SHAFFER , Dave Shaffer

Suddenly and unexpectedly on August 31st, 2025, Dave passed away at the Waterloo Regional Health Network, in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for his big frame (‘Moose’ as he was known back in his football days), his sharp wit, his big heart and his ability to charm anyone and everyone he met, Dave was a tour de force and a person who lived and loved life to the fullest.

Dave was an incredibly proud father and grandfather (Gordon Shaffer and Nicole Rosenberg and Lauren and Sam Shaffer), a devoted son (the late Lou and Janet Shaffer of Winnipeg), a loving brother (the late Sandi Bloomfield of Winnipeg) and a wisecracking uncle (Mindy, Michelle and Gillian).

Dave spent his early years growing up in North Winnipeg and playing junior football. In 1974, he joined the Assiniboine Branch of Sunlife in Winnipeg, where he excelled as a financial planner. Dave soon moved into middle management at Sunlife’s Red River Branch in Winnipeg and eventually moved to Regina to become the branch manager for Sunlife’s Regina Branch. After several years with Sunlife, Dave moved to Canada Life, retiring in the late 1990’s as the Regina branch manager.

After his family and friends, Dave’s great loves were the Saskatchewan Roughriders and spending weekends at Queensbury Downs in Regina watching the horse races (or, as his son described it, ‘round and round they go and the brown horse always wins’). After retirement, Dave hosted his own television show on local cable and radio giving out betting advice to patrons. He was in his element in so doing as he fancied himself both a bit of a local media star and a master handicapper. He soon moved to Sudbury to become closer to his family and also to take a media job at Sudbury Downs. In his later years, Dave relocated to Kitchener and devoted the majority of his time to his family.

He also leaves behind many close long-time friends from every city in which he ever lived and a huge extended family who will miss his kindness, laughter, big heart, love and sensitivity. Dave will be dearly missed by all of those who loved him and his memory will live on in those whose lives he touched.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the medical team in Kitchener-Waterloo who supported Dave through all of his day-to-day needs and in hospital. Anyone wishing to make a donation can consider the Diabetes Canada or another charity of your choice. Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Benjamin’s Park Memorial Chapel.