It is with sadness that we announce the passing of David Peter Tomnuk, who died on June 8, 2026, at the age of 78.
He is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Heather Tomnuk with whom he shared a lifetime of love and music for more than 56 years. Survived also by his children, son Bradly (Karen), grandchildren Emily and Grayson and daughter Kimberly (Mike) who miss him dearly.
For many years, Dave was a dedicated business owner working in fabrication and installation of industrial insulated panels and took great pride in this entrepreneurial pursuit. Later in life, he transitioned into a second career in business administration for the Government of Canada, bringing the same diligence and care to his professional work through to retirement.
Outside of work, music was his true passion. Dave played guitar and sang in bands for most of his life, at times alongside his wife. Whether at Christmas gatherings, campfires, pubs, casinos, public events, or seniors’ homes, he shared his talent generously and created lasting memories with everyone around him.
His longest running musical partnership was with his dear friend John in “The Decades,” a collaboration that brought him immense joy. Over the years, he formed several cherished, long standing friendships through music. Among them was his decades long friendship with Dave N., who lived far away but stayed close at heart; whenever they could meet, they jammed, talked, and enjoyed the kind of time only old friends understand.
His family and the friends he shared his music with were the relationships that mattered most to him.
Those who knew him will remember his kindness, humour, and the music he brought into their lives.
Our family is deeply grateful to the dedicated staff at Emerald Hills Chartwell and the compassionate team at Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital whose care, kindness, and attention brought comfort to him in his final days.
In keeping with Dave’s wishes, his immediate family will gather for a small private memorial and interment. Those wishing to honour his memory may visit his resting place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Edmonton, AB after he has been laid to rest.
TO: Heather, Bradly (Karen), Emily, Grayson, Kimberly (Mike).
Dave was always very gracious and understanding with me during the years we worked together @ CRA. He also honored me when he allowed me to play along side drummer John in The Decades during a handful of gigs @ the Fairmount Lodge Jasper and @ the Chateau Louis Edmonton. Cherish the rich musical memories. Heaven has very talented new member in their “BAND”. God Bless and May He Rest in Peace.
It’s hard to put into words how sad I am to hear about Dave’s passing. He’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember — always kind, always funny, always someone who made things better just by being there. Even with time and distance, I never forgot what a special part of our family he was. My love and condolences go out to Aunt Heather, Kim, Bradley, and all of their families. I know this loss is enormous, and I’m thinking of you
Dave was my uncle, married to my dad’s sister Heather, and growing up our families were very close. I have so many great memories of Dave that it’s hard to pick just a few.
One of the memories that means the most to me was having the opportunity to work with Dave on Canada Place, installing the panels that he had created and fabricated. That job will always have a very special place in my life because it was through working there that I ended up meeting Wanda, who has now been my wife for over 36 years. In a way, something that started with Dave and that job ended up changing the entire direction of my life. I also always thought it was kind of ironic that years later Dave ended up working out of the very same building that he had helped build.
Dave had one of the greatest senses of humour of anyone I have ever known. It didn’t matter who was around or how long it had been since you had seen him. The minute you got together, it was like you had seen each other yesterday. The jokes would start and they just never stopped. He was incredibly funny, and I always looked forward to spending time with him.
I also remember being a very young kid at our house in MacLeod. Dave and Heather would be downstairs in the basement with a full band getting ready to play at one of my dad’s parties. This was in a little 1,100-square-foot bungalow, so you can imagine what that was like. My friends and I would sit outside listening to the music. It is one of those memories from childhood that has stayed with me my entire life.
Dave was also an extremely smart man. You could ask him almost anything and somehow he seemed to know the answer. It was actually rare to find something he didn’t know.
I have nothing but great memories of Dave. Lots of laughter, lots of good times and a lifetime of memories of having him as part of our family. When I think about the fact that working with him at Canada Place ultimately led me to Wanda and the family and life we have built together, it makes that memory even more special to me.
I loved Dave very much and will always be grateful that he was part of my life.
Rest in peace, Uncle Dave. You will be greatly missed.
Sorry for your loss Kim
Dearest Sister Heather,
My heart is with you as you say goodbye to your beloved Dave.
As I think of him, so many memories come flooding back. I remember when he was the young newspaper boy who delivered to our home, and how over the years the two of you found each other and built a life together filled with love, music, family, adventures, and friendships.
From “The Decades” band, to our years together in Kelowna, family holidays, houseboat trips, trailers, cruises, and countless special moments, Dave was such an important part of all our lives. George and I loved him dearly. He truly was like a brother to us.
You and Dave shared a remarkable journey together through good times and difficult times, and the love you built over all those years is a gift that can never be taken away.
You and Dave have a wonderful family whom have been the Best Support and always there for you both. Our family love you all very much and sorry I was unable to be at the Memorial..
I hope you can find comfort in your many wonderful memories and in knowing how much Dave was loved. I also like to think that George may be there to welcome him and that they will be sharing stories together once again.
I will especially miss those summer days when we sat in our lawn chairs, wiggled our toes in the water, and enjoyed a glass of wine together. Those were the days, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
Please know that I am thinking of you, loving you, and holding you close in my heart.
With all my love,
Your Sister Donna
Our deepest condolences to Heather and family. We will miss Dave at our duo-family gatherings. Pull out your guitar, Dave, and sing to the angels.!! Ern & Jo xx