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David Tamblyn Obituary
David Gordon Tamblyn has now joined his parents William (Bill) and Marguerite (Mugs) Tamblyn, sailing the spiritual world after battling brain cancer these past 22 months. David was born nine months after his maternal grandfather's passing and was felt to be the “angel” child for Vera McCavour. When his younger brother Rob was born, David all but moved in with his grandmother, enjoying TV dinners in front of the television set and gaining an ever-growing collection of dinky toys. He was a spoiled child!
While Dave was not initially interested in the education system, it was to become his life work. Dave attended Isabella Public School, in Thunder Bay, and then Belmont School in London, England. His junior high and high school years were spent at Ashbury College in Ottawa. While attending school wasn't Dave's favourite pastime, Dave surprised the world by attending Lakehead University and going into education. Dave's career path blossomed when Dave learned to speak French and became the French Teacher at Schreiber Public School. Dave went on to take his Masters in Education to become a principal then superintendent and finally Director of Education for the Superior Greenstone District School Board. Dave's love of Lakehead University grew from his father's influence as the first president of Lakehead University. Dave would go on to be on the Board of Governors and Chair of the Board
Though Dave was known as ‘one gear Dave' to his family, Dave excelled at many sports including sailing, kayaking, ice boating, skiing but not tennis! His passion for kayaking steered him to create Superior Outfitters as his ‘summer job'. This led to a lasting contribution, as Dave made accessible voyaging on Lake Superior. He was, perhaps, the first person to bring sea kayaks and instruction to Lake Superior shores. Dave is remembered so well as a patient teacher and supporter to so many who found their way to him. His ‘love for the lake' led Dave to lead and join many advocacy and preservation groups focused on Superior. Whether it was education or Superior, Dave's work was much appreciated by the communities he served.
David loved to travel, having been to the Bahamas, Great Britain, Europe, Costa Rica and New Zealand. He had hoped for more travelling with his partner, Ruth, as he had recently retired.
Dave is survived by his best friend Ruth Lepp, her children Mitch (Vanesha Pamayah) and Carly (Adam Palmer). Dave's siblings include Ian (Amanda Shaughnessy), Cherie (Larry Freeman) Michael (Verona Leslie), Sally (Dick Hagman) and Rob (Val Ramseyer). Dave was also known as the big tease to his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. But his pride and joy was his granddaughter Zoey, the light of his life who provided great humour during his battle with cancer.
The family would like to thank Dave's care team including: Dr. Haq, Dr. Anthes, Dr. Faghih, and especially his family physician and neighbour Dr. Dave Hurst. Extreme thanks to Dr. Kathleen Simpson and Paul Carrier for their support and guidance on this journey.
A celebration of David's life will be taking place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Lake Superior High School in Terrace Bay.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Gichi Kendaawasiwin Centre Fund, Lakehead University, the Canadian Cancer Society or the McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Tamblyn
11 Entries
Gordon & Karin Mackenzie
May 4, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave's family and his colleagues his many years with SGDSB. Dave's dedication, sincerity and expertise were second to none no matter what he was involved in. So highly respected and will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences,
Gordon, Karin & family
George Drazenovich
April 16, 2022
My deepest sympathies to Dave´s family. I knew Dave from my time at SGDSB and Lakehead. His commitment and leadership will be missed I am sure. On a brief vacation with my family to Rossport, I was able to connect with him and discuss kayaking and share some of his passion for the area. He was always open and warm. He will be missed
George Drazenovich
April 16, 2022
My deepest sympathies to the family of Dave. I knew him from my time at SGDSB and familiar with his work at Lakehead. His dedication, commitment and leadership will be missed I am sure. I spent some time with my family at a brief vacation Rossport and enjoyed the banter with him over kayak and at the dock. He was warm, friendly and open.
Bill Day
April 11, 2022
Remembering Dave
Goodbye my friend
I will see you again
Afloat on the Inland Sea.
You will lift high on swells
In bright sun and sweet smells
With an endless horizon to see.
To me you will
Always be there
Afloat on the Inland Sea.
A peaceful place
With a watery grace
And mists to eternity.
By Bill Day
Valerie Newton
April 10, 2022
As a former colleague of David´s, I am sending my deepest sympathies to Ruth and family. So sorry for your loss.
Dave had a deep commitment to providing high quality educational services and experiences for the students, and staff in the district.
Jason Veltri (Bruley Family)
April 7, 2022
On behalf of the Rossport Bruley's we all send our thoughts and condolences to the Tamblyn family. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Margo Remus Joseph
April 5, 2022
Ruth, kids and all the Tamblyn crew, we are very saddened by David's way too early passing. He probably does not know but when a newborn, he was my school "project". Have no idea what it was called but I had the opportunity to "interview" Mugs and observe David's growth and development over a number of weeks when he was just a young squirt. And in fact all the Tamblyn "kids" have long been my favourites as they were keen athletes, engaged participants and integral to Amethyst summer life. Over the last number of years [pre COVID] we were happy to run in to David [then chair of the board] numerous times at LU and on each occasion to have a smiley update from David. I too have a sea kayaking passion, once managed a paddle in his Rossport environs and thoroughly enjoyed and felt I could experience the thrill of iceboating with his postings. Indeed I have fond recollections way back to Sirocco/Selkirk/Amethyst/Lambert days.
Fondly, Tom and Margo
Shirley Anne Claydon
April 5, 2022
My love and sympathy goes out to the family . What a tragic loss. Thanks David for all you did for "the lake."
Geof Botting
April 5, 2022
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Dave's passing. We did courses together and were colleagues (different boards). I always enjoyed Dave and he will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
Peter and Maureen Burtch
April 5, 2022
Ruth, Sally, Ian and family. Maureen and I are very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a wonderful person who touched many. We will always have a memory of Dave trying to teach us to kayak on the Wilson Channel when the waves went from calm to over two feet quickly, thanks to Dave's rescue efforts we all survived and will always cherish that memory. I know I can speak for Maureen's Mom, Shirley Mikus, who knew Dave professionally, she passes on her condolences as well.
Peter and Maureen Burtch
Angela S
April 5, 2022
So sorry to hear about Dave´s passing. For several years he helped to provide me with the confidence and the equipment to experience kayaking on Lake Superior with a group of friends. We will be sure to have a toast to Dave around the campfire this year. He will be missed.
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