We are devastated to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our brother David in Victoria on June 2, 2025.
Dave grew up in Barrie, Ontario where he attended St. Monica’s Elementary and Eastview Secondary. He went on to earn a math degree at Waterloo University and spent some time living in Toronto before making his way out west to Victoria in 1989 with his brother Kevin. Dave worked at the Royal Scot Hotel for 34 years and retired in 2023. He made many good friends during his years there and cherished those friendships.
Dave had a wicked sense of humor and was an avid reader and puzzle enthusiast. Dave was an incredibly intelligent guy with a vast knowledge of geography, history and world politics. He had a deep respect for the military and never missed a Remembrance Day ceremony. Dave was an excellent soccer and rugby player in high school as well as Club play, and he loved watching both, especially his beloved Celtics and Arsenal. He was also a football and hockey fan, and he enjoyed playing golf. Dave also had a lifelong love for anything trains, from travel to model railways.
Dave had fond memories of his trips to England, Belgium (Brugge), Palm Springs, Whistler, Scotland and especially Ireland where his family roots are. He was so looking forward to travelling to Italy, Spain, and Portugal. He loved the history and architecture in Europe.
David is predeceased by his parents Mary and Alban Bethune, and leaves behind his brothers Terry (Josie), Brian (Penny), Kevin (Arlene), sister Eileen, and nieces Sarah, Leena and nephews Michael and Ian. Dave was also deeply loved by his extended family in Victoria.
RIP Dave. You will be incredibly missed. XO.
No service is planned at this time.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Derek Little
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Joe Rinaldi I was saddened to hear of David’s passing. I went to school with him at both St. Monica’s and Eastview, and I can still picture him just as he was then—smart, athletic, and always kind. He truly never changed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
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Ted Spearin So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a great friend growing up and thought of Dave often over the years when certain situations arise. The memories of childhood with him are the gift he gave me. RIP Dave.
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Karol Komar My condolences to David’s family and extended family. And to my friend Kevin, who loved his brother deeply, may he rest in peace in heaven.
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Mike Sarjeant Kevin and family, so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing .My condolences to you and your families.
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Vicki McCuaig I still can’t hear a Kinks song without thinking of Dave. Many great memories of deep conversations and convulsive laughs. He was one of the smartest, funniest people I ever met and has a place in my heart forever. Rest in peace Dave.
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CLEON JOSEPH Kevin,Arlene and the rest of Dave’s Family, my sincere
condolences for your loss.Kev I’m sure the pain of your loss is
hard to bear , you and Dave are two peas in a pod.
Be strong buddy, the hurt will dissipate.
Cleon
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Barb James Not enough words to describe how sad this is.
Dave was a great guy and had a good sense of humour.
Dave really enjoyed all his outings with brother Kevin and his sister-in-law Arlene.
He was a family guy who appreciated all his family.
Dave will be missed so much by all his family and friends.
Gone but never be forgotten! ❤️
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John Rupert Please accept my sincere condolences. Dave was a dear friend and was loved by my family and me for over 25 years. Recounting memories of the countless fun times we’ve had together is helping us cope with this terrible loss. It was too soon to say goodbye. Our thoughts go out to your family during this difficult time.
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Trena Green I absolutely adore Dave and he will be so missed . Such a great guy and always a smile on his face. I have so many memories of Dave . Sending so much love to Kevin , Arlene and family xoxo
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Farrah, Brent & family Our family will miss Dave so very much! As Arlene’s niece, I have known Dave for years. We have many fond memories of spending time with Dave, including one of our first family vacations to Whistler 15 years ago with Aunty Arlene, Uncle Kevin & Dave! He was always sooo darn funny & I don’t think I ever spent time with Dave and didn’t laugh or smile!
What a gift to be able to do that for people. He was also so generous, any time our family was visiting Victoria, Arlene would always kindly book us into the Royal Scot, but somehow we would always end up in a nicer suite (thanks to Dave). We are devastated for Uncle Kevin, Aunty Arlene, Dave’s brothers, sister & all his family & friends. He truly was a fantastic guy and will be missed dearly! We are sending love to everyone who knew him Xo
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Greg Greene So devastated about this.
I cannot imagine how hard this must be for the whole family, in particular, Kevin and Arlene.Dave was a great friend who I was so looking forward to spending more time with.
In addition to our Ireland trip together, we took a road trip down the Oregon Coast and had spoken about doing a trip through Spain and Portugal. Dave was the navigator and I was the driver.
The trips we took were long before GPS, so Dave had to read the maps, pick out what sights to see and keep me on the correct side of the road when in Ireland 🙂
By far he was the smartest guy I had ever met. He will be well missed.
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Stacee Greig So Sorry to hear of David’s passing
My dearest condolences to Arlene, Kevin and family
He will be missed
❤️
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Kathleen Gilbert Dear Kevin and Arlene, I didn’t know Dave but I feel like I did from hearing all the wonderful stories that you both told about him. I know how important he was to you both but especially to Kevin. I hope that you can find some comfort in all the many wonderful memories that you have of him and in the knowledge that you were both so important to him as well . Sending you healing thoughts and prayers as you deal with this devastating loss.
Kathleen and Larry
I got to know David while working at the Royal Scot Inn way back in the 90s. I would be finishing my shift just as he was starting the night audit. We would each have a can of diet coke and a good long chat – often for hours on a huge variety of topics. He was so well read, with a fantastic memory and combined it with a wicked sense of humour. I always called him the “smartest man I know” and he really was.
He was also a great fan of “footy” and I’m happy that he visited us in Cambridge, UK where we went to a Cambridge Us game and drank far too many pints. Lots of fun and laughs.
More recently we had started having lunch every couple of months (with Greg G)….and it was great to be getting to know David again. I’m really sad that we won’t have any more chats or chances to catch up. David was a great friend and will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences