David passed into the arms of our loving God on July 9, 20lI at the age of 69 years. David was born in Almonte, Ontario and spent his early years in Pakenham, a place he dearly loved. His ashes will be interred there in the family plot at a later date. David is the beloved husband of The Rev. Carmen Stansberry Simmonds; loving father of sons, Gregory and Keith (Toby), and proud grandfather of Braeden, David, Benjamin, and Nickolas. He is also survived by his former wife and friend, Ellen Mae Simmonds and by loving cousins in Ontario. He will be missed by Carmen’s children, Douglas Stansberry and Janet Stansberry Drake (Todd) and by the many family and friends who have carried him in prayer as he recently dealt with esophageal cancer with dignity and strength. David was a graduate of the University of Alberta and was a Certified Management Consultant. He had a great passion for his work as a management consultant, working especially in leadership development and mentoring many people during his long career. He carried on with this passion until the onset of his illness. The majority of David’s career was spent in Edmonton. He spent 20 years with Price Waterhouse Coopers and with Ernst & Young, prior to setting up his own company, D.R. Simmonds and Associates. David was a dynamic person, an avid follower of economic and geo-political news events, a former marathoner and long-distance cyclist and he was an active parish member at St. George’s Anglican Church, Victoria, as well as in the Diocese of British Columbia. He found great pleasure in giving of his time in various areas of the community. Special thanks to Drs. Luckhurst, and Dewar and the most compassionate and competent staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice. Special gratitude to neighbours in Wedgewood Estates, fellow parishioners at St. George’s Anglican Church and many supportive friends throughout the Dioceses of British Columbia and Calgary.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, 3909 St. Georges Lane, Victoria, on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 2:00 p.m., The Rev. Dr. Richard Lesueur officiating. David asked that memorial tributes be made to the charity of your choice or to the Victoria Rainbow Kitchen Society ( 310 Henry Street, Victoria V9A 3J2) where he and Carmen volunteered to feed the hungry. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
30 Responses
Dear Carmen,
My sympathy to you and to both your families. I enjoyed meeting David in Calgary, and was sad to hear of his death. Coline and I are now in Huron Diocese, where I am priest at Canon Davis Memorial Church, Sarnia. Wishing you all the best during this difficult time,
Bob and Coline Bettson, Sarnia, Ontario
My/our condolences are from the heart to your family! I was shocked and saddened to read of David’s passing. David and I first met at Syncrude where he helped me start my career in Human Resources back in 1976. We both worked as consultants at Ernst and Young- David in Edmonton and I in Calgary. So many smiles come to mind as I recall David working with Gary Cook, Oz Huebner, Keith Land, Ralph Meyers and many other fine professionals/consultants at Syncrude. Stories and experiences that could never be repeated. David was a great mentor to me personally and always had time to listen and make what often seemed to be a crisis into a challenge an opportunity to learn and grow. Regretfully we are unable to be in Victoria to celebrate a life well lived. Bruce and Betty Green
Dear Greg and Keith & Family
Jodi and I are extremely saddened and shocked to learn of your tremendous loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies during this extremely difficult time.
I wasn’t sure how to connect with you after all these years and wanted to send along this quick note. I have spent much of the day thinking about all the good times we had growing up in Edmonton. I am not sure if you knew but my wife, Jodi had the opportunity to work with your dad at Ernst and Young here in Edmonton in the consulting practice.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nick and Jodi Parkinson
St. Albert
Simmonds Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
To Carmen and to David’s family
I have always believed that one of the most important measures of a man’s life is the impact he has on the people he encounters in the journey between life and death. I first met and worked with David almost 30 years ago where he set a standard for me in what it means to be a professional. He helped me to understand that a professional is not about what you know, but how you deal with people – he set an example that helped me strengthen my own integrity, honesty, respect, compassion, commitment. He had a major impact on my life at a very personal level. While our paths did not cross often in recent years, I always thought of him as a friend, and his passing will be deeply missed. Please accept my sincere condolences on the much deeper loss that I know you are feeling.
Heaven celebrated when David came home to eternity. May Gods love, peace and promises comfort you and your family, Carmen.
Gods peace be with you, Bill and Pat, Sue and Chandler
I was acquainted with David when I was a member of the Centre Club many years ago.
We only spoke casually and passingly, sometimes in a group in what was the “Muffin Club”.
Invariably, David impressed as a kind and gentle soul. He was always a gentleman in any conversations.
With respect, I offer my condolences to your family, as I do believe that the world is a sadder place with David’s passing.
Simmonds family,
We are so sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Much love,
Joel and Kelly Bateson
Dear Carmen:
Our hearts go out to you and your family in the loss of your beloved David. His was a battle bravely fought but we thank God that he is now beyond all pain and suffering, safe in the arms of the Lord and Saviour he loved and served so well. May you be upheld at this time by the strength of your faith and by many beautiful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your loving friends in Christ of the Retired Clergy & Spousus Fellowship.
We both send you our most heart felt condolences. At this difficult time may you, Carmen, and the rest of the family, find comfort in knowing that others share in your sorrows. May you take comfort in knowing that your loved one is in God’s care.and surrounded by His Eternal love and goodness. Our Deepest Sympathy.
He leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul.
Psalm 23: 2,3