah and everything she has accomplished in her life.  And he absolutely adored his two grandchildren.

Dave and Chris retired to their cabin where he enjoyed 21 years of cutting grass, taking long boat rides, sitting by a bonfire, and hosting friends and family.  Dave was especially proud of the Annual Camp David Pig Roasts, bragging about them to strangers, and inviting everyone.  Dave was also a ‘MacGyver’ in his own rights.  He could fix anything with his ingenuity and we got a kick out of his “inventions”.  Dave will be remembered for his ‘Davisms’, often misusing words.  Once, he called out to Chris to come see the “salami” on TV and when she went to see what he was talking about, she saw it was a “tsunami”.  In his final days, Dave asked Dr. Bruneau if he knew anyone that barbeques.  Chris had to explain that Dave was asking about cremation, which made everyone in the room laugh. 

As per Dave’s request, there will be no funeral.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Henry, Dr. Leslie, Dr. Wong, Dr. Butler, Dr. Kaufmann, and especially Dr. Bruneau, as well as all the staff at CancerCare Manitoba at St. Boniface Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, and Pinawa Hospital for their kind and caring support over the years, and for laughing at all his jokes.  The family would also like to thank the MAID Team for their compassion and support during a very difficult time.  In lieu of flowers, Dave would prefer that you donate to a cancer charity of your choice.