December 22, 1948 - May 1, 2023
David passed away peacefully succumbing to liver cancer which he had lived with for number of years.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marilyn in November 2021 and had been her primary caregiver for a number of years prior to her death.
He leaves behind his brother Syd (Gail), his twin brother Dennis and his sister Patricia, all from Vancouver Island.
In addition he leaves his niece, Dawn and her family, as well as niece Mary and nephew Neil.
David had many wonderful and supportive friends who were there for him during his bout with cancer. He used to say that he was alone but never lonely.
He caught the wanderlust bug at an early age after he had travelled across Canada on a long haul transport truck and went to visit relatives in the US at the age of 16.
He started high school in Campbell River and completed grades 12 and 13 in Richmond. From there he went to the Vancouver Vocational Institute where he obtained his Radio Officer's Certificate and became a radio officer in the merchant marine.
He travelled far and wide and what he experienced helped shape his outlook on life.
He and Marilyn were married in 1972 and they continued travelling to many parts of the world including 12 times to the UK. David had learned to drive when he was studying in the UK so he had no hesitation to drive while visiting there.
Even after his diagnosis of cancer he continued to travel and went to Iceland, Norway, and Scotland as well as a short trip to Ireland plus various parts of Canada and the US.
He and Marilyn built their house in White Rock in 1976 and he always felt he wanted to contribute to the community. He had been the President of the former White Rock Ratepayers Association and ran for city council in 1983 and was on council till he resigned due to health issues in 1997.
He was also the president of the White Rock Museum and Archives, the president of Finning Employees Credit Union, the president of the White Rock Bed and Breakfast Association as well as Tourism White Rock. He was the coordinator and participant in Finning's fitness program as well as coordinator of their Toastmasters group.
He qualified as a fitness instructor and taught classes at Finning as well as to seniors in White Rock. He always enjoyed the interaction with the people he was associated with.
Although Marilyn and he had no children of their own, there were many in their lives. He was a proud "pretend grandfather" to Kaede, Mason and Miles, as well as a godfather to seven other younger folks. He always enjoyed telling stories to them about what they were like as little ones, much to their chagrin.
David appreciated the support and encouragement of his wonderful caregiver Cathy, as well as Hanit and the palliative team at Fraser Health. It was David's wish that there be no formal service.
Donations in David's name can be made to:
Peace Arch Hospital Foundation, 15521 Russell Avenue, White Rock, BC V4B 2R4
OR
Peace Arch Hospice Society, 12435 16A Avenue, Surrey, BC V4A 1T2
"Live your life to the fullest. Embrace those you love because all too quickly, everything can change and all too quickly everything can be gone."