Passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the age of 75. David was born in Glasgow, Scotland and grew up in Edinburgh. After earning Honours BSc in Chemistry at Heriot Watt University Edinburgh in 1965, he emigrated to Montreal to take up a position with Bell Telephone followed by a post at Northern Electric. David moved to Ottawa in 1971 and after two years study gained a PhD at Ottawa University which led to an appointment at the University of Victoria, Department of Chemistry, where he worked for 35 years. In 2008, David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and moved into Highgate Lodge Retirement Complex where he spent 9 happy years. Declining health necessitated a move to St. Charles Manor in December 2017.
David is survived by his wee brother Walter in Edinburgh and family in the UK, New Zealand and the USA.
The family thanks Dr. Michael Miles and the staff at Highgate, Beacon Community and St. Charles for the care and dignity shown to David.
“ TREASURED MEMORIES ”
A Graveside Service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. where everyone is welcome. Flowers may be brought to the service or sent to McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive. Following the service, Highgate Lodge will host a Memorial Tea from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1538 Cedar Hill Cross Road.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Joan Lamb
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Ian Blazey David was a valued work colleague for. His skills and advice benefitted countless graduate students over his years at UVic. I always enjoyed our occasional coffee time chats putting the world to rights.
My condolences to David’s family.Ian Blazey.
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Trish and Iain Brown So sad to hear of David’s passing.
Having met David, Walter and Mum and Dad many years ago in Edinburgh when David came over on vacation. We moved to Canada and kept in touch with Walter over the years and when we moved to Vancouver Island we enjoyed coming to Victoria to meet up with him and David for lunch when he came on vacation.
Condolences Walter, you’ll miss him.Trish and Iain
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Elizabeth Barrett Sincere condolences Walter. May peace and comfort find you during this sad time far away from home.
Elizabeth x
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Doreen and Bob Alton, Victoria BC We extend our condolences to Walter and the family. We were fortunate to make David’s acquaintance over the last several years. He was a pleasant man and we enjoyed sharing dinner and lunches with him and his wee brother when David was well enough to join us. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
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Mark McGillivray Dear Uncle David your passing has awoken many memories from my childhood in The Scottish Borders. Your visits home to Scotland were always greeted with excitement for me as a young lad but also for my late Father Robert (Bob) and my Mother Margaret who was always glad to see you after your long journey. My deepest condolences to my Uncle Walter and anyone who was touched by the kindness of Uncle David.
With Sympathy
Mark McGillivray
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Helen Donald Deepest sympathy to Walter & staff at Highgate Lodge and St Charles Manor Care Home. Fond memories of David over the years.
From Mary and family in Scotland
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Fiona Dougan So sorry to hear of Da ids passing but so glad he has no more suffering. RIP David. I have so many happy memories of growing up in Leith with my cousins David and Walter. My thoughts and prayers are with Walter. He has certainly ly been a good brother to David.
God Bless,
Love,
Fiona & Frank.
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Christine Lennie Gardiner Very loving memories of a nice wee cousin in his kilt!
Your cousins are very proud of your achievements you were definitely the brainy one in the family.
Love Christine
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Jim and Diane McGillivray David will be sadly missed by friends and family alike, and especially heartfelt condolences to Walter who kept us in touch with David throughout the last few years. Unfortunately we were never able to visit David in Victoria, but we have happy memories from the earlier years when he used to travel back to Scotland to visit the family. I have much to thank David for his guidance in helping me to follow in his footsteps and study at Heriot Watt University, we had many discussions on what subject to take. Diane and I remember the lovely meals he used to take us out for, visiting restaurants we would never have dreamed of visiting as we were poor students at the time. He was always ready to give us sound advice and we always had a good laugh with him. We were also lucky enough to meet some of his Canadian friends who travelled to the UK and stayed with us when we lived close to London.
Walter, we will be thinking of you on Friday.
Jim and Diane McGillivray xx
In fond remembrance of a good neighbour and friend, David, a gentleman and a scholar.
Each man has his season and his special time to be. David lived with courage, dignity and grace until the end. May his spirit now soar in peace and freedom.
Extending heartfelt condolences to Walter and family.
Joan