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David James Redington Dewees

David James Redington Dewees obituary

David Dewees Obituary

DAVID JAMES REDINGTON DEWEES February 16, 1977-October 3, 2009 Born Toronto, February 16, 1977, died October 3, 2009, in Toronto. Beloved son of Don and Ann Dewees; brother of Jonathan (Sarah); grandson of Margaret Taylor; nephew of Don (Lynn), Nancy (deceased) (Greg), Mary Kay (John), Richard (deceased); cousin of Christy (Steve), Katie (Mike), Jamie, Daniel (Karen) and Robert (Shannon). David showed an early love for both language and music, passions he pursued throughout his life. He attended Pioneer Camp as a camper, then served as a leader in various capacities. He graduated from Royal St. George's College in Toronto and Queen's University where he majored in English and Classics. He taught English and Classics, first at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and then at Jarvis Collegiate in Toronto. He was beloved and respected by students and teachers. He sang in choirs throughout school and was a member of the tenor section of the Mendelssohn Choir in Toronto. He devoted his life to teaching and mentoring. His sudden death is a great sorrow to his family, friends and students, both past and present. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St. W., at Windermere, east of Jane subway from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Funeral Service will be held at Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd., on Friday, October 9 at 11 a.m. If desired, donations may be made in David's memory to Ontario Pioneer Camp staff bursaries or Toronto Mendelssohn Choirs.

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Published by Toronto Star from Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for David Dewees

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50 Entries

Jennifer Nieto

October 3, 2021

I think about you often, just like right now. I remember when you used to hi to me shyly in the hallway. You were a passionate teacher and made learning fun. I wish I got to know you better. I wish I could have appreciated you more. I will never forget you.

October 12, 2009

Rest in peace, Mr. Dewees...

Allison King

October 12, 2009

My sincere condolences to the Dewees family. David was one of the most memorable teachers I have ever had, and his passion for teaching will be sorely missed by every student who ever had the great opportunity to learn from him.

Brian and Janis Traquair

October 10, 2009

David was a man who had strength for everyone, time for everyone and laughter for everyone. He enriched our lives. May God grant peace to David and to everyone in the Dewees family. And may we all remember and learn.

Brian, Janis, Ellen, Hugh

October 8, 2009

We are deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept our condolences during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jan, Taryn, Reiner and Gerhard

Samantha Bogdanovich

October 8, 2009

Mr. Dewees, I will not forget you and your support when you took on the role of supervisor of the Jarvis girls field hockey team in 06/07. I can still recollect you always saying "hit that ball Jarvis", when our games were in play. It was also nice to get a hello from you whenever I saw you in the hallways.

Much love to the family.

Marissa

October 8, 2009

David, dear beautiful young man whom I sadly never met-you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers! May light perpetual shine on you!

Dear family and friends of David-please accept my deepest sympathies and earnest prayers on your behalf at this unimaginably difficult time. May God have mercy upon you all and send angels to comfort you!

With much love-

Catherine McKay

October 8, 2009

My sincere sympathies to family and friends.

David, who I will always think of as "Mr. Dewees," taught my daughter English at Etobicoke Collegiate. She has often spoken of him as "the best teacher ever" and is heartbroken at his loss.

As well, we later moved downtown and my son attended Jarvis. Although he never had Mr. Dewees for a teacher, he remembers attending an information session and seeing him in the halls, chatting and joking with students.

Lots of love and courage to the family during this difficult time.

October 8, 2009

Very sorry to hear the death of a good teacher from Jarvis.
I knew him through our kids and the swim team a few years back.
He was well respected
May he be at peace

R.S

Susan Haddock

October 8, 2009

Good Bye Dear David.
Jesse and I love you very much and find so much peace in knowing that we will get to see you again in heaven. You are a gem, a wonderful man. You had an impact on both of us during our time at camp. To your family we offer our deepest sympathies. Your son is an amazing person, and I pray that you find joy in knowing that Dave had so many people who love him and were guided to a deeper faith by his friendship and wise words.
God bless your family as you say good bye for now to your precious son and brother.

You will continue to be in our prayers.

Much love and sympathy,

Susan & Jesse Haddock

Naomi Box

October 8, 2009

David, I knew you best when we were kids. In church, choir, camp, the christmas pageant...you always made me laugh, and on various occassions until I was sick. I remember once during one of the christmas pageants, dressed up for our roles, we made up glorious (or so we thought) modern dance moves to hymns whilst waiting for our turn. However once it was our turn, your would be on your best behaviour and we would save the laughter till later. During our friendship as children..on numerous occasions you succeeded in making me laugh, however, you also had this great ability to seek the positive in the negative especially when one of your friends couldn't, and you amazed me how you could make me smile even when I felt the like it was the end of the world. How you could do that was beyond me, but that was you!! I don't know if I ever said it before but thank you for those few years of friendship. You were truly a good person. I am deeply saddened by your passing, and wish only the best for your parents, brother, family and your friends during this time of need.

Naomi Box

Naomi Box

October 8, 2009

David, I knew you best when we were kids. In church, choir, camp, the christmas pageant...you always made me laugh, on numerous occassions until I was sick. I remember once during one of the christmas pageants, dressed up for our roles, we made up modern dance moves to hymns whilst waiting for our turn. However once it was our turn, your would be on your best behaviour and we would save the laughter till later. During our friendship as children..you always succeeded in making me laugh, however, you also had this great ability to seek until you found a positive in the negative especially when one of your friends couldn't, and you amazed me how you could make me smile even when I felt the like it was the end of the world. How you could do that was beyond me, but that was you!! I don't know if I ever said it before but thank you for those few years of friendship. You were truly a good person. I am deeply saddened by your passing, and wish only the best for your parents, brother, family and your friends during this time of need.

Naomi Box

Michael Clipperton

October 8, 2009

David sat beside me in the tenor section of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. I knew him as a talented singer, an enthusiastic fellow-teacher, and a witty and gregarious young man. He had so much to offer. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you are in my thoughts. Be at peace, David.

M. T.

October 8, 2009

Mr. Dewees was a gifted teacher who always knew how to enliven the class, and cheer us up. His passion for language and the gift of knowledge that he passed on to his students will not be forgotten. He's really missed.

Joice Guspie

October 7, 2009

Dear Dewees Family - David made a huge impact on my daughter, Alice. She didn't realize it until she and her friend started recounting all the good things that happened in David's class - how they actually looked forwarded to going to school, just to hear one of David's stories - David was a special person - I am grateful for the gift that he gave to my daughter and to me.
JOice Guspie

Donna Temovsky

October 7, 2009

Sincerest sympathy to the Dewees family.
There are no words to convey how each of us feel about the tragic loss of your beloved son David.
He was loved by so many and he will be missed.
I did not know David only through the media, however, I do sense the love and affection that has been bestowed on this young man. He will never be forgotten.
David rest in peace and may your family find comfort in knowing how much you were loved.
Donna Temovsky

Mike Coulter

October 7, 2009

Kate, Sarah, Annie and I offer our deepest sympathies to David's family.

David was a wonderful neighbour, a witty and engaging conversationalist and he will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace.

James Knight

October 7, 2009

My thoughts and prayers to friends and family of Mr. Dewees.

I never got to know you that well which I regret now but through the small interactions we had and the shared friends I could tell you were a good man.

The world for many will not be the same without you. I hope you find peace and I know you are in God's hands now.

Paul To

October 7, 2009

David, I remember the "Killer Robot" video we did together. Your performance made me laugh so hard. For the sort time I knew you at Pioneer Camp, I knew that you were a great guy, and you had a good heart. You will be missed!

Dave in his tails, prior to a choir performance.

Valerie R

October 6, 2009

Though we didn't sing together for very long, your kindness, talent and passion touched me. May your memory be held in the hearts of all those who love you, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

You will be missed.
Valerie R

October 6, 2009

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Dewees family as you try to come to grips with the loss of your beloved David. I have such fond memories singing with David as part of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
"The song has ended, but the music lives on..."
My thoughts and prayers are with you at
such an unimaginably difficult time which is beyond what mere words can truly express.
Sue Newman...TMC

Janet Burroughs

October 6, 2009

My condolences and deepest sympathies goes out to the Dewees family. I couldn't beleive the news when my mother told me. I was a neighbour of yours years ago- three doors down. I used to babysit your cat while your family was away vacationing. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. May David rest in peace.

Erin Olson(nee Boomhour)

October 6, 2009

My fullest sympathies and condolences go to the Dewees family. David and I met at Queen's University, where we both majored in English, and had several classes together. I always admired his passion for literature - he was always digging deeper into readings, and coming up with new ideas to challenge and inspire us. In a class devoted entirely to Chaucer, he was never afraid to read aloud and with conviction, when the rest of us were struggling to merely understand the language. I will always remember David as a benevolent, generous and magnanimous individual. I hope you have found peace, my friend.

Paul M,

October 6, 2009

David, I remember you as a kind and decent man -- and I trust that's how you'll be received in Our Father's Heavenly Kingdom. Love and blessings to your family.

Jez Bell

October 6, 2009

I am not alone in knowing the impact Dave had on my life. He was the most amazing teacher and mentor, someone I respected and loved.
I am saddened to think that Dave might not have known how many people he had a positive effect upon.
I miss my friend Dave but I am comforted that he is with his Father in Heaven who created him and blessed him with such love for others.

Monica Aguilar

October 6, 2009

My deepest condolences to Mr. Dewees family.
Mr. Dewees, I never got the chance to meet you. But I know by all these people, that you were an amazing person. The saddest thing is that you are gone, & way to soon. Why did your inspiring self have to go? It would have been such a joy to meet you. I bet I would have liked you & I know that I would have love English more than ever if I had got the chance to had it with you.
& like I said, even if I didn't know you, I'm really sad that you are gone.
I am sure you are in a better place now. You would never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Mr.David Dewees

October 6, 2009

My thoughts go out to the Dewees family. David will be remembered for his warm personality and beautiful soul. We will remember him with honour.

Cassandra L.

October 6, 2009

Mr. Dewees you were such an amazing teacher. You've taught me to enjoy literature so much. I miss the way you laugh at our random jokes in class, always saying "What?!" as if we were crazy. I can't believe I'm never going to see your smile ever again. I hope you're in a better place.

CB

October 6, 2009

I never met you or knew you but I pray that the Lord will appoint his Angels to bring comfort to your family ... just as He appointed one to comfort, and to guide you, into His Presence. Rest in peace and joy with the Lord.

Kathleen Logan

October 6, 2009

My deepest sympathies to David's family. Please try to take comfort in the fact that David was so well loved by so many. I was lucky to sing next to him in the choir for several years and will always remember him fondly.

Mary Beth Halferty Kraay

October 6, 2009

I offer my deepest condolences to the Dewees family at this time. David was my roommate in my final year of university and although we lost touch in later years, I will always consider him a dear friend. When I think of him I will remember a brilliant young man who was full of life and wonder, who laughed so freely, who sang so beautifully, who was unembarrassed about his passion for knowledge and generous in sharing his wisdom, who was slow to anger and quick to forgive, who was unfailing kind to those around him, and who endlessly strove, though sincere reflection and contemplation, to find a moral path through life’s quagmires. David, I hope that you have found peace.

Patrick McNulty

October 6, 2009

I will always cherish my memories of you. There is no way to describe the impact you have had on my life...I am at a loss for words. You are a great inspiration to me, and always will be.

James Frost

October 6, 2009

Be at peace, David, and sing in heaven's choir with the other gentle souls that you will find there. You are already missed.

October 6, 2009

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Dewees family. I thought I remembered David's name-I believe I used to babysit him, and possibly Jonathan-many years ago. I'm terribly saddened to hear of his passing. Kelli McNeil(Toronto,ON)

Ester Topulli

October 6, 2009

You were one of my favourite english teachers and im still in shock that you are gone. Part of me thinks that your going to pop out and say "helloo im hereee, it was just a sick jokee" but then again, it wont happen. Im trying to cope with your being gone, but its too hard. You were an amazing person <3 Rest in Peace Dewees

M. P.

October 6, 2009

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Dewees. He was obviously well liked and admired by many. I offer my thoughts and prayers for his safe keeping.

Rita Deen

October 6, 2009

Gone too soon!!
My heart goes out to the family
Deepest sympathies

Rita, Toronto

Aida Aguilar

October 6, 2009

Know that your students will always remember you...
know that you were loved and respected.
My prayers, love and support with all your family.
We'll miss you...

Mike

October 6, 2009

I still can't believe you are gone. I think about you all the time. I'll miss our inside jokes, especially the BWS. Rest in peace.

Kenn Chaplin

October 6, 2009

May the best memories live on and may the comfort of God in each other sustain David's family, friends, students and colleagues.

Jon

October 6, 2009

Dave, you were a most wonderful brother, and I'm simply devastated that you are not here anymore.

I am comforted by your eternal presence, and please know that your death with not have been in vain.

Carmeleta Anderson

October 6, 2009

"Amazing Grace" will always be our song of praise... Deweese I still didn't get you to sing this, our beautiful song together in an assembly. Now,I will sing it alone in your absence but this time dedicated to you. You are going to be missed around here!

Love Carmeleta Anderson

October 6, 2009

Sincerest Sympathy to the Dewees Family--You had a remarkable talented son and have many wonderful memories to cherish
James & Margaret Kitchen

Roger Musselman

October 6, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies. David was a good friend. I'll miss having his voice beside me in the Mendelssohn Choir.

Mike Manning

October 6, 2009

I pray you find the answers you need at this time.

October 6, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

William CA Wallace

October 6, 2009

Who now will tell the story of your first day as a teacher? Of how you sprayed yourself with water at the bathroom sink, which was at a very inconvenient height for being sprayed. And of how you humorously tested the efficacy of an automated hand dryer, while variously contorting yourself in the short moments that O Canada played. Who will tell it, now, this story of hapless but harmless beginnings—for I know myself, who alone has shared it dozens of times, to be silenced by the sudden hush of the world.

October 6, 2009

Gone but not forgotten

Michael Lane

October 6, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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