(May 24, 1940 – November 1, 2025) It is with profound sadness that the family of David Allen Barbour announces his passing on November 1, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia. David faced his illness with courage and perseverance, supported by the love and care of his family. David was born in Montréal, Québec, on May 24, 1940. He attended Trinity College School in Port Hope, graduating with the class of 1958, and began his postsecondary education studying at McGill University before earning his degree from George Williams College in Montréal, now part of Concordia University. David built an exceptional career in the Canadian brewing industry, holding senior leadership roles with Molson Breweries, where he served as President of Molson Ontario Breweries Limited, and later with Carling O'Keefe and Labatt Brewing Company. His work with Molson took him and his family across the country several times between Montréal and Calgary, before ultimately bringing them to Ontario, where they settled in Oakville, the place they would call home for many years. Over several decades, his work reflected a lifelong passion for marketing. Creative, insightful, and endlessly curious, David connected brands with people in meaningful ways. He helped steer Canada's brewing industry through a fiercely competitive era, blending strategic insight and creative flair to leave a lasting imprint on its marketing landscape - not just selling beer, but defining how an entire generation of Canadians thought about it. Beyond his professional achievements, David had many passions that enriched his life. He was an avid photographer long before the digital age, often taking thousands of pictures in pursuit of the perfect shot. He loved art, travel, and especially his dogs, who were his loyal companions and a constant source of joy. His appreciation for animals extended into the community, where he served as Acting Associate Chair of Ontario's Animal Care Review Board, lending his leadership to animal-welfare causes. He found simple happiness in quiet routines and the companionship of those he loved most. David is survived by his wife, Rives (née Dalley-Hewitt), and her daughters, Dalley and Ann, with whom he shared his later years in Ancaster. He is also survived by his former wife, Mary Harper, the mother of his four children: Greg (Sharon Hales), Heidi (Andrew Lundy), Geoff (Sue), and Peter (Gabe Clarke). He was predeceased by his wife Dayna Barbour and was a loving stepfather to Dayna's daughter, Julie Bays (Adam Growe). He is also survived by his brothers, Peter Barbour (Ann) and Greg Barbour (Florence). "Grandpa David" will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Greg's children, Ryann, Cole and Macy; Heidi's sons, Matthew, Ben and Sam; Geoff's sons, Peter and James; and Julie's children, Jack, Emma and Lily. He will be deeply missed by his extended family, many friends, and former colleagues who will remember his humour, loyalty, creativity, and generous heart. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3164 Ninth Line, Oakville, Ontario. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and raise a glass in honour of a remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Hamilton & Halton (serving Oakville and Ancaster) at
www.alzda.ca. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all the staff at West Oak Village Long-Term Care Home, as well as David's private caregivers, Dianne, Lulu and Miryam, for their compassion, dedication, and care throughout his illness. For online condolences, please visit
www.glenoaks.ca Published by The Globe and Mail from Nov. 8 to Nov. 12, 2025.