It is with great sadness that the family of David Albert Gronbeck-Jones announces his peaceful passing on October 14, 2025, at the age of 82, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
David is lovingly remembered by his wife, Pamela Gronbeck-Jones, and her sons, Christopher and Geoffrey McDonald; his children from his first marriage, Lisa and Terry Gronbeck-Jones; and his cherished grandchildren, Dakota and Amy. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry Jones (Deborah), Beverly McDonald (Douglas), and Sandra Prentice (Phillip), as well as many nieces and nephews.
David was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Dorothy Jones; his first wife, Marilyn; his sister, Lorraine Carefoot (Dave), nephews Ian Jones and Scott Carefoot.
David was born at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, ON. After graduating from high school, he attended the Officer Candidate Program and began his distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces (4RCHA–5RALC) from 1961 to 1989. After retiring from military service in Victoria, BC with the rank of Major, he embarked on a second career with the BC Provincial Emergency Program until his final retirement.
A life-long philatelist, David was well known for his insightful articles and publications in the stamp-collecting community. He was also a dedicated gardener, a huge lover of music and all things Sony, a passionate traveler alongside his wife Pam, and always up for a competitive game of Scrabble.
David will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Amica Jubilee House for their compassionate care and support in David’s final days.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Gronbeck-Jones” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Dennis Tretiak
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Ray Gorse With deepest sympathy to
David’s passing to his family and friends. He will be missed.
We always enjoyed our visits to Pam and David. Our thoughts are with Pam at this time with sincere condolencesLove Ray,Ryan,and Adam
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Tony and Nancy Battarino We were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our brother in law David. We have such fond memories of our times spent together in Victoria and Newmarket, as well as our trips to Italy.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Tony and Nancy
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BGen (ret) David Patterson, MSM, CD - Col Cmdt RCA On behalf of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Major (Ret’d) David Albert Gronbeck-Jones.
David served with distinction in both 4th Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and 5e Régiment d’artillerie légère du Canada, contributing significantly to the strength and legacy of our Regiment. His dedication, leadership, and professionalism throughout his military career left a lasting impact on those who served alongside him.
Beyond his years in uniform, David continued to serve his community with honour through his work with the BC Provincial Emergency Program. His passion for history, music, travel, and philately reflected a life lived with curiosity, generosity, and joy.
We honour his service, his memory, and the example he set for all gunners. He will be remembered with gratitude and respect. Ubique.
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Pat McDonald My sincere condolences on your loss of David. I hope that your memories will bring you peace & comfort.
Sending love & warm thoughts.
Patricia (Pat) McDonald
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Bob Beaudry David was my Battery Captain (BK) in Q Bty in 1969 – 70. He was a tremendous worker as we, along with the BSM Marc Sauvé, formed and trained this new battery. He was also a personal friend for whom I had a great deal of respect. My sincere condolences to his family and to all his friends on the loss of this great person. Bob Beaudry
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Tim Guiler Sharon and I send our deepest condolences to the family. Dave and I served together a couple times, notably as Battery Commanders in 5e RALC. He was a great guy and a good friend. Stand easy Dave.
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Paul Crober Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of David. I knew him in the Provincial Emergency Program in 1998 to 2002 and later when I became Director of what is now known as BC/Yukon Region of Public Service Canada. He was very helpful to me and countless other newcomers to that organization which, thanks to his input and others has grown into a far more efficient and credible entity. He was always approachable and detailed in his discussions with me and I shall be in his debt for so much of his superb advice.
I know he will be missed
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Oddny Irene Taule Oddny Irene Taule(Grønbech) and Kåre Taule.
Our deepest condolences on the passing of David Grønbech Jones to his dear family. Our contact gave us the opportunity to get to know the family history that he showed great interest in.Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time !
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Don and Joanne McVee Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of a good man. David was a thoughtful and caring man who could be relied on for an encouraging word and practical help in a crisis.
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Brian Travis I am very sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. I worked with Dave in Q Battery, 5 RALC. He was my first Battery Commander after completion of my Artillery Officer Training and I found him to be a real gentleman. Many great memories were created during this time. My condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Brian Travis
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Michael Walker I would like to extend my most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Pam, Lisa and Terry and the rest of David’s family on the news of his passing. We served together in the School of Artillery in Gagetown in the early 70s as well as having our trails crossing in the military sevice several times earlier and later. He was always a kean technical Gunner and may he rest in peace.
Sincerely
Michael Walker LCol(Retd)
Ottawa ON
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Al Ditter Sincere condolences to the family. Karen and I have known David and Pam since our paths first crossed at Camp Petawawa in the early 1960s and recall Christopher and Geoffrey as young lads in England and Germany. David will be missed by his many old comrades who share the loss of his passing.
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Brian Forbes Colgate We never met face-to-face, but I have enjoyed interacting with David over the years in the the eMail discussion group with other Veterans of the era – Gunners like Dave as well as Infantry and Armoured Officers. I will miss his electronic presence with us and have learned much more about the other parts of his life while searching online after I learned he was so ill. He will be missed, and as long as we have our memories he will not be forgotten. Requiescat in pace, Dave. UBIQUE
If the Good Lord isn’t going to save soldiers,
all soldiers, just because they’re soldiers,
there’s no use trying.
~ Georges Bernanos, ‘The Diary of a Country Priest’, 1937
David was a good man. I regret losing contact with him and Pam a few years back
– Denny Tretiak