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David Harrison Obituary
It is with great sadness that we share that David Harrison of Toronto passed away suddenly at 72 years of age at his vacation home in Naples, Florida, on Friday, March 31, 2017. David was born an only child to the late Harold James Harrison and Frances Violet Harrison (nee Lyons) on October 25, 1944 in Berkhamsted, England. For the first couple of years of his life David lived in England with his parents, Grandfather George, and Aunt Muriel and Uncle Jimmy, and Aunt Eileen. After the War, in the Spring of 1947 Frances and David sailed to Canada to join Harold who had been demobbed back to his homeland. He left a family where he was surrounded by love, to start a new life in a country which would become his home and first love. David was a Torontonian through and through living in various community based areas throughout his life. Of all these places, his favourite was the Beach. David was a remarkable man with a strong character and an unwavering sense of right and wrong. He was a loyal and dedicated friend, mentor and advisor. Often a clever joker and affable host, friends could always expect a warm welcome in his home. David dedicated his life to learning, either through his own or that of others. He graduated high school from R.H. King Collegiate and continued his education which culminated in a Ph.D in Education from the University of Florida. In addition to his passion for learning and education, he was also an avid sports fan spending many an afternoon or evening watching baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer (football!) and golf and rarely missed an opportunity to see a football game of his beloved Florida Gators (Go Gators!). David will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his family and those lucky enough to have called him a friend. At David's request, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to join in a Celebration of Life gathering for David from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Jerrett Life Celebration Centre, 8088 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON L4J 1W3. Refreshments will be served immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice in David's memory. Online condolences may be left at:
www.jerrettlife.com
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Memories and Condolences
for David Harrison
4 Entries
Jan Moran Neil
May 15, 2017
For Cousin David
Jan Moran Neil David's Cousin Janet
The first time I met my cousin David it was in the flat above our grocery shop and I was eight. My mother said, Go upstairs and meet your cousin David from Canada.
He was sprawled, long like, on our early sixties sofa. He opened his jet-lagged eyes and whispered in that low husky way, Hi.
He was eighteen and I looked around for his parents: Aunt Fran and Uncle Harold. How could a cousin of mine travel so far alone? But I just saw three bags of cherry stones. How could a long, symmetrically neat cousin eat so many cherries?
Of course I came to realise that Cousin David liked to travel alone and that for him, life was not just a bowl of cherries but three bags full. David, we are so sorry you never made that last trip but wherever you are, I hope you're going where the sun keeps shining and the cherries keep coming
CHARLES ROY
May 8, 2017
DAVID AND I WHERE FRIENDS FOR 30+ YEARS. I HAD ALWAYS KNOWN HIM TO BE STRAIGHT FORWARD, HONEST AND FAIR MINDED. HIS PASSING WAS VERY SURPRISING. HE HAD RECENTLY BEATEN CANCER AND HAD JUST PASSED A STRESS TEST FOR HIS HEART. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED AND MISSED.
Kathryn Nestor
May 8, 2017
Although not having seen David in quite some time, I remember him as always ready for intelligent conversation. It was a compliment when he would mention some news of the day and say 'I want to know what you think about...'. He had a great sense of humour. I am sorry to hear of his passing
Lunch with David at his beloved Hunt Club 2016
Allan Parker
May 5, 2017
David and I met in 1955 when he transferred into my grade 5 class at Cliffside public school in Scarborough Ontario.
We became friends then and maintained our friendship over the next 62 years.
David and I attended RH KING collegiate and were teammates on several high school athletic teams.
We both became teachers and spent our careers teaching in Scarborough.
Elise and I spent many enjoyable times together with David in Toronto and Florida over the past years and we appreciated his positive attitude, lightness of spirit and sense of humour.
We will remember and greatly miss David's laughter, wit and friendship.
Elise and Allan
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