Passed away peacefully on June 17, 2023, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. He was born on September 13, 1937, in Victoria.
Predeceased by his father James, mother Jean, sister Barbara, brother Douglas and daughter Dawna. David is survived by his loving wife Johanna Steinmetz, brothers Bruce (Gananoque ON) and Mike (Betty, Vernon BC), step-son Michael Schultz (Elena), daughters Marnie (Bob, Airdrie AB) and Linette, son Ian (Denmark) and numerous grand/great-grand-children, nieces and nephews.
From an early age David knew he wanted to be part of the RCN, enlisting in 1955 following a few years in Sea Cadets, and retiring as a Chief Yeoman of Signals in 1992. After this he worked as a security supervisor at the RBCM, retiring again in 2002.
David thrived being on the water, skippering his classic wooden boat MV Evensong almost everywhere along the south Vancouver Island coast, and fishing for salmon. He played softball, golfed, bowled and curled, all with great skill. He was well travelled and loved to travel, especially to his beloved south of France, but equally enjoyed camping and RVing. Naturally curious, David was always keen to explore and experience new things. He also gave considerably of his time to volunteer pursuits with the RCL, the TerriVic Jazz Festival, C&POs Assn (President 2007 – 2010) and taking his mother and mother-in-law to various appointments complete with the obligatory tea and cookies afterwards.
David was a cheerful, easy-going, compassionate man who enjoyed a good chat and always tried to see the best in others. He will be very much missed.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at Broadmead Lodge for their kind care of David the past five years.
There will be a private gathering.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
23 Responses
RIP Dave. Great shipmates.
Thank You for being here David. As an indivual you were one of my instructors and one of my boss as the Yeoman on Mackenzie. It was very nice to have worked with you, chatted with you and being around if needed. You will be missed. R.I.P.
We want to send our condolences to the family. We had been friends for many years and belonged to the same bowling team. Dave was a wonderful, kind, friendly and funny person. He will be sadly missed by all.
RIP Dave.
John and Dolly Rafferty
David touched many of our lives throughout the years. A mentor to so many young
and not so young sailors.
David will be missed.
C2RM Bob Bartlett Retired.
Lieve Joanne
Wat een mooie ode aan David.
Ik ben blij dat ik hem mocht ontmoeten hier in Nederland
Heel veel sterkte
Never sailed with Dave but whenever I met him he was always a true gentleman.
Ran into him in Quennel while my wife and I were coming home from a trip and spent the afternoon
visiting with him.
C&POs BBQs and other functions always found him with a big smile and was always pleased to see you.
You will be missed Dave.
Condolences to Dave’s family.
Mike and Donna Mitchell
Dave And i were instructors at Fleet School Esquimalt, while there we were on a five pin bowling team in downtown Victoria BC.. A true friend and gentleman. I will miss his friendship.
RIP chief BZ on your amazing life as a sailor in the RCN
He will truly be missed. Dave and I go back along ways. My condolences to all
Condolences to JoAnne and the families of David. May he rest in peace, while navigating the seas of clouds while observing what the families on earth are doing. Fair winds and following seas chief.