DAVID JEFFREY HENDERSON

1966 - 2025

March 27, 1966 – January 29, 2025 It is with extreme sadness that Melissa Henderson announces the passing of her loving partner of 40 years. He leaves behind his beloved daughters, Noa and Aliya. Dave is survived by his parents, Patricia and Bruce as well as his siblings, Ian (Nancy) and Jillian (Walter). He was loved and will be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Dave passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love in his 58th year after a long and dignified four and a half year battle with brain cancer. Dave was introduced early on to outdoor life by his parents, going on countless family canoe trips to Haliburton and Algonquin Park, as well as summers at Camp Beausoleil. He had a passion for the family cottage on Georgian Bay and was fortunate to witness his daughters develop that passion too. He was instrumental in the creation of the cottage flagpole, which he maintained over the years with pride. He turned his love of the Canadian wilderness into a long and distinguished 32 year career with Parks Canada and became the "go to guy" for accessibility issues at National Parks. He is fondly remembered by so many of his colleagues and friends at the Agency. Dave graduated from Lorne Park Secondary School in Mississauga in 1985, where he played Peel championship football and served as head prefect on student council. He went on to graduate from the University of Waterloo where he met Melissa, the love of his life. His career began during a work term with Parks Canada and developed into a passion for community service and volunteerism. His love of sports took him from early morning hockey practices with his own Dad to being the Dad at early morning practices with his girls. Dave also found time to participate in a few marathons. Perhaps his greatest athletic achievement was raising money for the MS Society while riding the Ottawa/Cornwall/Kingston loops at various MS rides over the years. Dave was a kind, caring man with the soul of a gentleman and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Everywhere he went, Dave had a talent for making friends. That is the mark of a life well lived. Thank you to everyone who offered support and guidance throughout this difficult journey. Rest in peace my love, your struggles are over. A celebration of life is planned for February 21st at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Central Chapel, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, Ontario. Visitation from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. with a service at 2:00 p.m. Donations can be made to Maycourt Hospice, Ottawa in David's name.