September 26, 1954 – July 8, 2009
David passed away suddenly at home in Victoria, B.C. on July 8, 2009. He is predeceased by his parents Colin and Kathleen Horton, and brother-in-law Tom Griffin. David leaves behind his beloved wife of 24 years, Joanne (nee Griffin), his daughter Alanna and his son Michael. David also leaves his sister Sandra (Lloyd) Lukoni and their children Brent and Breanne, his aunt Margaret and uncle John Berikoff , his uncle Les Horton and cousins. He also leaves his sisters-in-law and brothers–in-law: Coleen and Neil Isbister, Nancy Griffin, Kelly and Lisa Griffin, Bernadette and Mark Knowles, Loretta and Rick Riggs, Patricia and Colin Robinson and many nieces and nephews. David was born in Duncan, B.C. and raised in Cobble Hill. He attended UVIC where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a dedicated employee with Air Canada for over 30 years he leaves behind a great many friends and co-workers. David was an active member of the St. Patrick’s Church as a lay reader and Knights of Columbus member. The family wishes to thank all the people who provided such great care to David, including Dr. Peter Meyer, the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, B.C. We are deeply grateful to the tremendous service of the Saanich Police, Saanich Fire Department and B.C. Ambulance Service. David was a true gentleman with a kind heart, a keen mind and a gentle soul. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 12:10 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 4349 West Saanich Road, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 3E8.
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Diane Henman
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Terry Collis My sincere condolences to David’s family. I was a good friend of David’s in Cowichan High School. I had unfortunately lost contact with David but tonight decided to try and find him through the internet- I was shocked to find out of his passing. I have thought of him often and remember our good times at Cow High in Duncan. David was always a gentleman, leader, and great friend.
He will be fondly remembered.
Terry Collis
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Gord and Nancy Stuart Our sympathies go out to Joanne and family on the passing of David. He was a great dad and always greeted us with kindness at the airport. He will be missed.
Nancy and Gord Stuart
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David and Mimi Hayes We have known David since we moved to Cobble Hill in ’74, and became friends with David and his parents Colin and Kay. It doesn’t seem possible that he has left us so soon. What a lovely and gentle person he was. Sincere condolences to Joanne, Allana, Michael and Sandra.,and the whole Horton family.
David and Mimi Hayes.
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Peggy Firstbrook and Peter Wellsman Mike, Joanne and Alanna,
Our condolences at this sad time for your family. David radiated a special gentle energy – our thoughts are with you.
Peggy, Peter and Chris
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Jeff , Susan, Jason, and Jennie Hayes Dear Joanne, Allana, and Michael,
We are so saddened hearing David has left us.
I have known David since 1974 when my parents moved to Cobble Hill.
I am now recalling our repainting an entire apartment block in Victoria [ sharing the money as well!], driving around in Victoria, and up and down the Malahat in David’s all so beautiful 1953 Studebaker Commander Starliner, or receiving a call from David at 10 pm asking assistance in completing and typing up a surprise assignment David had to complete very quickly at UVIC the next morning, and all of us finishing in some wee hours of that same morning! And not to mention several fishing trips on the Estirlita II, Colin and Kay’s ChrisCraft. Another adventure was while I was living in Saskatchewan, receiving a call from David who was in a transportation crunch beyond his control, seeing if we could take him to the train station in Saskatoon.
We were at David and Joanne’s Wedding that seems just like yesterday.
We are all going to miss David, and I will carry my fond memories of his sterling character and our time spent always.Jeff, Susan, Jason, and Jennie Hayes
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Steve Bogie Joanne, Alanna and Michael,
I had the pleasure and honor of working with, and knowing, David for approximately 25 years. He was always a true gentleman and will be fondly wished by all those that had an opportunity to cross paths with him.
Please accept my condolences and know my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.Steve Bogie
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Andy Glover My sincerest condolences. I have known Dave for about 30 years and I have lots of fond memories. I have been away from Victoria for a while and now that I am back I am glad that I was able to see Dave on a number of recent occasions. Still the same Gentleman and it was good to share with him some of the stories from the “good ole days”
Dave will be missed.
Andy
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Ivan Swedberg Dear Joanne and family
I learned today of David’s passing. Very sorry and surprised to hear this.
I did know David from the counter in the Victoria harbour and airport over the years.
Our paths crossed a few times over how to rewrite invloved airline tickets along with a laugh or two. Yes he was a gentle man.
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Mieke Ballard Dear Joanne, Alanna and Micheal:
I hope the memories of David will help you make it through this difficult time. I worked with David for years and I will always remember his support and understanding when my husband suffered a heart attack. We had many long talks and rest assured that he was fiercely proud of you and all your accomplishments. He was articulate, intelligent and his dry sense of humour never failed to make me laugh out loud.
I will miss him.
Mieke Ballard
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Sarjit Manhas I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing and wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to you Joanne and your children, Alanna and Michael.
What more can one say? You all will miss him tremendously.
With kind and thoughtful wishes, Sarjit.
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Jocelyn and Derek Swallow Joanne, Alanna and Michael,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jocelyn, Derek, Leah and Sean
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Tookie Graham Alanna –
You are a wonderful young woman with all the strength to pull through this difficult time with that beautiful smile of yours. I know this is hard for you, but you did all you could; you are a loving daughter and everyone knows it. Remember that he’s always going to be there watching you as you move on to the next part in your life. He’ll be cheering you on from above.
Much Love,
Tookie
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Edris and Margaret Johnson Sandra,
Our sincerest condolences. We were saddened to read of David’s death. I ran into him a number of times at the airport, and he always spoke fondly of my Dad. Our thoughts are with you, and your, and his, family.
Edris Johnson
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Wayne Gillis I have had the priviledge to know David for 30 years. I look back fondly at my memories of David. Perhaps one I will never forget is watching him driving his Studebaker Skylark into the parking lot at AirWest in the Harbour with a big grin on his face. He was always someone you could depend on. I know he will be missed by all that knew him.
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Val Matheson My heartfelt condolences to David’s family…I worked with Dave for only a few years, but came to appreciate what a patient, gentle man he was, who willingly shared his extensive work knowledge and gladly lent a hand when needed. His calm, thoughtful presence will be sorely missed.
Sincerely, Val Matheson
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Carla MacDonald Dear Joanne, Alanna and Michael, I would like to extend my sympathy to you all and let you know I had the pleasure to work with your dad for many years, he was a proud devoted and a real gentleman to work with. He spoke about his family with the upmost joy. He was able to share all the wonderful pictures of Alanna’s graduation and how beautiful she was with her dresses. You have lost a wonderful husband/father and brother. We have lost a dear dear friend. He will be missed at work everyday. We cannot say enough about Dave Horton. Sincerely, Carla and Kevin MacDonald
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Deb (Freeman) Melnyk To Sandy and family,
Since the first day of grade 1 at the ‘Little School’ I have been proud to call David my friend. He was smart without showing off and willing to help when you got stuck and he’d already got it. He might not have been a star athlete but that didn’t stop him from participating in all our games of scrub and anything else we could get up to. His quiet demeanor hid a quick wit and quirky sense of humour. It saddens me that I will never laugh with him again. But I shall remember him always and smile at the memories.
Remember the love and the laughter.
Deb Freeman Melnyk
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Allen York Dear Alanna and Michael :
It was with great sadness that I read of your father’s death.
Your are both wonderful young adults, and as such bear a wonderful testimony to your Dad and to your Mom.
Alanna, I gave you the knowledge to help yourself and your family through this painful storm. Use it well, and if I can help in any way, reach out to me through the above e-mail addrfess.
Allen York
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Susan (Smith) Zimmerman So sorry to hear David passed away, Joanne. I remember so well when you first met him when we were working in Mr Wolfe’s office & you used to to go to Air BC with things to be sent to Vancouver .. way before faxes and e-mail. It was almost two years ago that I talked to David at the airport and he was so proud of you and your family. What a kind and gentle man. I’m so glad you had the years with him but am so sorry he’s now gone.
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Brian Hicking In 1975 I was so excited to be hired as a new dock boy , ticket agent for Airwest airlines in the Victoria Harbour. David was hired a few days earlier and my introduction to seniority in the airline business began..Dave had me beat buy a week LOL. We had a lot of laffs in those days filling up the 18 seats on the Twin Otters. Little would we know that are paths would cross again as both of us would become long term employees of airBC and Jazz airlines. David checked me in just a few weeks ago on my commute to Calgary and we had a good laff and reminise of the old Air West days. He was a good man. My Condolences
A Brian Hicking
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Loretta deGoey It is with great saddness that I read the passing of David. He radiated kindness and was a gentle soul. The world needs more people like David, he truly made the world a better place with his smile and friendly demeanor. To Joanne and family I send my heartfelt sympathy.
Loretta deGoey
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Mike Essery Joanne, Alanna and Michael, I share in your sorrow this day.
About 30 years ago I was “Little Mikey”, the new kid working the dock at AirBC’s floatplane base in the inner harbour, after school and weekends. Over the next 15 years we worked together in the brotherhood that was the old AirBC glory days, and I learned much about honour and integrity from Dave. Years pass and careers change but whenever we would meet I would get the latest story of academic achievement or golfing prowess. Alanna and Michael, he was so very proud of both of you.
May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
Godspeed Dave. You’ll always be one of the “Good Guys”.
I have just learned of your sudden loss, Joanne and am shocked and saddened. David was such a kind, loving person and I am so glad to have been able to talk and laugh with him at the track meet in June. I will be thinking of you and your family, Joanne and will always remember David as a true gentleman.
Diane Fougner Henman