David was born in Newcastle, Northern England in 1949. Predeceased by Elizabeth his mother and Thomas his father. Survived by his loving wife Diane, daughter Denise, son Dale and his partner Angela, granddaughter Alyssa, sister Joanne, her husband John, and niece Tylar.
Dave always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. Retired seven years ago from a life in public service, his years as a Youth Correctional Officer positively impacted countless lives.
Dave loved fishing off Beechey Head and Race Rocks and gardening around the house. For many years, if he wasn’t doing one he was enjoying the other.
Always willing to lend a hand and support the many members of our extended family and beyond, he is belovedly known as Uncle Dave. He became the rock of our family the day he entered into it in 1972.
Diane and Dave met in 1972 while working at the Empress Hotel – a true love story that has endured more than 46 years. Dave immigrated to Canada to find his beloved. You could still see them holding hands and talking lovingly to each other after all these years.
Dave was a loving and supportive father with unwavering integrity – his example lives on in Denise and Dale and all those whose lives he touched.
Host Father to 100s of international students, all loved him dearly and wanted a husband that treated them the same way he treated Diane.
Dave loved being the neighbourhood watch co-captain on our cul-de-sac. One of his favourite things to do was keep an eye on the everyday comings and goings of all.
Dave was the children and animal whisperer – no child or animal could resist his pure heart.
Most of all, Dave’s sense of humour will be dearly missed.
Diane, Denise and Dale would like to thank the army of doctors and nurses that worked tirelessly to care for dad over the past 7 weeks. A special thank you to Dr. Buie and to the Palliative Care team that provided exceptional care in the final days of his life.
The family request that no flowers be bought and that Dave’s wishes of donations to the Hospice Society https://www.victoriahospice.org/donate or the SPCA https://spca.bc.ca/donate/ be made in lieu.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
So sad to hear of David’s passing. He was well liked and respected by everybody at “Juvie” (including the residents).
We lost a great man too soon, but his spirit will live on and watch over his family from above!
My condolences to the Armstrong family. I will sure miss seeing his face at the mall. May your many years of fun memories and stories help you during this sad time.
Dear Diane and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this difficult time.
We have great memories of our time spent working at the Empress Hotel, and one of the nicest was the friendship we developed with you and Dave. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could always cheer some one up on a down day.
When we got engaged we asked Dave to be the best man. He said yes. We were married August 3 1974 and Dave was a wonderful ‘ best man’.
Diane , Dale and family; so sorry for your loss and sincere condolences from Jenn and I. I am proud to have called Dave a friend and colleague for many years at Youth Services. Dave was one of the most compassionate, patient, positive people I have known- Dave was the best ! Love from Bruce and Jenn.