David Edward "Dave" Woodman – 63, Lower Truro.

How do you find the words to describe a man who was everything to his family? A man who always put the happiness of his wife and children as a top priority. A man who brought his wife lunch to work each day. A man who wasn’t defined by his work. A man who cherished and supported his children. We are devastated to announce the unexpected passing of David Edward "Dave" Woodman at the age of 63 on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax.

Survived by his loving wife, Janet (Carrigan); daughters, Alyssa Christine and Kirstin Margaret; son, Brogan Everett David; brother, Mark Eugene (Dawn); his extended immediate family, Owen and Florence Carrigan, Nancy Stabenow, David and Denise Carrigan, Glen Carrigan and Stephanie Davis, Sharon Scott, Douglas and Lara Carrigan, and his many mutually adored nieces and nephews. 

He was predeceased by his mother, Lucy Margaret "Peggy" Woodman; father, Harry Everett Woodman; sister, Lisa Ann Woodman; brother, Sean Andrew Woodman.

Dave’s diverse career path began with the Coast Guard in his early years and was later followed by 22 years with Loblaws. This then led him to his dream opportunity of becoming a Franchise Owner of Bible Hill Foodland. Dave was so proud of this store and the many things he and his team had accomplished together. This was more than a job, it was his passion; his team were more than employees, they were his family. He had a vested interest in every one, not only on a professional level but also on a personal level, a characteristic that spoke to the man he was.

Dave cherished his friends and family. He never forgot a special occasion, whether it was wishing his sisters-in-law a happy Mother’s Day or wishing a happy birthday to his childhood friends. Dave had a knack for knowing the right time to reach out and never waited for a specific reason. He was never short on advice and loved to share his wisdom. His most poignant piece of advice was "99% of things you worry about never happen." and that is how he lived his life.

He was an amazing father to all of his children no matter the challenge, especially to his younger daughter, Kirstin. When delivered a hand that most would find insurmountable, he didn’t miss a beat. He enriched her life with his love of music, which included a morning sing along with "Great Big Sea" and many "car karaoke" adventures. He always impressed Alyssa with the right Dad move. Whether he was dropping off a pound of bacon, buying a barbecue to go with her new house, or buying a set of winter tires, he always knew what you needed before you did. He was consistently in awe of Brogan’s artistic abilities and beamed with pride when able to work side by side with him at his store. He was a proud father who loved his children fiercely. His loyalty to family started from childhood.

Despite the untimely passing of his mother, Peggy, her values, respect, and devotion was ever present in his life. Dave was more than a brother to Mark, he was his best friend. No matter where they were in their lives, Dave made sure that they always stayed connected. His passion for golf was first kindled by his father, Harry, and it continued throughout his life. Despite a 12-year age gap between him and his brother, Sean, they shared a passion for many things including football and macaroni casserole.

His 26-year relationship with his wife, Janet was more than a marriage, it was a true love story that was still being written whose last chapter ended too soon.  He adored her beyond words, and this was evident to everyone they met. He was her perfect leading man and will always remain the absolute love of her life.

Aside from his family, his greatest joys were music, golf and watching the sunset over the Bras d’Or Lakes in Big Pond Centre. He will be forever missed, and his untimely passing has left a hole in the lives of his friends and family that can never be filled. Dave’s response to someone that thanked him was always "No, thank you for allowing me the opportunity." It goes without saying that Dave was beloved by his family, friends, community and all who knew him. He will live forever in their hearts and memories.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you pay it forward through a random act of kindness and give someone the opportunity to say thank you.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 669 Prince Street, Truro, Father Andrew Rembarczyk officiating. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance is limited to family and close friends, by invitation only. Live webcast of the Funeral Mass will be available on this website at 10:55 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Interment at a later date in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Dave’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

 To quote Dave, "Life is a musical." and he would want us all to keep on singing.