DAVID DEMSON

July 1, 1935 (Cleveland) – May 13, 2025 (Toronto) Peacefully, surrounded by family, from complications from pulmonary fibrosis at age 89. Loving husband of 36 years to Leslie, beloved father of their daughter, Deirdre (Toronto), and of Martha (Los Angeles), Jonathan (San Francisco), and Michael (and Audrey, Huntsville, Texas). Proud grandfather of Haley, Adelaide, and Theadora. Cherished brother of Carol (New Jersey) and Robert (North Carolina). David devoted his life's work in joyful service of the gospel of Jesus Christ. After studying at Harvard (AB), Oxford (DPhil), and at Basel with Karl Barth, he taught Systematic Theology for some 63 years in the Toronto School of Theology (Emmanuel, Regis, Wycliffe Colleges), as well as at the University of Latvia (Riga) and at Hebrew University (Jerusalem). He was Past President of the Canadian Theological Society, General Secretary of The Karl Barth Society of North America, and former National Chair of Canadian Professors for Peace in the Middle East. He was a proud friend to Israel and the Jewish people. David will be remembered by many students. His encounters, conversations, and debates with them were a source of great enjoyment for him throughout his teaching years. Visitation: Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto (2 stoplights west of Yonge St.) on Friday, May 30th, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral service: Wycliffe Founders' Chapel, 5 Hoskin Avenue, Toronto on Saturday, May 31st, 11:00 a.m. Parking: Please visit www.morleybedford.wordpress.com for all parking directions. If desired, donations in David's memory may be made to Samaritan's Purse Canada.