Corner Brook’s Dave LeDrew passes away at 90

LeDrew was well-known as the owner of the Newfoundland Emporium on Broadway.

David LeDrew, the longtime owner of the Newfoundland Emporium and a well-known figure in the community, passed away on Friday, August 22, at the age of 90.

For more than 30 years, Dave was a familiar presence on Broadway. His store, the Newfoundland Emporium, became a major destination for tourists, especially those arriving on cruise ships. Since opening in 1989, the Emporium has been filled with antiques, Newfoundland crafts, rare books, and unique curiosities. Each item had its own story, and Dave was always happy to share it.

Any customer would tell you that a visit to the Emporium was never just about shopping. Customers enjoyed Dave’s famous sense of humor, his knowledge of Newfoundland history, and, if they were fortunate, a performance on the spoons. With his Newfoundland dogs - first Moose, then Flossie, and more recently Maggie - Dave was a daily presence in the shop until just two weeks ago.

Dave served ten years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, stationed in Canada and Europe. After returning to his hometown of Corner Brook, he took on several careers, including managing Marble Mountain and hosting an open line-style talk show on CFCB. But it was at the Newfoundland Emporium where he truly found his calling.

To honour Dave’s life and legacy, the Newfoundland Emporium will be closed from Monday to Wednesday and will reopen at 12 p.m. on Thursday.

Visitation will take place at Fillatre’s Funeral Home on Monday, August 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A Celebration of Life will happen at Park West on Tuesday, August 26, from 3 to 6 p.m.