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BORN
1946
DIED
2022
David Lee Obituary
After a life fully lived and a courageous battle against cancer Dave passed away on April 4, 2022. Beloved husband of his high school sweetheart, Nancy, "The Bride," they created and cultivated a large and loving family in their 55 years of marriage. In the footsteps of his parents, Marion and Roly, Dave did his very best to love and support his children and leaves his everlasting love and guidance with his daughters Wendi Williams (Jeff) and Andrea Titian (Trev) and his son Craig Lee. He had very special relationships with his sisters Bonnie Munn (Roger), Margo Inrig (Ken) and his brother and sister-in-law Barry and Silvia Willard and Ted and Joan Willard.
The World's Greatest Grandpa to Josh (Caitlynn), Marcus, David (Victoria), Danielle, Jack and Joelle. He loved each of them for who they are and appreciated their uniqueness. He also was able to spend some time with his great grandchildren Walter and Madison. Much loved uncle to Jamie, Lee, Katie (Munn), David, Matt, Rob, and Maggie (Inrig) and Mary-Ellen and Karyn (Willard) and their families.
Dave had a flare for clothing from an early age and turned that love into a successful career as owner of 28 South Side for over 28 years. He became more than a haberdasher to his clients, learning not only about their wardrobe needs, but clients became like an extended family, always being greeted with a hearty hello and hug when they arrived at the store.
He loved his hometown of Hamilton and supported it through local government, supporting local restaurants, and pubs and buying group tickets for Hamilton Tiger Cat tickets and attending concerts at Hamilton Place.
Dave loved to play!!! Football, hockey, golf, billiards, cards, and we would be remised not to mention pole vaulting, he was great at them all. He became a coach and mentor to many athletes over the years.
One of his favourite places in the world was the beautiful cottage that he and Nancy designed and built on Jessup's Island on Lake Nipissing. For as much as Dave loved to play, he equally enjoyed sitting on the deck with a novel and his coffee. He was an avid reader and flew through books always excited to tell you about what he was reading while always visualizing about what tool or pulley he could use for his next Macgyver project. The perfect evening would be spent hauling up the big ones with friends and family on his boat Carpe Lee'm. Dave had such a big heart and amazing personality. He loved people and they loved him. He had a knack for looking at the positive and making you smile through the tough stuff. We are so grateful for all of the love and support shown to him and his family through this challenging time. Thank you to his many dear and special friends. Cremation services were held, and a Memorial Service will take place at a later date. We look forward to celebrating Dave's life with you once Covid allows us to party like we should. Until then give someone a hug and Carpe Diem. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to P.X. Dermody Funeral Home. Share memories at www.dermodys.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Lee
15 Entries
Fred Marsden
August 7, 2025
I think about Dave a lot. I met him in a department store and he told me he was opening up his own store. At 28 South Side I bought many suit, ties, shirts, shoes, tuxedo...and enjoyed every minute I spent with him. Always a smile . I moved and only got back once. A great man.
John Timmis
June 6, 2022
I am so sad to hear this news. I spent more hours (always enjoyable) at Southside than I can imagine. And even before at Tyner-Shorten. I would not have imagined buying my clothes anywhere else and although we conducted business, it was more a social club than a store. We even bought identical Ford Explorers in their year of introduction. We never socialized anywhere else (except occasionally at Holimont) yet we knew all the intimate details of each other's lives. I haven't been part of his life for some years but the 30+ years I knew him were special. Again, saddened to see an end.
Jim Zwolak
April 19, 2022
Deepest condolences from Bobby Z's son and family. Only great memories of Dave as dad brought me in to the store as a kid, and then great times playing and celebrating with the Soft Boys once I was old enough. Definitely great to have Lake Nipissing neighbours as well! Miss Dave's positivity, but glad he's with dad golfing and fishing in the clouds. Lots of Love, JZ
Don and Ann Ridpath
April 11, 2022
It is with sadness that we learned of Dave's passing. We will always remember Dave's warmth and sense of humour, and an annual shopping visit to Southside, that seemed more like a fun social occasion. Dave, you will be missed. Our thoughts and condolences go to Nancy and all the family.
Dennis Mcphee
April 10, 2022
Southside
Dennis Mcphee
April 10, 2022
Dave was a great man who I always called coach. He coached me in senior football with the Stoney Creek Patriots. Positive and encouraging and knowledgeable was Dave. When I took I young player (CIS rookie of the year and later Ottawa Renegade) that I coached in college he was from limited means at the time. Dave donated a new Southcoat suit to him for the banquet of All Canadians. That was Dave . A good football man of Great heart . Rest In Peace coach and thanks for your help regards Deke
Murray Jamieson
April 9, 2022
Will never forget David and our Ancaster Filtronics Oldtimers Hockey Tournaments. My Sincerest Condolences.
Dave Pierce
April 7, 2022
Dave became a good friend who i visited almost every week for many years. When my daughter Brooke was getting married after he closed the shop he took me to another friend of his to make sure i purchased the best suit possible for the special day. I will always remember him for this kind gesture and many others. My sincerest condolences.
John Darracott
April 7, 2022
The shared cigarettes behind Southside; the Thistle Turkey rolls; the only one who could dress me' my dressing gown. A lovely person with a big personality, will always be remembered.
Mike Morrison
April 7, 2022
My sincerest condolences to Nancy, and Daves extended families. We were desk partners in grade 10 physics and spent more time talking about life than vectors and e=mc2. Dave was one of the good guys.
Brenda Zwolak
April 6, 2022
Nancy, Thinking of you and your family as you work your way through these difficult early days of missing Dave. So many wonderful memories of fun with him at the football games, Christmas shopping for Bobby Zee at Southside, West town Board Christmas gatherings, and of course, adventures on Lake Nipissing. An amazing friend indeed.
D. Lynn (Inrig) Skillen
April 6, 2022
I was so sorry to hear about David's diagnosis. Despite that, he maintained good spirits and was able to visit with his many old friends and extended family. David had a "joie de vivre" that seemed limitless. It has been a tough time for everyone and I am so very sorry that Nancy and his family no longer have him with them. My sincerest condolences, Lynn
Jeff McKay
April 6, 2022
My deepest condolences to the entire family
Keltie and Bruce Law
April 6, 2022
Nancy, Wendi, Andrea, Craig and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Dave´s passing. He truly was a one of a kind guy, and so giving to everyone. We remember our days together as neighbours and friends with a warm smile. Our hearts go out to you all in your terrible loss.
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