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Elgin Mills Cemetery, Crematorium and Visitation Centre
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Richmond Hill, Ontario
David Horsley Obituary
David Bramwell HORSLEY
July 15, 1929 - November 28, 2015
A mighty tortara has fallen.
With family gathered, David slipped his mooring early morning November 28, 2015. David's motto was: eat fine food, drink good wine and beer, and enjoy life to the fullest. His lifelong passions were: rowing, tennis, gardening and cross country skiing (which is how he met his life companion, Lover Girl). David was an exceptionally adventurous traveller, venturing out to some of the world's most exotic places: the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, a Tanzanian Safari, the Himalayas, West Africa, the Amazon and more. He enjoyed good health for 86 grand years.
David was born in Wanganui, on the north island of New Zealand and immigrated to Canada in 1958. David had extraordinary accomplishments in his sporting pursuits (a New Zealand University Blue), his academic life (Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford), and his professional career as a lawyer (Queens Counsel). He remained with the firm of Fraser Beatty for thirty years, practicing corporate and taxation law. After retirement, he served as Chairman of the Board of Allianz Insurance Company of Canada.
David's truly special destination was Nestaway, his picturesque and tranquil retreat at the foot of the Bruce Peninsula north of Owen Sound, near Big Bay. David transformed a piece of rural Ontario farmland into the Royal North Keppel Barbeque and Racquet Club, hosting an annual event that brought together family and friends from around the globe and the local community.
David will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by him; his generous, wise, humble, and peaceful presence will be sorely missed. A one of a kind gentle man and gentleman, a noble husband and father. David was so young at heart; it seemed he would go on forever. While we all know your time had come and you were ready to move on, those of us who are left behind can't help but feel that it was still too soon.
David was predeceased by first wife, Patricia (Vernon) and by his 5 siblings in New Zealand. He is survived by his loving wife Gabrielle, and children; Alex/ Jane (Peter), Scott (Adwynna), Anne (Brett), and Tina (TJ), as well as his treasured grandchildren Connor, Meaghan, Chase, Aidan and Lincoln.
A celebration of David's life will be held at Elgin Mills Visitation Centre on December 13th, starting at 1 p.m., followed by a reception (a big party for the ultimate retirement). In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders or Covenant House Toronto would be appreciated.
LG to LB
"Your Death is Mine
My Life is Yours
Till We Meet Again"
July 15, 1929 - November 28, 2015
A mighty tortara has fallen.
With family gathered, David slipped his mooring early morning November 28, 2015. David's motto was: eat fine food, drink good wine and beer, and enjoy life to the fullest. His lifelong passions were: rowing, tennis, gardening and cross country skiing (which is how he met his life companion, Lover Girl). David was an exceptionally adventurous traveller, venturing out to some of the world's most exotic places: the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, a Tanzanian Safari, the Himalayas, West Africa, the Amazon and more. He enjoyed good health for 86 grand years.
David was born in Wanganui, on the north island of New Zealand and immigrated to Canada in 1958. David had extraordinary accomplishments in his sporting pursuits (a New Zealand University Blue), his academic life (Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford), and his professional career as a lawyer (Queens Counsel). He remained with the firm of Fraser Beatty for thirty years, practicing corporate and taxation law. After retirement, he served as Chairman of the Board of Allianz Insurance Company of Canada.
David's truly special destination was Nestaway, his picturesque and tranquil retreat at the foot of the Bruce Peninsula north of Owen Sound, near Big Bay. David transformed a piece of rural Ontario farmland into the Royal North Keppel Barbeque and Racquet Club, hosting an annual event that brought together family and friends from around the globe and the local community.
David will be fondly remembered by all who were touched by him; his generous, wise, humble, and peaceful presence will be sorely missed. A one of a kind gentle man and gentleman, a noble husband and father. David was so young at heart; it seemed he would go on forever. While we all know your time had come and you were ready to move on, those of us who are left behind can't help but feel that it was still too soon.
David was predeceased by first wife, Patricia (Vernon) and by his 5 siblings in New Zealand. He is survived by his loving wife Gabrielle, and children; Alex/ Jane (Peter), Scott (Adwynna), Anne (Brett), and Tina (TJ), as well as his treasured grandchildren Connor, Meaghan, Chase, Aidan and Lincoln.
A celebration of David's life will be held at Elgin Mills Visitation Centre on December 13th, starting at 1 p.m., followed by a reception (a big party for the ultimate retirement). In lieu of flowers, donations to Doctors Without Borders or Covenant House Toronto would be appreciated.
LG to LB
"Your Death is Mine
My Life is Yours
Till We Meet Again"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Toronto Star on Dec. 5, 2015.
Memories and Condolences
for David Horsley
1 Entry
Diane Buffett
December 8, 2015
Dear Gabby and Tina, this is a voice from the past.i loved spending time with the three of you when I was at the Diegel home, Bedford Manor. Even though I didn't play tennis, I always enjoyed the party that followed..especially your pavlova gabby.
I will always remember David with a smile.
Diane Buffett
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Elgin Mills Cemetery, Crematorium and Visitation Centre1591 Elgin Mills Road East, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1M9