We Remember
LAING, David Gary
December 6, 1944 — September 28, 2023
It is with sadness that our family announces the passing of David Gary Laing, peacefully with his daughters by his side, on September 28, 2023 at the age of 78. He was the father of Marnie, Stacey, Holly and Catherine Laing of Kelowna, sons-in-law Danny and Bradley, and he will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Zoe, Snow, Robin, Jax, Marin, Grace, Kaiden and Alina. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends.
David was born in Regina, SK, the second eldest to Thomas and Rita Laing. He grew up working with his brothers as the third generation of the Laing bottling business in Weyburn, SK. Following university, he continued to work in the family business in Weyburn and Brandon, ultimately moving to Winnipeg as company president of what became the largest privately owned Coca-Cola Ltd. franchise in Canada. He loved to talk about the history of the business he shared with his grandfather, father, and brothers. He missed his days of running the plant and his relationships there.
His fondness for poetry and literature was contagious, and he nurtured this love during his years at Western Ontario University, graduating in Journalism. David was an avid believer in fitness, which was a pivotal activity in his life. A huge hockey fan, he was part owner of the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 1980-90s and a corporate supporter of the Winnipeg Jets.
David loved fishing and hunting when he was younger. He enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and time spent with his best hunting companion, Magic, a black lab. Salmon fishing became his passion later in life, and he loved sharing trips to Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island with friends and his daughters. He adored Maui, always in awe of the ocean and the whales, sailing with Captain Gene on the Scotch Mist during most of his years there.
He will always be remembered for his incredible generosity. He loved sports, boating off Grand Cayman, going out for dinner, everything Christmas and answering the door for trick-or-treaters. David’s greatest love was his daughters and grandchildren. He proudly shared the love and stories of his children with anyone who listened. If his grandchildren were in a music recital, dance production, soccer or volleyball game, he was there. We love you, Dad.
There will be no service, instead a private family gathering.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
My deepest condolences to friends and family. How you will miss him. May the many memories bring smiles to your faces and peace in your heart.
My condolences, your Dad was a great man who loved his family. He will truly be missed by so many friends and family. You all have such great memories of him.
Stacey and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending love and hugs to you at this difficult time.
Love,
Barbara
David was so kind to both of us, he invited us on many sailing trips on Maui, our deepest sympathy to his family
My condolences Marnie.
David was a generous man and I was happy to share some golf games and meals and laughs with him.
So sorry Catherine to you and all the family.
We want to express our deepest sympathy and let you know that our thoughts are with each of you. David greeted everyone with kind words and had a wonderful way of making them feel special. David really made a difference in so many lives. We will always cherish the wonderful memories we had with your Dad. Someone so special will never be forgotten.
On behalf of the Knight family our condolences to the Laing family. David was an exceptional host when we visited him in the caymans and shared his love of the water. He will be missed.
To David’s daughters, grandchildren and family my heart goes out to all of you at this sad time. I was David’s stylist for many years. He told me of all his accomplishments in his career but the he was proud of was all of you.. you girls made his life complete. I will miss him dearly with deepest sympathy .. Alisa
We were so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We both worked at Beverage Services for many years and Dave was a great boss and friend. We spent many social occasions together. We thought of him often and remember Dave calling when Les was very ill, to check up on him. He often shared his love of gladioli by giving us a sample of his flowers. Dave was a wonderful man and will be missed. Our condolences to his entire family.
It was with great sadness when we heard of David’s passing. He was a great friend and we had some special times together. He was very kind to Lorraine and I, and he will be missed.
Condolences to David’s family. I worked for him at Winnipeg Coca Cola plant. He was a very great person to work for.
I first met David at Coca Cola when he hired our company to look after the Grounds/Landscaping at the Plant. He was the kind of person who got to know you very easily. Over the many many years there and at his Home he really made you feel special. You don’t get to meet many people like him in this world, and I feel Blessed to have known him. Lloyd Beaucage
David was a wonderful neighbour & friend. Our families spent some happy times together. He was good to all of us, especially the children. He will be missed. Rest in Peace David.
Sorry to read about the passing of David. I grew up in Weyburn and lived a block from the bottling plant. The Laing family was invovled with the community with the bottling plant and CFSL radio station… He will be greatly missed.
I haven’t seen David since we were neighbours in the Okanagan. I regret that, because we didn’t re-kindle what was a strong high school and early life relationship. I so admired David then, even if he upted me on pretty much everything. If I worked out, he worked out harder. I made the school football team half back position, David made quarterback, I played right wing, David was Centre. I drove my dad’s new Dodge, he drove dad’s Buick. I dated the second most attractive girl in school, he dated the prettiest. (That one was ok, it was my sister) Later in life I did well financially, he did much better. I had handsome sons, he had prettier daughters. Well David, this is just another time that you are beating me to the finish line. May you rest in peace my old friend.