We are devastated to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our brother David in Victoria on June 2, 2025.
Dave grew up in Barrie, Ontario where he attended St. Monica’s Elementary and Eastview Secondary. He went on to earn a math degree at Waterloo University and spent some time living in Toronto before making his way out west to Victoria in 1989 with his brother Kevin. Dave worked at the Royal Scot Hotel for 34 years and retired in 2023. He made many good friends during his years there and cherished those friendships.
Dave had a wicked sense of humor and was an avid reader and puzzle enthusiast. Dave was an incredibly intelligent guy with a vast knowledge of geography, history and world politics. He had a deep respect for the military and never missed a Remembrance Day ceremony. Dave was an excellent soccer and rugby player in high school as well as Club play, and he loved watching both, especially his beloved Celtics and Arsenal. He was also a football and hockey fan, and he enjoyed playing golf. Dave also had a lifelong love for anything trains, from travel to model railways.
Dave had fond memories of his trips to England, Belgium (Brugge), Palm Springs, Whistler, Scotland and especially Ireland where his family roots are. He was so looking forward to travelling to Italy, Spain, and Portugal. He loved the history and architecture in Europe.
David is predeceased by his parents Mary and Alban Bethune, and leaves behind his brothers Terry (Josie), Brian (Penny), Kevin (Arlene), sister Eileen, and nieces Sarah, Leena and nephews Michael and Ian. Dave was also deeply loved by his extended family in Victoria.
RIP Dave. You will be incredibly missed. XO.
No service is planned at this time.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
16 Responses
I just became aware of David’s passing today, almost a year later. I remember David’s ebullient personality, sense of humour, and friendship from Grade 8 at St.Monica’s, the last time I saw him.
RIP Dave.
I just learned yesterday that Dave had passed away close to a year ago. I always appreciated Dave as a childhood friend while attending St. Monica’s together from K to 8. We moved from Barrie then.
My fondest memories are from many years of football (as they say in most of the world) on the schoolyard fields and in the summer leagues. Dave was a jovial fellow with a kind and generous spirit. I’ve actually tried to locate him on a few occasions recalling our birthdays exactly one week apart. The dots did not join though as the pieces would suggest it was not the same David Bethune. I’m sorry paths did not reconnect as I’m sure our interests in puzzles, sports and travel would have again found common ground.I’m saddened by the loss. RIP Dave.
To Kevin and all of Dave’s siblings and circle, take care and be kind to yourselves. There is much to be grateful for with Dave in your life story.
I got to know David while working at the Royal Scot Inn way back in the 90s. I would be finishing my shift just as he was starting the night audit. We would each have a can of diet coke and a good long chat – often for hours on a huge variety of topics. He was so well read, with a fantastic memory and combined it with a wicked sense of humour. I always called him the “smartest man I know” and he really was.
He was also a great fan of “footy” and I’m happy that he visited us in Cambridge, UK where we went to a Cambridge Us game and drank far too many pints. Lots of fun and laughs.
More recently we had started having lunch every couple of months (with Greg G)….and it was great to be getting to know David again. I’m really sad that we won’t have any more chats or chances to catch up. David was a great friend and will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences
I was saddened to hear of David’s passing. I went to school with him at both St. Monica’s and Eastview, and I can still picture him just as he was then—smart, athletic, and always kind. He truly never changed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a great friend growing up and thought of Dave often over the years when certain situations arise. The memories of childhood with him are the gift he gave me. RIP Dave.
My condolences to David’s family and extended family. And to my friend Kevin, who loved his brother deeply, may he rest in peace in heaven.