David died as he lived, with courage, grace and gentle good humour. He was predeceased by his mother, Doris, and is survived by his father, Neil, sister Donna Field (Rick Gonder), brothers Alan (Diana Severs) and Glen (Kathleen Spraggett), and by his nieces, Alison Field and Stephanie Field. He also leaves behind his beloved and devoted wife, Joan Backus, her son David (Genevieve) and their children, Rhys, Hawksley and Leila, and Joan’s step-daughter, Rebecca Vogt. He will also be sorely missed by a veritable host of loving friends.
Born and raised in Victoria, David attended Margaret Jenkins Elementary, Central Junior High, and Oak Bay High School. When he graduated from UVic in 1970, he bought his first business. Over the next 20 years, he owned several different companies, including Restoration Services. Many of his employees have remained good friends.
David’s retirement in the mid 1990s gave him time to pursue other interests. He built a sailboat and had several years of maritime and other adventures with his first wife, Barb. He continued to travel widely after he met Joan. They had twelve very happy years together – boating, travelling in the RV with their dog, Jake, visiting “the kids” in Toronto, wintering in California, and always welcoming friends and family into their lives.
David was grateful for the medical care he received, and wanted to thank in particular Drs Cunningham, Szeto and Naaykens, the chemotherapy nurses at the BCCA and the inimitable Lou Ross. The Hospice team provided extraordinary care and comfort during David’s final days.
David asked that instead of sending flowers, you consider making a donation to Victoria Hospice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Glenn Judson, Vice Commodore
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George and Penny Kemshaw Dear Joan, Neil, Donna, Alan and Glen
Penny and I were very sorry to have heard of Dave’s passing. I first met Dave when I was a young insurance adjuster at Safeco Insurance in Victoria and Dave had just gotten involved with Restoration Services. A friendship developed and, over time, Dave became one of my best friends. A few years after we had first met I encountered some difficult personal issues and Dave provided great support and friendship, helping a great deal. Dave always went out of his way to help whenever and in any way he could. Dave and I had some great times together including a road trip to visit an old mutual friend in south-east BC and a memorable ski trip to Crystal Mountain where a ferocious storm struck. Penny and I enjoyed many fun activities with Dave and Barb including sailing, skiing, and travelling, as well as visiting and hanging out at our respective homes. In recent years we have enjoyed getting to know Joan and getting together with Dave and Joan at their place in La Quinta and our place in Palm Desert. Although Dave and I hadn’t seen as much of each other in recent years, I have always continued to think of Dave as one of my very best friends. Dave was a true friend and a genuinely caring person. Penny and I will miss him very much.
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BETH & VIN PATTERSON We are so sorry to hear about Dave. He was such a sweet man. So pleased you were in his life Joan. We did meet you & we talked about the phone calls Dave would make to invite himself for “pie” and coffee & we were to get together with you both for the pie. When we would see Dave you two would be going here or there so it didn’t work out, but we could tell he was happy. You made a big difference in his life Joan and please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
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Capt. Steen Jessen and Dr. Gail Ross Joan,
It was with sincere regret that we learned of David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the families.
Gail and Steen
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Ann & Gordon Griffiths Dear Joan,
We are so very sorry to hear of David’s death. I am happy to have met him “bringing in the sheaves” at Bryan and Margaret’s vineyard. Please accept our condolences at this most difficult of times.
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Gerald Backeland Sorry to hear of the passing of Dave, our neighbor for many years at 10457 Resthaven Dr. in Sidney. We can still see him as he walked up the roadway telling us how wonderful the flowering bushes smelled in the early morning. He had a great love for life, a great sense of humor and a funny or warm story to tell every time we bumped into him on the street. Gerry and Jeannette
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Bob Worth To Neil, Donna and family, we express our deepest condolences on your loss. What a coincidence that in the 2 days after reading of David’s passing Laurel should meet Alan and I meet Glen purely by accident. There is something which ties our families together. May you remember the good times with such a good person.
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Ian Evans Dear Uncle Neil,Donna,Alan & Glen
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. So young and always on the go. Ian & Bev
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Beverly Fraser (late husband Gordon) Remembering Dave as a kind and generous man., respected by all who knew him. He will be missed!
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Lloyd Davies Dear Neil,
The Davies family felt so sorry about hearing of the passing of your son, David.
We have many happy memories having being your next door neighbor.With deepest sympathy from Margaret, Lloyd, Brad, Wendy, Chris, Lynn & Joy.
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Mark Crofton Neal, both Jane and myself were so sorry to hear the very sad news of David’s death. Thinking of you and all your family.
All the best
Mark
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Barb Bentham From 1974 to 1979 I had the privilege of working for Dave, a young entrepreneur with vision and a very compassionate heart for both his employees and his clients. Through the years, I grew to know and love Dave as a true friend, and am grateful for all of the visits we enjoyed over the years. My husband’s and my sincere condolences to Joanie and all of Dave’s family at this time. Dave was a special man, and will be very much missed.
With love,
Barb (Eison) Bentham
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Jim Dobell So long my friend we will see each other again, preferably in warm clear waters with gentle breezes. You were always a good friend to me and for that I am forever grateful. You never had an unkind word for anyone and I will try to emulate that in your memory. Rest in peace with the knowledge that you made the world a better place.
Jim
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Debi Sjogren Joanie and all family members, I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a wonderful and caring person. I will miss our coffee time together.
Debi
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Bonnie Frye Joan and family, We are so saddened to hear of David’s passing. David has been weaving through our lives since we met in the late 60’s! Always happy, loving life to the fullest and the best kind of friend you would ever want.So happy that we got to see him when we were in Victoria this summer. Joan, I hope that you will contact us when you are in Toronto next and we can share ‘David’ stories.
With love, Bonnie and Jim Frye
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Susan Walker We wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to Neil and his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Catherine and Susan Walker
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Grahame Quakenbush I don’t know if Dave ever talked about the 70s. We had met doing business. He. Had Restoration Services ,I had Gregg’s floor and window Cleaning. When I decided to get out of business I sold my company to Dave.He was true to all we agreed .on and I was proud to let the company go to such a fine man.
Grahame Quakenbush
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Adrianne Thomson Dear Joan,
I can only imagine your sadness at your loss, tinged with the relief that David is no longer suffering. He was a beautiful human being and we, the family, were glad to have known him, if only briefly, as a kind neighbour and thoughtful human being.
Thinking of you.
Adrianne, Bill, Justine, Mike & the boys
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Gregory Heide Our heartfelt condolences to Joan, Neil, Donna, Alan, Glen and the entire family. Dave was a special person – warm, considerate and kind. He had an infectious energy and sense of humour and made a person feel enriched just by spending time with him. He will be sorely missed.
RIP, Dave.
Greg & Cheryl Heide
Dear Joan,
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow. Please except our most sincere condolences.
The Bridge and members of the Capital City Yacht Club.