David Lawrence North (Dave) passed away on July 31, 2026, in Victoria, British Columbia, at the age of 76, following multiple health challenges, most recently pancreatic cancer.
Born on May 19, 1950, in Victoria, British Columbia, Dave was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his love of his wife and family, his caring, humble nature, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.
Dave was predeceased by his mother, Frances North, and his father, Lawrence North.
He is survived by his dear wife, Raynette North; his daughters, Laura Knapp (Peter) and Sarah Schindel (Kevin); his cherished grandchildren, Oliver, Kyle, Russell, Eric, and Kate; and his sister, Carolyn Hodson (Rick). Dave took immense pride in his family and especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy.
Dave held Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UBC and had a successful career as a leader and quiet mentor in the energy sector that took his family from coast to coast.
Dave had many passions. Most notably he had a love of sailing that began in his early teens. He was fortunate enough to live by the ocean and share many wonderful adventures on his own boat with his family and friends. He also enjoyed working in his workshop and on his garden railway alongside Raynette while she gardened. He always enjoyed a good joke with his infectious laugh.
He and his family are extremely grateful for the care he received at the Royal Jubilee Hospital Palliative Care Unit, as well as the many healthcare professionals who made such a difference in his life over the decades.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Kidney Foundation of Canada, or Diabetes Canada.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “North” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
14 Responses
Dear Laura and family,
So sorry to read of the death of your father. Sending you my condolences at this sad time.
With love,
Carol Skippen
So very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We loved sharing his love of sailing and his easy sense of humour and the kind manner he had. Our sincere condolences to Raynette and family.
John and Sandy Sarsfield
I am saddened by your loss of Dave. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and his love for his family. One of my memories of him is when he was sitting talking to Eric. Eric was quite young and liked to ask Grampa Dave questions about how something worked. They were sitting by themselves and Dave was explaining something to him.
He was very loved.
I am honoured to have been a friend of Dave North and to have known him and his family in numerous places where our paths crossed. He was a true gentleman who was loved and admired by everyone who knew him. Although he was highly successful in technical and leadership roles in the oil and gas industry, it was his personality, courage, sense of humour, his kind, calm and adventurous nature and respect for people which made him standout from others. My deepest sympathies for you Raynette and for Laura and Sarah and your families in the loss of such a great man.
My condolences to everyone. It’s been a long time since I saw him, but having just read about his “infectious laugh,” I immediately heard it like it was yesterday!
Love to you all!
Dave lived a life that left so much love behind, he will always be cherished.
We wish we could celebrate his life with you Thursday.
Sending peace to all of you!
Colin and Tasha
Laura and family, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Sending my condolences. It is so hard to lose
a parent. Ruth Knapp
Dave will be missed not only by your family but by the many friends you met. Glen always called you my brother from another mother. Now you can see him again. I will always remember you for your love of trains and the night you were counting the empty wine bottles. Good bye my friend.
Our sincere condolences go out to Raynette, Laura, Sarah and families. We always had a special affinity with Cousin Dave and he will be missed a lot.
Also, our condolences go out to Cousin Carolyn and family. Take care and may his memory fulfill you.
Big hugs to all. Ab & Becky Gamble
We are so sorry for the loss of Dave who was a wonderful father, partner and grandfather. His love for his family was so clearly demonstrated in his warm disposition and priorities of always putting family first. Hugs to all of the North family and extended family, Mel, Scott, Cadence and Kalia MacKenzie