It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of David, much beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle. David was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary, and is lovingly remembered by children, Michael (Juneko) and Leah (Sam); grandchildren, Mika and Kaito; sisters, Valerie, Lynda, Beth (Allan), and Fay (Paul) and a large extended family and network of friends. He is deeply missed.
David was born in Edmonton and grew up in Victoria. He spent many years teaching in the Kootenays, first Nelson and then Fernie. After 28 years in Fernie, Mary and David came back to Victoria in 2006 to be closer to family.
David had a wonderful sense of humour; a quiet and gentle nature; and loved to help family, friends, and his community as an active volunteer. He enjoyed the outdoors and could regularly be found cycling, hiking, and working in his and Mary’s extensive gardens. David also loved puzzles and games (his knowledge of 2- and 3-letter Scrabble words was unparalleled), was an avid bridge player and an amateur programmer. He recently combined these interests by writing crossword puzzles for the retired teacher’s magazine using a program he created.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada (https://crohnsandcolitis.ca).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Deirdre Way
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Russ, Deanna, Foster, Ella & Everett Leah and Sam,
Our condolences to you and all of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Forrest L Nelson So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing.
My meeting and work with Dave was through our mutual support and efforts on behalf of for our local MLA – and ideas and work to make a better world.
He was great.
Take care. We will miss him.
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Gary/Kathy Smith Michael, Leah, and family,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your dad in our local newspaper. Both of your parents were respected colleagues of ours and contributed a great deal to the education of young people. In the later years, we enjoyed solving or trying to solve the crossword puzzles your dad designed for PostScript, a magazine for retired educators. We are writing to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gary and Kathy Smith
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Louise Smith I knew David from Tuesday evening bridge (pre-covid) when he played with Kyle. David was a gentle man with a keen sense of humour and I loved playing at his table. He will be sorely missed.
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Chris and Kenn McLaren Hello Leah and Sam,
Kenn and I were so sorry to hear about your lovely dad’s passing. Kenn enjoyed meeting him recently when he donated furniture for the Syrian refugees. And I was fortunate to work with him on the Saanich Civic League. Always helpful, engaged and a real gentle man. He was a pleasure to know and he will be missed. The world needs more people like David Squance. Sorry to miss the service. Celebrate the love.
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Marjorie Newton Dave’s humble demeanour and strength of character, wisdom, kindness and compassion will be forever remembered. My short association with him over the past few years left a great impression of a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and brother. He was so well loved and an inspiration to so many!
My sincere condolences to his entire family, especially his children, grandchildren and siblings and their families. ❤️
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Lana Ferris My condolences to all the family members of Mary and Dave. My son Brad Ferris just messaged me this sad news. Mary was a very good friend of mine for many years in Fernie. I am shocked by the news of her passing also. I was not aware of this at all. Mary did my daughter Joeline’s eulogy for which I was so very grateful . Dave and Mary would invite Joeline and I over for supper when Nina came to town. Michael, Juneko, Mika, Kato, Leah and Sam my deepest condolences your Mom and Dad were very special people.
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Jennifer McKenna Leah I’m so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. My thoughts are with you. J
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Carolynne Lecavalier Our condolences to the Squance family. Dave was always a gentleman. Rob, Carolynne, Todd and Family, and Tara.
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Cindy Oliver I knew David and Mary and their children when I lived in Fernie. Everyone did. David inspired young minds in his classroom, he mentored many of his colleagues young and old , and he tirelessly advocated for teachers throughout his career. His life was well lived.
I send condolences to the Squance family. I am sorry for your great loss.
Cindy Oliver
Vancouver
Dear Leah and Michael:
We were so saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. We have so many great memories of our teaching years together, first at Sparwood Secondary and then at Fernie Secondary. He was ‘Uncle David’ to our daughter when she attended UVic due to his generous offer of the family condo. I was just corresponding with your Dad several months ago and am so sorry that would be our last chat! Sending our condolences to your families. Deirdre Way and George Popp