Family
David had a quiet strength that grounded those around him. He deeply cared for his family. Growing up in Saint Catherine’s, Ontario, near the majestic Niagara Falls, David experienced a wonderful childhood in a close-knit family. His parents owned a cottage on Lake Temagami where he and his siblings—Margie and Paul—spent idyllic summers swimming, canoeing, fishing, sailing, and eventually flying.
The family embraced the skies—his father learned how to fly, followed by his brother Paul, and David developed his passion for aviation under his father's guidance. Later, his mother also became a licensed pilot, making four of them airborne.
The household was always filled with music, thanks to David’s mother, a gifted pianist who held a master’s degree in music from the University of Toronto. She played the organ at their church for many years, enriching the family's life with her talent.
Education was highly valued in David's family. His father, the head of radiology at two hospitals, alongside his mother who managed the finances of their private clinic, emphasized the importance of higher education. This dedication led to an impressive legacy within his father's siblings: out of eight boys and six girls, seven became doctors, including a couple of accomplished women.
David’s favorite aunt on his father’s side was a remarkable athlete whose inspiring story, reminiscent of the movie "A League of Their Own," motivated his sister Margie to become an avid athlete. Inspired by this aunt, Margie pursued athletics passionately and later became a dedicated high school teacher. David admired his sister Margie for her accomplishments and her dedication to education and athletics.
Similarly, David admired his brother Paul for his reliability and shared passion for sailing. Paul was someone David knew he could always count on; it was Paul who was David's first mate, bringing his last sailboat from Lake Erie to Georgian Bay—two brothers navigating through storms and high waves together, never complaining and fully trusting in their mutual capabilities as sailors.
Although he loved growing up in Saint Catherine’s, David had no desire to stay there long. He left for university at seventeen and never really returned home, driven by a mindset of exploring the world. Despite the physical distance, his love for his family remained strong, and he would return to spend time with his parents whenever possible.
As a father, David was proud of his children and the unique bonds they shared. Summers were special as he sailed the seas with his son Andrew, creating cherished memories on the water. Later, Lindsey joined their nautical adventures, strengthening their family ties. David’s love for sailing was not only a passion but also a way to stay connected with his loved ones; he intuitively kept his sailboat out East to remain closer to his sister Margie and brother Paul in Ontario and his children in the Maritimes.
In the earlier years, winter brought happy downhill skiing weekends, where David enjoyed the thrill of the slopes with his kids. Despite the limited time they spent together, these weekends were filled with laughter and joy.
David often recounted the challenges of feeding his teenage daughter, Andraya, a competitive swimmer. Mornings were lively as Andraya would rip the contents from the fridge after early training sessions, much to David’s amusement. David always marvelled at Andraya’s scientific mind, especially when she brought in small living creatures from the outdoors to investigate, showcasing her curiosity and intellect.
Andrew, David’s son, was another source of pride. From a young age, Andrew demonstrated a natural talent for teaching. In boating class, he would confidently take over explanations of apparent and true wind when the instructor struggled, impressing everyone with his knowledge despite being hardly taller than the maritime charts. David was immensely proud when Andrew pursued his passion for teaching, becoming a dedicated high school teacher.
David was equally proud of his daughter for the wonderful job she is doing raising his highly athletic and competitively spirited grandchildren, Boston and Harley. Her nurturing spirit has left a lasting legacy in the family, inspiring both of her children to pursue their passions with dedication and enthusiasm.
David’s love for his family was the anchor that kept him grounded. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created, now cherished even more as his family reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the invaluable moments they shared. David was a grand man who lived a life full of passion and dedication, and fond memories will forever remain in the hearts of his family.
