Obituary of Denis Daviau

Denis Daviau of Riverview, NB, passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the age of 73 years. Born in Timmons, ON, he was a son of the late Jean-Paul and Germaine (Labonte) Daviau.

Denis grew up in a French speaking home in Timmins, Ontario. He was sent to a boarding school for the blind at the tender age of 5. This was far more devastating than the disability caused by the injuries at birth. His story is one of hope. His autobiography entitled: "Disconnected" offers hope for emotional wholeness. 

Denis completed college in electronics in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Shortly thereafter, he took a risk to have an operation to improve his vision. While in the hospital the man next to him offered Denis a job in the field of electronics.  He accepted and moved to Toronto and taught himself code while he was there. From there, he worked in other firms that continued to bring more experience as computers advanced. He began working permanently from home in March 2020 until he passed away working as a software developer.

As a child Denis enjoyed making his own toys. When he got bored of it, he would take it apart and make something new. He enjoyed working with wood, making instruments eg. violin, ukulele, base guitar, and invented his own stringed instrument with a bow that was similar to a cello only shorter. Denis played many instruments eg. keyboard, guitar (bass & classical), recorder, and mandolin. He also made pieces of furniture eg. television stand, a stand without cross legs for the keyboard, a bed frame, a night table, a book stand, a computer desk from a bunk bed. Denis and his brother Gene enjoyed woodworking projects together whenever he came to visit. Denis was a sports lover. He enjoyed baseball most of all, tennis, golf, soccer, football.

Denis was introduced to a relationship with the Lord through his blind friend named Ken. He grew in the Lord through small group bible studies in the home where he lived. He was introduced to a fellowship called "A Christian Church On A Hill" in 1976 that became his close knit family. He loved the Lord and expressed himself through his instruments and voice. He felt the closest to God's heart through these gifts. He was a great encourager, mentor and beloved brother and precious friend to everyone he knew. People felt loved, honored, heard, and valued in their relationship with Denis.

Denis and Janet met at "A Christian Church On A Hill" in 1979. They were engaged in February 1981 and married in August 1981. Their daughter Adelle was born in June 1988 and their son was born in November 1992. Denis loved his children deeply. He had so much fun playing with them and taking them to events. He enjoyed Christmas with the family, the glowing colored lights and all the festivities of the season, especially watching his children opening their gifts on Christmas day. He was a wonderful father to his precious children and a wonderful husband to his beloved wife. 

Survived by his loving wife and best friend of 44 years, Janet Smiley; daughter, Adelle Chrystal Daviau of Holland Landing, ON; son, David Paul Daviau (Mariah) of Cannington, ON; grandson, Dylan Daviau, brother, Eugene Daviau of QC.

In addition to his parents, Denis was predeceased by a brother, Pierre Daviau.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care and direction of Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre, 214 Pine Glen Road, Riverview, NB (506-857-9544) where visitation will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm with a Funeral Service to follow from Fergusons Riverview Community Chapel at 2:00 pm with Rev. Daniel Britton officiating.   A reception will follow.

Donations in memory of Denis made to the charity of the donor’s choice.Online condolences may be shared and expressed at www.fergusonsriverview.com