David's Lifelong Love of Sailing

Guided by an irrepressible sense of freedom, David was most alive when navigating the skies or setting sail. His free spirit saw no boundaries, embracing every new horizon with joy and courage.

David’s passion for sailing started when he was just five years old. His parents bought a cozy cottage on a quiet island in Northern Ontario, and life there was full of adventure. David and his brother had to take swimming lessons, which turned them into strong swimmers, and they learned how to handle a boat. Those early days on the water set the foundation for a love that would last a lifetime.

Every summer, David attended a camp run by Jesuit priests. It wasn’t your typical fun camp—it was a place focused on learning and personal growth. But David found joy in every moment, especially when he was canoeing or sailing. One time, during a canoeing test, his canoe was purposely capsized about a kilometer offshore. With just his canoe, two paddles, and a life jacket, David paddled back to shore, proving his resilience and determination.

At camp, David sailed a Lightning, an Olympic-class boat with extra racing features. He absolutely loved working with the sails and ropes, feeling the wind guide the boat forward under the watchful eye of an amazing sailing instructor. After two years, David asked his father if he could have his own sailboat. His father said yes, and together they built a sailboat during the winter. Those months spent building the boat brought them closer and deepened David’s love for sailing.

Over the years, David continued to grow as a sailor, building and sailing different boats. When he moved to Vancouver, he thought he couldn’t keep sailing, so he sold his sailboat. But after two years, David couldn’t stay away from the water. He secretly looked for another boat and finally found one. Finding a slip in Vancouver was tough, so David and Heidi ended up keeping their new sailboat on Georgian Bay, close to family and old friends out East.

They’d sail during the summer and put the boat away for the winter. David could spend months on the boat without setting foot on land, while Heidi loved getting off the boat at least once a week. They found a happy balance that made both of them happy, blending their love for sailing with their life together.

David’s sailing story is one of joy, friendship, and endless adventures. It’s filled with memories of laughter on the water, teamwork during tough times, and the deep connections he made with others who loved sailing as much as he did. Sailing wasn’t just a hobby for David—it was his way of life, a source of inspiration, and a way to connect with friends and loved ones.

David’s legacy lives on through the stories he shared and the friendships he built on the water. His love for sailing continues to inspire everyone who knew him to embrace life with the same adventurous spirit and open heart.