Obituary of David Brohman

<h1>David Brohman</h1> August 18, 1953 - April 23, 2010. David passed away suddenly at St. Mary's General Hospital, Kitchener on Friday, April 23rd. Loving husband of Ann Robitaille since 1977. Beloved father of Alison Brohman and Amy Brohman, who are his pride and joy. Oldest child of Lorne and Rita Brohman [née Weiler] of Toronto; brother of Carol Anne [Robert Gascon] of Mississauga and Robert Brohman of Toronto. David is a much loved son-in-law of Ray and Norah Robitaille of Midland and brother-in-law of Christine [Alan Baigent] of Toronto and Catherine [Corwyn Ophelders] of Markham. David is known simply as 'Uncle David' to Caitlin and Thomas Gascon, William and Hannah Baigent, and Vanessa [Sean Duffield] and Jonathan Ophelders and great uncle to Sylas. David began his teaching career in 1977 at Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute. He also taught at Eastwood C.I., and Bluevale C.I., teaching Math, Geography and Special Ed. and becoming Special Education Department Head. Early in his teaching career, David became involved in federation work. David has a talent for working with students, especially those who were struggling. He left the classroom in 2000 when he was elected Chief Negotiator for Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, District 24, a position he held at the time of his death. David worked tirelessly representing many teachers over the years and treating them and administrators with professionalism, kindness and respect. He was equally considerate of every person he met and interested in all. A long-time squash player, David enjoyed weekly matches with Ron Startek, John Hayward, Bob Pritchard, and the occasional game with long-time friend, Cecil Clarkson. David enjoyed traveling, including the planning aspect, and had been to Scotland, Romania and Cuba in recent years, and looked forward to seeing more of the world during his retirement. However, he lived in the present, enjoying every moment. David never missed an opportunity to carry out simple acts of kindness for someone; David gave his all to everything he undertook. As a gardener and conservationist, David enjoyed spending time in his backyard garden and eating local organic produce. His involvement with the NDP spanned many years. As a food lover, David had recently spent time with Food Group friends Jon and Barb Conrad, Rick and Kathy Leblanc and Barry and Kathy Kiggins, all of whom he loved. The group has been together for 26 years. Several years ago, David embarked upon a project to write a biography of his father, Lorne Brohman. The result, a labour of love titled, A Road Well Travelled, will be published shortly. "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!" - Rudyard Kipling Godspeed, David. Thank you to the many strangers and friends who have helped us in so many ways over the last few days: E.M.S., patrons [including registered nurses, who adminstered CPR] staff at Ennio's, especially Annabelle, staff at SMGH, chaplain Anita, and dear friend, Kathy Kiggins. Friends are invited to share their memories of David with his family during visitation at the Erb &amp; Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Monday, April 26, 2010 (today) from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi RC Church, 49 Blueridge Ave., Kitchener on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 10:30 am with interment to follow at Williamsburg Cemetery, Kitchener. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, St. Mary’s Cardiac Care Centre, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario are being accepted in David's memory and can be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.