With great sadness, we announce David’s sudden, unexpected death at his Brentwood Bay home, from complications of Crohn’s Disease. David was born in Marlborough, England and emigrated to Ottawa with his family when he was just one year old. In 1999, he moved to Victoria.
In the 40 years before Ankylosing Spondylitis and Crohn’s disease began taking their toll, David was an accomplished musician who wrote/co-wrote many songs and performed with bands in the Ottawa area. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved to canoe, camp (summer and winter!) with his friends, to cruise the backroads on his motorcycle and to get together for a night of music and laughter. He worked as a computer programmer, mainly designing administrative systems for the military.
David possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the natural world and of the two World Wars. Gentle and compassionate, David was the first to jump to a neighbour’s aid, to stand up for others, or to rescue a pet from a shelter. Illness took many things from David but it never dampened his curiosity and his kind, cheerful, friendly, honest nature.
David is predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Margaret Caiger and his partner, Linda. He will be deeply missed by his older sisters, Caroline and Susan (Healey); younger brother, John; niece, Sara; brother-in-law, Patrick; sister-in-law, Lee; lifelong friends, Dave Ball and Lise Trempe; and his wonderful care worker, Renate. He is also remembered by his extended family in England.
Heartfelt thanks to David’s neighbour, Reed Radziszewski, who rushed to David’s aid, to Cpl. Tristan Gentile of Central Saanich Police who provided needed support at a difficult time, and to all the first responders and paramedics who worked so hard to save him. You are the angels among us. Thanks also to Dr. Donald Marshall (retired), Dr. Robert Brown, and the staff of the Saanich Peninsula and Royal Jubilee hospitals who cared for David over the years.
A Celebration of David’s Life will be held later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Search and Rescue Association.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Roni Arsenault
I talked to David every Monday morning. We had many wonderful conversations about life in general. I will miss our Monday talks.