Rawleigh – David (Butch) Leroy Rawleigh passed away peacefully at the age of 74 in Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on April 29, 2009. David was born in Brooks on October 20, 1934, spent his early childhood in Bow City, and eventually settled in Tilley, where he spent the next 60 years, enjoying small town living. David married Elsie (nee Neilsen) on August 28, 1965 in Calgary and resided in Tilley. He leaves two daughters and their families to cherish his memory: Carolyn (Warren Potter) and Rhonda (Gary Straub) and grandchildren, Stephanie and David Potter,and Logan, Zachary and Cassidy Straub; one brother, William (Madeline); numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends in Tilley, Brooks and Medicine Hat. David was predeceased by his loving wife Elsie in 2001, mother Lela in 1996, father Jesse in 1973, brother Ralph and sisters, Margaret and Stella. He lived and worked in Medicine Hat in his early years, but soon began operating a garage in Tilley, along side his father (JL Rawleigh and Son). David also drove school bus for many years. When his father retired, he expanded the business, opening Gulf Bulk Sales and delivered fuel to local farmers. In 1978 he relocated the Bulk Station to Brooks, which he continued to operate until 1983. Later, David and Elsie managed the ATB agency in Tilley until 2000, when failing health necessitated his retirement. Not being one to sit idle, David continued to work as an agent for Agriculture Financial Service Corporation, which he had done for some 20 + years, offering hail insurance to farmers in the community. In the early years, the family enjoyed camping and regularly went to Fairmont Hot Springs during summers. David and Elsie enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Vegas, Jackpot and Reno. In recent years his health began to decline, but he didn’t let this stop him from enjoying life and time spent with his family, grandchildren and friends. The highlights of David’s life were his grandchildren. Grandpa enjoyed taking his grandchildren out to eat and looked forward to being able to take them to the Casino when they got old enough. David enjoyed teasing them about imaginary boy/girlfriends they didn’t have, but was always caring and loving towards them. Grandpa enjoyed taking his family out to buffets and especially enjoyed the dessert selection, with his dessert plate often twice the size of his main entree. He never forgot a family birthday or anniversary and enjoyed spending holidays with his family and grandchildren. David enjoyed playing cards and crib and enjoyed watching videos, fashioning himself a bit of a western movie buff. David was also an avid horse racing fan, enjoyed the Casino with friends and was often a lucky winner. Family and friends referred to David as a kind and generous man. He will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know him. Funeral services were held on Monday, May 4 at 2:00 PM from Bethany Lutheran Church, Tilley. Pastor Mark Borrows of Christ The King Church, Medicine Hat officiated. Interment followed at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery, Tilley. In celebration of David’s life, the family requests that you honour his memory through a random act of kindness, sharing a memory or a laugh with another or taking solace in recalling a special moment; or donations to an organization of their own choice. Funeral arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
