WHYNACHT, John "David"

John "David" Whynacht September 29, 1944 - October 19, 2023 Helen and family are heartbroken by the unexpected passing on Thursday of David Whynacht, husband, Dad and Gramps, at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, surrounded by loved ones. David grew up in the picturesque, tight-knit community of Mill Village, Queens County, in the house he was born in to Kathleen (MacKinnon) and Hughey Whynacht, with his brother Byron. He would later return to raise his own children there, on the family homestead. He was strong and athletic all of his life, excelling in sports, especially fastball. After moving as a young man to Pictou County to work as a welder, it was at the ballfield he met his beloved Helen Campbell. They married within a year - theirs was a love that was true and lasting - and soon welcomed two beautiful sons, Davey, and Christopher, to their fold. David and Helen supported and encouraged their sons unwaveringly in all of their endeavours - academic, athletic and social. Their love was unconditional, which helped with the boys' hijinks - Dad saved the day when the dashboard of Davey’s old clunker caught fire and intervened in his no-nonsense way when Chris ran afoul of the principal at a Grade 9 dance. Two of many examples. He was exceptionally proud of Davey and Chris, and he would ultimately welcome with wonder and joy his daughters-in-law, Skana Gee and Tanya (Bell) Whynacht. A warm and quiet soul, he nonetheless embraced the raucous Campbell clan, developing deep bonds with Helen's parents, siblings and their partners, Patricia (Joanne Gallivan), Sonny (Debby Graham), Donnie, Bonnie (Henry Black) and John (Gary McNeil). They shared many laughs and perhaps a few refreshments over the years. He was an observer, who never failed to surprise you with a zinger that would leave the room in stitches. He worked extremely hard his entire life, making many sacrifices for his family, and gladly retired from Michelin to home and yard projects, puttering, and time with Helen. He loved nature and was happiest outdoors, whatever the weather. He was always the first visitor to shovel a driveway or walk the dog in a rainstorm and for this we were always grateful. David was the best Gramps that Griffin, Alex, Ainsley and Tova could have asked for - taking them fishing and on forest, river, and beach walks, and showing endless patience for their games, questions and stories, and doting on them and their various pets over the years, particularly Holly dog. He enthusiastically attended the kids’ concerts and of course, sporting events. Later, he would welcome their partners - Erin, Jamie, Brandon, and Aidan - with open arms and generosity. Family was everything to David, and while the last few years had their challenges, he and Helen took comfort in each other, their kids and grandkids, extended family and their many devoted friends. We will remember him in the woods and waterways, the sunrises, and sunsets and in every bit of weather Nova Scotia throws at us. David is survived by his wife, Helen, his sons and daughters-in-law, his grandchildren, his siblings-in-law and their partners, his brother Byron Whynacht and his sons Blair, Stephen and Derek. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law Donnie Campbell and sisters-in-law Judy Campbell and Betty Whynacht. A special thank-you to the doctors and nurses at South Shore Regional Hospital who cared for David in his final hours, and before that the caregivers from Nova Scotia Health Continuing Care, and his sweet granddaughter, Ainsley. Always giving, David has donated his earthly remains to Dalhousie Medical School to aid in research and helping others, as his beloved mother Kathleen did before him. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at 49 Lakewood Drive, Chester Grant. All welcome.