David “Dave” Allan Perreaux Sr, resident of Grande Cache, AB, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021, in Grande Cache at the age of 71 years.

David was born on May 11, 1950, to Gilbert Perreaux (St. Michel, France) and Claire Marie Jeanne (Roussel) Perreaux (Bellegarde, SK) in Antler, SK. David was raised on a farm outside of Bellegarde, along with his 2 sisters and 3 brothers.

As a young man, he secured an electrical apprenticeship in Edmonton, AB, but decided to begin a lifelong career in mining starting in the Northwest Territories, where he also met the love of his life, Olga. They were married in August of 1972.  He worked at various mines throughout his career, including with the Inco Nickel Mine in Thompson, MB. There, their family grew, beginning with Christian in 1973 and shortly after, David Jr in 1974. Michelle was born in Prince Albert, SK in 1976. They moved the family to the Saskatoon, SK area in 1978, where Dave continued his Underground Mine career at the Potash Mine in Allen, SK. To supplement the family income during the layoff cycle, Dave took to reupholstering and restoring cars, as well as part-time Blasting. In his spare time, Dave enjoyed rec hockey and broomball, as well as competitive bowling with Olga. Dave was an active member of the Mine Rescue team, winning many awards in the Saskatchewan Mine Rescue Competitions while he was employed at the potash mine.

In 1991, there was a tunnel fire at Smokey River Coal, in Grande Cache. The mine asked any and all available Mine Rescue persons to assist with the recovery and fire-fighting. Dave was one of those who answered the call. He was offered a job at Smokey River Coal, and after Olga had come to look at the town, accepted and settled in Grande Cache. He stayed with Smokey River Coal until its closure in 2000. In 2004, Grande Cache Coal was formed and Dave as Maintenance Foreman, was instrumental in many projects. He stayed on with Grande Cache Coal until its closure in 2015. From there, he went to work at the BC Hydro Project, Site C, until his retirement in 2020. Dave garnered the respect and admiration of anyone who worked for him.

Dave is survived by his children: Christian (Chantel), David Jr (Jennifer), and daughter Michelle; grandchildren Kaetlin, Jacob, Kayla, Mollie, and Alisha; as well as his brothers: Romeo (Karen), Norman (Marcie), and Don (Brenda); sister Reina McBeath (Lloyd).

David was predeceased by his parents Gilbert and Claire; as well as his sister Vivian Clement.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for this summer once restrictions are lifted.

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2021-05-30
• Location : Grande Cache, Alberta

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