It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our loving and devoted husband, Dad, Grampie and brother– David Michael Chupick, June 21, 2023, in Victoria, BC.
Survived by his love of 45 years, Sally Chupick. Cherished by his daughters and their families Holly and Jeff; Rachel and Matt, grandchildren Ella and Luke; Jane and Dave and his seven siblings and their families. Eldest son of Juliana and Michael Chupick.
We are finding comfort in the outpouring of love and memories shared by family, friends and colleagues of Dave’s from around the world.
A skilled craftsman in many trades who found joy and pride in his work and helping others.
David was a highly respected and decorated army veteran, serving 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces before retiring from the military and working with Calian until final retirement in September 2022.
Remembered by those who loved him as loyal, generous, approachable, with a quiet and calm demeanor, and with high moral standards.
We are sad, and we will all mourn this wonderful man, but we will always smile when we
think of him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 2-4pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC.
Ubique.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
81 Responses
Dear Sally, Holly, Rachel and Jane,
Mia and I are shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of your wonderful husband and father, Dave. It hurts our hearts. What a wonderful soldier and leader, but more importantly the wonderful person he was. Dave had in spades the three qualities I hold the highest – loyalty, respect of others, and high moral standards. Under my direct command twice and as a friend for over 45 years (Lt Chupick in 1st Airborne Battery, and then “E” Battery (Para), and then CO 2 RCHA, but also the Kingston Command and Staff course, and three times as Training Advisor for 2RCHA), I have always held Dave in the highest regard. When I speak of loyalty and respect, with Dave it went both ways – he earned my loyalty and respect, and reciprocated – and he was tremendously loyal and respectful to the officers and soldiers that worked with and for him. When it came to moral conduct and behaviour, Dave only had one standard, the highest. He was modest, yes, but firm and called things the way they were. He knew right from wrong and good from bad, meeting the standard or not, and would tell you so (including me). He was professional to the core. When Dave was Commanding Officer 2RCHA I had, with good reason, the absolute and utmost confidence in him and in every decision he made, and it gave me great pride and pleasure to see how well he commanded the Regiment I had commanded exactly ten years earlier. And, we had a lot of fun together – Dave was always a pleasure to be with. Ever calm, and ever with a smile on his face.
My heart goes out to you Sally and the girls. All I can say is that they you could not have had a better husband and father, and he could not have had a more caring and wonderful family. Such a sad loss for you, and far too early.
We Gunners have lost a great friend and Canada has lost a wonderful soldier and leader. I feel fortunate to have served with such a professional officer and wonderful human being, Dave Chupick. We are sad, and
we will all mourn this wonderful man, but we will always smile when we think of Dave.
Good Shooting, Dave!
Rest in peace.
Airborne! Ubique!
Ernie Beno, BGen Retired, and Mia
Having known Dave on and off for 40 years I have and will always retain my own memories of those times our paths crossed over those years: Phase 2 training in Gagetown, serving together in 1 RCHA and much later working together at CASC, Dave with Calian and me still in the military. I will never forget Dave reciting that age-old saying to we Officer Cadets on training in 1983: “Do as I say, not as I do!”. Given with that smile he had.
Dave was taken from his family, and all of us, far too early in life. My sincere condolences to his family on the loss of a truly great man.
RIP Dave. You were a great leader, mentor and friend. I’m heartbroken for the Chupick family’s loss.
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Dave was my CO in 2RCHA and we remained friends throughout the remainder of our careers. He was a kind, thoughtful leader and true gentleman. I join you in mourning the loss of this impactful soul.
It was a pleasure to have served with Dave Chupick in Germany, when he was the Regimental Command Post (and Regimental Training) Officer in 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.
But, to me, it was a gift and privilege to have served as Dave’s ‘BK’ (or ‘Battery Captain’ / second-in-command) in E Battery (Para) in the 2nd Regiment. Dave was a great leader, and too me… a great role model, and mentor. What is the essence of leadership? Trust. Through Dave’s character and actions, I and everyone I knew, we all granted Dave our trust – he earned it. If there was a soldier, NCO, or officer that did not trust Dave’s leadership… I never met them. Dave lived his life as a leader, and as a role model, for so many who followed and learned from him.
Sir, thank you for sharing your life, your leadership, your example, and your friendship. You lived your life as a servant-leader, and the impact you had on others will live on, in all of those who had the honour to have known and learned from your example. I loved serving for and with you Dave. But I know I am just one of the so so many that admired you, trusted you… and we all would of followed you anywhere.
Sally, and Rachel, and Holly, and Jane: Our prayers are with you at this time. And thank you for graciously sharing your husband, and your father, with all who knew him.
What a fine Officer and Gentleman, which. I had the pleasure to know and serve with.in Petawawa and Kingston. Sally, my prayers and thoughts are with you and family. RIP Dave, you left us too soon, but my memory of you will never fade. Bob Chamberlain (LCol, RCHA, Ret’d).
Dear Sally and all members of the Chupick family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dave. I spent 2 of the best years of my career serving as Dave’s RSM when he was CO 2RCHA. He was highly respected by all members of the regiment. Our tour of Cyprus and the closing down of the Canadian contingent was mainly due to the leadership provided by Dave.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew and served with him. I had the greatest respect for him and it was an honour to call him my friend.
May he rest in Peace,
Ubique,
Tom Tomaso
A life will lived, serving your nation, and preparing countless generations of officers to lead in the profession of arms. Thank you for your service, Gunner. Rest in peace Dave.
I ran across Dave a few times in the Army but really got to know him when he was at the Army Simulation Centre in Kingston. One of the highlights of my post-Army career was to work for him on the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. He was a great trainer, a great leader, and a great friend. Bonnie and I offer our sincere condolences to our dear friend Sally and to Dave’s extended family.
Thinking of you all and how difficult this must be. I remember Dave from the old days when I was a military spouse – he was always kind and fun.
I do hope the memories and the knowledge of how much he was loved by all help lessen your sadness.