Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
12/19/1966
DIED
11/06/2025
David Lai Obituary
David was born in Vancouver to Jimmy, King You Lai and Winnie, Sui Ming Chiu on December 19, 1966. Predeceased by his parents, grandparents Lai Be Hop & Chong Lai Ying and uncle York Chan, he is survived by his 105 year-old grandmother, Lam Kai Sun, wife Grace (nee Nottingham), daughters Olivia & Alicia, brother Simon, sister-in-law Anne & niece Caitlyn; aunt Alice Chan, uncles Steven, Soong (Heidi) & Jeff Chiu, aunt Sue Chiu; cousins Sherman, Eugene, Kevin (Jessica), Jane, Brian, Janice (Kevin), Nick, Frederick & little Kyler; in-laws Bert & Betty Nottingham; Ann, Dave, Marie, Nick & little Chaz Burgoyne; Peter, Angie, Daniel, Jesse & Raquelle Nottingham; and many cousins.
David attended General Brock Annex & Sexsmith elementary before graduating from Churchill Secondary in 1984. He also earned a 2.5 year diploma in Operations Management from BCIT. David was a computer geek who loved to open things up to see how they work. He worked as PNE Agrodome maintenance crew then salesman at Woodwards Compute or Play, Super Software and Dunne & Rundle Cameras. He opened Gastown Photo with his good friend John Hadfield in 1997. He also installed photofinishing machines prior to joining London Drugs in 2014, first in the photofinishing department, then moving to the Head office with TLD help desk and then Internal Sales.
David was an active member at each church he attended starting at Metropolitan Tabernacle at age 7 yrs. He accepted the Lord at 12 yrs while at Sunshine Camp in Point Roberts and was baptized at 16 yrs. He moved over to Oakridge Baptist in 1992 after he saw Grace. It took 12 months of persistent, Tuesday night phone calls before she finally said "yes" to a date! They married in 1994 and adopted 11-month-olds Alicia & Olivia from China in 2006. His "butterfly kisses" girls were the highlight of his life.
Together David and Grace served in Oakridge, Ladner and Richmond Baptist churches. He was AWANA games leader, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, sound man, Deacon, board member and chief BBQ Burger man. For ten years he and Grace served with the Migrant Worker Ministry of FEB Pacific while also being Dad & Mom to 20 international students from Korea, Japan, Thailand and China. They also sponsored two children in El Salvador through Compassion Canada.
David found humour in every situation, as managers & senior pastors can attest. No one was safe including the doctors & nurses who cared for him. The family wishes to thank the ER staff at Delta & Surrey Memorial hospitals, Royal Columbian PD unit, Home Hemodialysis unit in New West, and VGH cardiac & transplant units. Thank you, Dr. David Kason, Dr. Sharan Karwal and Dr. Benny Bar-Shlomo for trying to get David to take his health more seriously!
A Celebration of David's life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 3:00pm Richmond Baptist Church, 6640 Blundell Road, Richmond, BC, V7C 1H8; live stream link at https://richmondbaptist.com/
In lieu of flowers, please consider sponsoring a child through Compassion Canada or donating to the Delta Hospital Foundation.
Thank you for sharing his laughter and joy!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Lai
8 Entries
Jeff Bradbeer
November 16, 2025
Working with David was a blessing, even if it was only starting your day or catching up with him in the afternoon.
He was always in good spirits, patient, willing to discuss challenges, and even talk out some troubleshooting tactics.
His presence influenced my sense of professionalism, and I will always remember him for his kindness, understanding and good humor.
Holly (Henderson) Nelson
November 15, 2025
I remember David as such a bright light in this world. He was so full of energy and laughter and always made everyone feel welcome and included. I am so pleased that I had the chance to see him and catch up a few years ago. I was reminded of the joy that he brought to all those around him. Holly (Henderson) Nelson
Robert T
November 15, 2025
David always added humour to his work day and that brightened everyone's day. My most recent memory of this is on my retirement day, He was ' crying' not in sadness but he we chopping onions on our Teams call. That was typical David. He will be missed.
Pam Gossal
November 14, 2025
David was a kind and gentle soul. He loved to talk, to listen, and to fill any room with laughter through his spontaneous, light-hearted jokes. Though he quietly faced many health struggles, he never let them dim his spirit. Instead, he chose joy, connection, and kindness-leaving everyone who knew him feeling a little lighter and a little more loved."
He will truly be missed
Bob
November 13, 2025
When David came to TLD we quickly found we shared much in common; we had both worked in the photography industry in Vancouver, both had techie backgrounds, shared a sometimes out of step sense of humour and we had both adopted daughters from the PRC.
A great many lunch hours were spent at my station discussing the realties of international adoption, what we envisaged the future held for our children and the many folies of the workplace.
David was an intelligent, funny, loving man and I will long cherish the laughs we shared. My sincere condolences to the family on this sudden tragic loss.
Johnny
November 12, 2025
The first time I met David wasn't even at TLD. I was working downtown in Vancouver years ago and walked into a camera shop to buy my first digital camera. That was it until, years later, I started at TLD and saw a familiar face! What a ridiculously small world.
David was, quite simply, the best kind of colleague you could ask for. He was a whirlwind of genuine cheerfulness and good humor. I doubt anyone ever saw David without a ready smile or a witty observation to lighten the mood-even during the most stressful project deadlines. If you were feeling bogged down, you just needed to hear his laugh from down the hall, and suddenly the day felt manageable again.
My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We'll miss his incredible spirit, his willingness to help, and that unmistakable, infectious laugh.
Rest in peace, David. Thanks for all the laughs and all the help. We were lucky to have you.
Anson C
November 12, 2025
David was such a kind and genuine person. His happiness and warmth touched everyone around him. He loved good food and great company, and it was always a pleasure to be with him. He will be deeply missed.
Michelle Gardner
November 12, 2025
David was one of our closest neighbors for close to 25years. Always quick with a joke and a smile, whenever we were out in our front yards. We fondly remember our one Christmas dinner with David and family, it was a great experience to have an expert foodie to order for us! We will miss having David in our neighborhood and friend family greatly. Luv 'n hugs, Mike, Michelle, Jess & Chris. Of course Miles too!
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results