Jeff was born on August 2, 1965 and passed at Queen Victoria Hospital, Revelstoke on March 15 th , 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born at Vancouver General Hospital and 10 days later was adopted by Vi and Nick Shewchuk. He lived his first year of life in Trout Lake, and then the family moved to Revelstoke, where Jeff spent the remainder of his life.
Jeff had several jobs over his life including Garbage Collection with Jowen Contracting and Septic Truck Operator with Shewchuk Enterprises.
To those that really knew Jeff, he was an incredible man. He dealt with high functioning autism, although he was not diagnosed until later in life. Family was very important to him, right from grandparents, parents, sister, niece, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, and even second and third cousins.
Jeff had an incredible memory regarding family, and also about friends, Revelstoke, history and geography. He also had many internet friends that he talked with on a regular basis. Jeff also played the piano which many didn’t know, until he sat down and did so. He also liked to fiddle around with a recorder and guitar on occasion.
Jeff was a long-time member of both the B.C. Moose Association, and the Knights of Pythias, and attended most meetings and conventions. He was very involved in both of them.
Jeff met his wife in late 2010 and they were married in July 2014. This union was very strong, and special, and his wife stayed at this side through his battle with cancer.
Jeff’s greatest joy in life was his cat Angel, who gave him many laughs, and comfort when he wasn’t feeling well. Jeff called Angel his daughter with great pride. Jeff was an incredibly positive person and never let his cancer diagnosis get him down.
Jeff had two wishes he voiced in the days just before his death. He was adamant that he was going to his dad’s celebration of life, and that he hoped he could celebrate his 5 th wedding anniversary with his wife. Sadly, he was not able to accomplish either.
A few words that people used to describe Jeff in the days after his death were “he fought long and hard with such a positive attitude”, “he was such a champ”, “sweet man with a great sense of humor”, “quite the positive attitude”, “he gave incredible and meaningful hugs”, “such a gentle soul”, and “gentle giant”.
Jeff is going to leave a big hole in many people’s heart, especially his wife, who never faltered in her love for him. Even with his cancer Jeff never gave up, in the end he just let go.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents Nick and Vi Shewchuk, uncles Ed, Ernie and Melvin and brother-in-law Graham Kowalchuk. He leaves to mourn him his wife Margaret (Peggy) Shewchuk of Revelstoke, sister Sherilee Kowalchuk (Scott McQuarrie) of Revelstoke, niece Justine (Jeremy) McPherson and their children Benn and Violet of Vernon, nephew David Kowalchuk of Revelstoke as well as aunts, uncle and cousins in B.C., Manitoba and Ontario.
Jeff is going to be cremated and interred at a later date. A Celebration of his Life will be held at a later time for family and close friends only. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, #202 – 1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 3H5, in memory of Jeff.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Jeff’s family by viewing his obituary at:
www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
David Jeff
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