David Ronald Eccleston

David Ronald Eccleston

May 9, 1936 •

January 9, 2026

David Ronald Eccleston, beloved husband of Glory Eccleston (nee Gratz) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at the age of 89 years.

Dave was born in Drumheller, AB, on May 9, 1936. He completed his schooling and apprenticeship in plumbing and pipefitting in Drumheller and Calgary. He completed his journeyman certification at SAIT. He also attained his journeyman carpentry certification in the state of Alaska, USA. Dave was a 73-year life member of the Calgary Local Union 496 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union.

During Dave's early years, he worked on commercial, industrial, and oilfield construction in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alaska, USA. It was in Alaska in the mid-1960s that he and his brother started Eccleston Bros. Construction Ltd., where they worked summers in Alaska and in the winter, they worked out of unions in Los Angeles and Hawaii. In 1970, they returned to Drumheller, where they operated their oilfield construction business for another twenty years.

As a perfectionist, Dave took pride in his work, whether it was on the job or working on home projects. He instilled this work ethic in his daughter Kerry, proudly watching her grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Dave played hockey growing up and was proud of his Drumheller team,"The Red Wings;' that went on to win the provincial championship. Hockey was his passion, but he also enjoyed watching football games, and in retirement, he regularly played golf.

Besides his loving wife, Glory, Dave is survived by his daughter, Kerry (Devin) Szarkowicz of Calgary, AB, and his cherished grandchildren, Lyla and Drake Szarkowicz.

He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn (David) Worman and two nieces, Alana (Steve) Meisner and Deanne (Chris) Cox; sister-in-law Shary Kelm and two nephews, Kyle (Tonya) Kelm and Jason (Kristen) Kelm, as well as special extended family, Doug (Tracey) Herman, Matthew Herman, and Justin Herman.

He was predeceased by his parent, Margaret Jean Schaffer and Roger Eccleston Sr., as well as his brother Roger Eccleston Jr..

Many thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Millrise Seniors Village for the excellent care and kindness shown to Dave during his stay.  Thank you also to Dr. Quail for his kind, compassionate, and gentle manner in care for Dave and the whole family.

A private family memorial will be held by the family in Spring 2026.  Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.

Floral tributes are gratefully declined.  If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Dave’s memory directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, www.childrenshospital.ab.ca.