Obituary of David Edmund Rayfield

David Edmund Rayfield "Dave" January 8, 1942 - March 19, 2015 Dave departed this world peacefully with his wife's loving arms wrapped around him. A massive stroke ended his pain and the suffering of the rheumatoid arthritis he endured for over 22 years. He fought many battles and faced his foe yet he was not without his gentler side. A was a very caring, considerate husband, father, brother and uncle, he had love in his heart. Dave was a great story teller and his word was his bond. His mother often said, "They broke the mold when Dave was born". With more energy than most, he lived his life to its fullest and on his own terms, right to the end! In his younger years when he lived at the coast, Dave worked at Vancouver's race track before school; he was also in cubs, scouts, army cadets and the reserves. Dave took boxing lessons at the Bridgeport Legion and at 10 years old, he won the Marpole Community Center Bronze Glove Trophy. He spent a summer with the Island Department of Fisheries survey crew; drove cab in Vancouver; delivered "Honey Cream Donuts"; was a short order cook at the White Spot and the Floating Lady Alexander restaurant and was employed at Ballards Dog Food Company. At age 18 Dave started to learn the glazier business which eventually led him to open and operate his own businesses "Creston Glass" and later "Ample Glass" in Cranbrook. During his 30's, 40's and 50's, Dave's passion was raising thoroughbred horses on his Creston farm - having had horses since he was 10. He played drums and sang in his band for both small and large gigs in various cities, and he was a beautiful dancer. Dave started fishing as a teen off Qualicum beach in his family's small 12 foot boat, and spent many, many years on BC lakes as well as camping and hunting with his pack horses and his life-long friends, George and Dave. He was a respected outdoorsman, conservationist and horseman. Dave also enjoyed golfing, hold'em poker and water skiing on Kootenay Lake. He was on the city's rate payer's council and volunteered at the animal shelter and fire hall in Creston. He was very proud to have provided a home close by for his parents for over 25 years - and to have successful businesses with only a grade 7 education. Dave will be sadly missed and never forgotten by his wife Bev and extended family that included daughter Destiny, son David, and "Other" son Brad (Suthida); sisters-in-law Gladys (Brian) Laing, Dianne (Stephen) Morton, grand children and many close nieces and nephews. A small family gathering will take place this summer to honour and celebrate Dave's life. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com