David Unger of St. Albert, Alberta, joyfully took his first uninhibited breath of heaven’s fresh air on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2026, at the age of 52 years.
He leaves to cherish his memory his two children, Tyrell Roach and Courtney Roach, and his granddaughter, Scarlett; his sisters, Sylvia (Mark) Jantzen, Vivian Fry, and Donna Ginther; and his nieces and nephews, Theresa Jantzen Reed (Ryan), Erica Jantzen Fraser (James), Craig Jantzen, Karen Ginther, Stephanie Ginther, and Jonathan Pulyk. David was predeceased by his father, Abe Unger; his mother, Sara Unger; and his brother-in- law, Tom Fry.
David was a very talented man. Working on the farm with his dad taught him skills he used his entire life. The most important skill was how to figure anything out – David was never stuck. He was creative and resourceful, but motorcycles were his true passion. Every day after school, he was on his bike. It was his outlet, the place where he felt most free. He never sat still, energetically moving from trampoline to go-karting to horseback riding. After graduating from high school in 1991, David worked, attended Bible school, and studied computer programming until 1996. On May 1, 1996, his dad suddenly passed away from a stroke at the age of 60. This was a devastating time for the family, especially for David. They were very close, and David was only 22 years old.
In 1998, he moved to Calgary and began his electrical apprenticeship. He was good at it. David appreciated neatness and precision, and it showed in his work. In 2000, he moved to Edmonton to attend NAIT for his first year of apprenticeship, and in 2001 moved to Grande Prairie for his second year. These were great years filled with work and fun with friends. He once laughed and said it was probably a good thing there was no social media back then.
In 2003, he moved to Medicine Hat. That summer, he was in a serious motorcycle accident, breaking his back and being flown to Calgary. True to form, he was back at work by December. During this time, he was facing increasing shortness of breath and declining energy. Unable to continue the physical demands of electrical work, he decided to return to school to become an Electrical Engineering Technologist. By 2005, he returned to Edmonton to attend NAIT.
In 2005, David married Alison, and for the next 16 years, they raised Tyrell and Courtney together in a love-filled home. David enjoyed coaching sports, father-daughter dances, family vacations, camping, teaching piano, and birthday parties. He was the best dad and teacher. He wasn’t afraid of tackling any job that meant improvement for his family. He also made sure to include God in his daily routine and to teach his kids about our saviour.
In February 2007, he received a double lung transplant because of an autoimmune disease that was affecting his quality of life. He recovered remarkably and graduated from NAIT in June 2008. He settled at DES Engineering, where he loved the work and was valued for his skill and teamwork.
In 2013, lymphoma began to appear. The immunosuppressants his body relied on after histransplant were now causing cancer in his lymph nodes. Recurring cycles of lymphoma, chemotherapy, and surgeries marked the remaining years of his life. During COVID, he stayed with his sister Donna for three months. They shared a special time of talking, laughing, and watching movies together.
Returning to St. Albert, David fought his complex and brutal adversary with everything he had. His resilience and strength of spirit deeply impacted family, friends, and medical staff time and again. When squamous cell carcinoma took over his mouth, requiring extensive reconstructive surgeries, speech became difficult for him. This was heartbreaking for anyone who knew him – especially because he still had so much to say and teach us.
In 2021, Scarlett was born, and David became a grandpa. She quickly became his reason to continue. His love for her was so evident just by the way he looked at her. July 14, 2022, marked his final day of work. Despite every setback, he always planned to return, but cancer ultimately made that impossible.
In his final years, his daughter Courtney stepped into the role of David’s primary caregiver, providing devoted and loving support. She was by his side through countless appointments, hospital stays, and daily needs – managing medications, coordinating care, and advocating for him every step of the way. David leaned on her deeply during this time, and her dedication allowed him to face his illness with comfort and dignity. He was also supported by many caring friends, family members, and medical professionals who admired his kind and gentle disposition.
As David’s health declined, he remained proud of his home. Tyrell stepped in in many ways during this time, helping maintain the house and taking on the small but important day-to-day tasks that became harder for David to manage. He also lovingly cared for Jax, the dog David adored so much. When David no longer had the strength to walk him, throw his favorite toy, or keep up with his routine, Tyrell made sure Jax was still able to enjoy his daily walks, playtime, and the love he was used to.
David could build almost anything and loved working with live-edge wood. He could fix a car, install plumbing, build a fence or deck, create spreadsheets, solve budgets, pick secure passwords, assemble a puzzle, fry sausage, and barbecue a perfect steak. He could talk gibberish with his granddaughter, give enveloping hugs, and patiently walk you through a problem with steady logic. He laughed with pure enjoyment and teased with a twinkle in his eye. He loved sitting in front of a fire and watching sunsets. His lifelong love of dogs culminated in his faithful border collie, Jax, who was his loyal companion for the past five years.
As David’s dad used to say, “He did his level best.” He trusted himself to the love and grace of God. Now he is where there is no more pain or suffering.
Go rest high on that mountain. We love you.
The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care David received from the staff at the University of Alberta Hospital throughout his many emergencies and stays. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association at www.lung.ca.
Daren Schmidt says
Proud to have been a part of David’s life. He was a true fighter and never once complained about his battles. A true believer who taught us all many lessons. Condolences to his family and to all who were lucky enough to have shared in his life story.
Courtney says
Daren, thank you so much for your kind words and for being there for my dad through everything. It truly means more than I can put into words. He thought so highly of you, and we’re so grateful you were by his side and continue to be there for our family.
Rhonda Birtle says
We want to offer our condolences to David’s family. God called a special man home to be with Him. He is now pain free and in a better place. He will be missed by so many people. I know your heart hurts, but I pray God’s spirit will be felt by you and you can take comfort in knowing his earthly body has been laid to rest and his Heavenly one is with Jesus.
Sincerely, Andy, Rhonda, and Matthew Birtle
Ray Roach says
I am deeply saddened by the loss of my son-in-law, David.
David married my daughter Alison in 2005, and from the very beginning, he embraced her children, Tyrell and Courtney, as his own. He loved them unconditionally, and they, in return, loved him deeply as their father. That bond was something truly special and lasting.
Before marrying Alison, David briefly worked with me on the Esplanade Project in Medicine Hat, where I first saw his strong work ethic and character. He went on to build a career as an electrician, but as his health challenges grew due to a rare lung disease, it became clear that a change was needed. I suggested he pursue becoming a Certified Electrical Technologist, a path that would be less physically demanding. David took that advice to heart.
With determination and hope, David and Alison moved to Edmonton with the children, and both committed themselves to furthering their education. During his second year of the program, David faced a major trial, a double lung transplant. Though it brought him the gift of breath and renewed life, it also came with great challenges. The anti-rejection medications weakened his immune system, and he later developed cancer.
Through it all, David showed remarkable courage, strength, and perseverance. Despite pain and hardship, he continued to fight with unwavering determination. His resilience was nothing short of inspiring.
Above all, David loved his family deeply. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man of strong faith. He accepted Jesus as his Saviour, and because of that faith, we find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, free from pain and suffering.
“Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
David will be forever loved and forever missed.
My heart goes out to Alison, Tyrell, Courtney, and all of David’s family. May the Lord surround you with His comfort, strength, and peace during this time of grief and mourning.
Sherry & Darrel Unger says
Dear Courtney, and Tyrell Roach; Mark & Sylvia, Vivian, & Donna and Families. So sorry for the loss of your Dad, brother,
Uncle, & friend, . He has so grown up from the little boy on the farm. Now, expanded his education, became a dad and now a grandpa. He will be dearly missed. Love and prayers to all of you.
From cousins ; Darrel and Sherry Unger.
Thomas Kyle says
On behalf of everyone at DES Engineering, and from me personally, we are deeply saddened by David’s passing. David was a valued member of our team — skilled, dependable, and genuinely good to work alongside.
What stands out most, though, is the spirit David carried with him every day. No matter what he was facing, and he faced more than most of us could imagine, he showed up with a positive attitude, a steady presence, and a quiet determination that left a real mark on the people around him.
We are grateful for the years we had with David at DES, and we will miss him. Our hearts go out to Tyrell, Courtney, Scarlett, and the entire family.
Thomas Kyle & DES Engineering