David Dingwell died March 6 at the age of 77 in Souris, P.E.I. Dingwell was named business development manager at TIMBER MART in 2007 and became regional director of member services for Atlantic Canada in 2014.
But Dingwell was a true road warrior, serving dealers throughout the Atlantic region during a career that spanned half a century. And his passion for the industry, and his love for the dealers, never flagged.
That career included working for hardware wholesaler Cochrane Dunlop in the 1970s and ’80s, and later Sodisco-Howden. (In fact, then-president Jos Wintermans gave credit to Dingwell’s testimony before the Competition Board, and his defence of independents, for securing Sodisco-Howden’s approval of the takeover of Ace Hardware Canada in 2002.)
“Throughout his career, Dave formed many lasting relationships and was a personal friend to a number of TIMBER MART dealers, vendors, and staff,” said Bernie Owens, TIMBER MART president and CEO. “He had the rare ability to make everyone he met feel special and always had TIMBER MART members’ best interests at heart. He has touched so many people in a positive way and will truly be missed.”
In 2017, the ABSDA conferred on him its first-ever industry lifetime achievement award. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dessie (Creamer), their three children, and six grandchildren, as well as his brother Roger and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held when circumstances permit.
