David Jaggard

October 28, 2025

November 12, 1946 – October 24, 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of David Jaggard, age 78 years, announces his passing, peacefully in St. Joseph’s Hospital on Friday, October 24, 2025.

David was born on November 12, 1946 in Port Arthur, Ontario and was one of 10 children of Phoebe (nee Holborn) and Norman Jaggard. David was raised on the family homestead farm in Marks Township.David left home at an early age when he was in grade 8. He was taken under the wing of police officer Fred Beanie, who helped him get his first job at the age of 13 on the railroad out west. He worked for various companies including Sal Franzese, Haquil, Coca Cola, Glen Nelson and Buchanan Forest Products. He then finished his career at Teranorth Construction. David met Paula Tiitto and they married and moved to Mokomon where they started their family before moving to Westfort where their second son was born. City living wasn’t for them and they bought property on the Dog River where they built their forever home. In 1988, David proudly started and registered his own trucking company, Towanda Timber. He expanded and changed the business over the years from logging to gravel. Construction from Armstrong to Graham then North Bay to Huntsville.

For decades during spring break up, David and Paula would take their well-earned time off and vacation down south where they spent time relaxing with family and friends. David was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 and again in 2012 and fought hard to beat his illness, including having a stem cell transplant. While on a trip to Arizona in 2019, David got sick with Covid, before it was even known. He was on life support and vented and even had to learn how to walk again, which he said “would just require a new pair of work boots”. He recovered and was bound and determined to get back to the truck. Which he did until his official retirement in July of 2022. In Dec 2023 he had open heart surgery which then forced him to slow down a little bit.

Following retirement, David enjoyed time with his family and friends at his favorite spot on the river in Kam. From his seat on the golf cart he still managed to maintain his patriarchal position. David will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Paula; sons Wesley (Colette) and Bradley (Christie); grandchildren Nathan, Quentin, step-grandaughter Amy, Taylor and Cage, and great-grandson River. He is also survived by his sisters Sharron (Cecil) Ramsbottom and Bernice (Butch) Jeffries as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and extended family. And we can’t forget his beloved dogs Reba and MJ.

He was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Phoebe Jaggard; brothers Freddy (in infancy), Butch, Tom and Larry; sisters Beverley (in infancy), Audrey and Grace as well as many aunts, uncles and other relatives.

A Visitation for family and friends of David will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025 from 6:00pm until 9:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. A private family interment will take place in Dog River Cemetery.

A Celebration of David’s life will also be held in July 2026 at his favourite place, the Gazebo by the River at the family home in Kaministiquia. Details will be announced next summer.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of David to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society or Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.