Obituary of David Harry Brenneman
Dave passed away in the early hours of August 6, 2026, at Stratford Rotary Hospice. He was surrounded by his family, best friend and his most favourite Blue Jays memorabilia in those important days and hours prior to his passing.
Dave was the husband of the late Miriam Gaeler (2011), and loving father of Jane Brenneman (Stratford, ON) and Lisa Brenneman (Picton, ON). Loving grandfather of Eliza Beckett (Ottawa, ON) and Emily Beckett (Kitchener, ON) whom he was very proud of and loved to bits. He is survived by his brother Herb Brenneman (Bev) and many nieces and nephews. And of course, his best friend Dale Beckett.
Dave was employed in the transportation industry most of his working career. He was a past member of the Twin City Sertoma Club and the Cameron Heights Kiwanis Club where he served as president for several terms.
The Toronto Blue Jays and Kitchener Rangers were his passion, following them very closely win or lose. Many years were spent with Dale Beckett travelling to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays and collecting his treasured souvenir bobbleheads. As season ticket holders, Friday nights were spent at the auditorium watching the Rangers. When it became too challenging to travel, he watched both teams religiously on television. Everyone knew not to call Dave during a game.
Dave & Miriam did several cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Mediterranean in addition to visits to England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and Turkey plus many motor coach and car trips to Canada and the USA. His obsession with the curse of the Oak Island treasure culminated in a trip to Nova Scotia to tour the island and meet the searchers himself. Dave created special memories for his family when he took his daughters and granddaughters on a trip to Alaska. In his eighties he also enjoyed his trips to Palm Springs where he discovered the Lemon Drop Martini, but it never replaced his treasured Johnnie Walker Scotch. As an avid reader of war history, he treasured a trip to Normandy, Vimy and Berlin.
Dave was self-trained in electrical, plumbing and carpentry. He loved to work on their family home both inside and out restoring it over the years. He purchased the shell of a small tent trailer and created a wonderful camper for his family to enjoy weekend and summer vacations. In retirement he enjoyed woodworking and created toys as well as Blue Jay and Ranger statues for his family, grandchildren, and neighbourhood children.
Dave was pre-deceased by parents Jack & Lavina Brenneman, brothers Erwin and wife Nora, Ray and wife Betty, Laverne, sisters Marcella and husband Russ McNabb, Katie Grieg and Lucie Brenneman. Pre-deceased by in-laws Reta & Harry Brandon, Alice & Don Elvy, Betty & Randy Hertzberger and Dee & Vern Petznik.
During the COVID “pademic”, Dave moved from the family home he lovingly created, to the Westhill retirement home. Special thanks to the staff at The Westhill Retirement Residence and to the dear friends he made while he lived there.
A very special thanks to the staff at the Stratford Rotary Hospice. Such a beautiful place where Dave and his family were loved and cared for with respect and dignity.
Cremation has taken place. Service entrusted to Erb & Good Family Funeral Home. A family graveside service has taken place and a Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.
In memory of Dave, donations can be made to the Stratford Rotary Hospice or Lutheran Church of Canada. These can be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.