Obituary of David Leo Bohan

“I’ll give you something to cry about…”

David Leo Bohan had 92 and three-quarters good innings. Okay, maybe the last two weren’t that great, but like a good British soldier of the 11th Armoured Division, he carried on.

He was fiercely proud of his children, Katie (John Case), Sarah (Clayton), Bridget (grandchildren Sirvart Sarafian & Max Russell), (Roger), and David – (grandchildren Kevin Jagle & Paige Folkes), and (Denise).

A proud grandfather and head cheerleader to Emily and Charlotte Case, he could regularly be heard from the sidelines of their many sporting events shouting, “Put Casey on!”

He also loved our extended family of Nazret and Feven and their children Rodas, Divora, Rye, and Abby. Watching you chase each other around the house, laughing and playing, brought dad immense joy.

He was a man of few words but plenty of wisdom. His marriage advice? “Don’t marry someone you love; marry someone you can tolerate for the rest of your life.” And he did. David and Catherine (Fidgeon) tolerated each other a couple of days shy of 70 years.

Dad was creative, quick-witted, and a keen outdoorsman who firmly believed that if the dog didn’t like someone, then he didn’t like them either. He was always able to find a clever solution to any problem. Whether through his dry sense of humour, his resourcefulness, or his knack for building and fixing things, he approached life with quiet ingenuity, practicality, and determination.

He passed on a strong work ethic to all his kids. Dad worked at Goodyear Tire in Mimico for 29 years and never missed a day.

Growing up poor and feral in the small village of Fulmer, England, as the youngest of five boys and without a father, Dad learned early how to survive. Those experiences shaped his deep understanding of the importance of being a good father, and later, a mentor.

Already a father of three, Dad chose to become a Big Brother. He and mum welcomed Gerry T., from Rexdale area, into our family, spending weekends and summer holidays camping and creating wonderful memories together. Gerry, if you happen to see this, we would love to get in touch.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada in dad’s memory through www.Brombal.ca

A memorial celebration of David’s life will be held on September 12, 1 to 4pm at the Melville White Church, Belfountain, Ontario.

Brombal Funeral Home, 1 Delhi Street, Guelph.