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BORN
1935
DIED
2024
David Girling Obituary
Dave was born on 31 October, 1935 to Frank Robert Girling and Dorothy Frances Hilda Girling (née Hughes) in St. Boniface, MB. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force.
While stationed as an instructor at RCAF Station Moose Jaw, Sask, Dave met Beverly Ann Symons, who was training as a nurse. They were married on December 6th, 1958 in Estevan, SK.
In the years that followed they raised three children, Nancy, Pamela and Gregory and ensured they made the most of exposing their young family to as much travel and adventure as possible, through postings across Canada, a tour in Italy, two tours in Germany as well as a diplomatic posting to the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC. In Europe school breaks were spent in a caravan and car, traveling to over a dozen countries.
During his time in the RCAF/CAF Dave held numerous commands and had the challenge and joy of flying a wide range of aircraft. This included instructing new pilots on Chipmunks and Harvards as well as T-33 T-Birds, F-86 Sabres and CF-104Starfighters. Outside of his day job, Dave got time on Stampes, Gypsy Moths, Dakotas, Twin Otters, L-19s, to name a small number of other aircraft.
On leaving the forces there was a stint with Canadian Aviation Electronics (CAE), in Dorval, traveling around the world selling the company's flight simulators.
Though Dave and Bev were born on the prairies, they preferred to follow the long tradition of itinerant former service members that renounced shoveling snow, moving to the more temperate climes of Vancouver Island. There Dave sold real estate as a thinly-disguised-yet-successful means of moving more of his former squadron mates out west. Following his retirement, Bev continued to work as a nurse, working at the not-for-profit, Mount Newton Centre, which assists North Saanich seniors with care, allowing clients to retain their independence.
Eventually Bev was diagnosed with dementia and Dave dedicated himself entirely to her care for years, until her passing in May 2015.
As a couple Bev and Dave were charming, gracious and made the most of the time they were given. Despite the frequent moves associated with life in the service, they were role models in offering their children a sense of stability and love.
Dave is pre-deceased by his wife, Beverly, his parents and older brother, Bill and older sister, Audrey. He is survived by his children, Nancy (Gold), Pamela (Potts) her husband Tom and her children, Jon (Perla), Landon (Jaime), Ben (Carissa), David (Rae) and four great-grandchildren, Gregory and his wife, Elizabeth Soutar and their daughters Madeleine and Charlotte, as well as numerous nephews and his niece.
We are grateful to the staff of the Chartwell Vista in Esquimalt, who cared for him in last days. His children invite Dave's many friends and family to join them in remembering him at a later date. Information will be shared as plans are made.
Memories and Condolences
for David Girling
5 Entries
Paul McLennan
February 16, 2026
Dave was my uncle. Just three weeks prior to Dave´s passing, his sister, Audrey McLennan (my mother), passed at 93 years old. They were together on Dave´s recent birthday and again the day before Audrey passed following which I think Dave decided to join his sister for the next great adventure. Dave had a long, well-travelled and well-lived life. The love of his life was, of course, Beverly and they enjoyed a 56-year marriage. I visited them when Dave was posted in Washington, DC in the early 1980´s. I recall Dave playfully teasing Bev with a "What´s for dinner, Bevy?" and a "Tough day at the spa, Bevy?" when he came through the door at the end of his workday. One evening, over a very generously peppered spaghetti dinner, Dave with a few beads of sweat trickling down his cheek remarked: "Hot enough for you, Bevy?" I can´t say Bev was always pleased with Dave´s playful side. Dave was Head Boy of All Saints Anglican Church Boys Choir in Winnipeg for two years with the happiest day of his young life being the day his voice finally broke providing Dave with his freedom after a long and not altogether happy, servitude. Dave spent a number of enjoyable summers as a teenager working a rural Manitoba farm. He attended Gordon Bell High School during which time the school principal, O.V. Jewitt, sparked Dave´s interest in and love of flying by having most of the boys attending the school join Air Cadets. Following graduation from high school, Dave drove a large Coca Cola delivery truck. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on July 29, 1955 after a generous Air Force eye doctor looked the other way deeming Dave´s questionable eyesight passable. Dave was commissioned Pilot Officer in July 1956. A posting in Winnipeg in 1967 found Dave and Bev purchasing a home in a brand-new subdivision. Following the purchase, the contractor became neglectful in fixing the many deficiencies Dave and Bev identified. Here´s where Dave´s creative side came into full force. Dave found a graphic artist and commissioned a painting of giant lemons, hanging it in the front window of his home on full display to every potential purchaser passing through the neighborhood. Within days, a very upset contractor remedied every single deficiency to both Dave´s satisfaction and amusement. I waited tables at a restaurant called Green Gates in Headingly just outside Winnipeg, back in the 1990´s. One evening while serving a couple, the attractive lady at the table indicated to me that she grew up in Winnipeg, moved away to the USA and was in town for the first time in many years. I asked her what schools had she attended. She responded mentioning the same schools my mother had attended. She asked me the name of my mother. When I told her my mother´s maiden name (Audrey Girling), her eyes lit up and she became very excited, exclaiming: "I used to date your uncle!" Her husband looked anything but pleased. Of course, she wanted to know all about Dave and his life and I went into some detail, especially given her husband´s reaction. It´s pretty easy making a guy that flew jets for a living look good! I told Dave afterward that Sheila McKenzie asked me to pass on a "Hi" to him and that she appeared very (VERY) interested in everything Dave Girling related. Dave remembered her right away. Over the years, Dave and Bev had numerous beloved dogs - including a Great Dane, a basset hound (Mushmellow) and a number of dachshunds (Bridget, Sasha and Chloe). Their dogs were always friendly and well-loved. Dave and Bev purchased a 35-foot sailing vessel, the Sancouci, spending several years happily exploring the waters around Vancouver Island. Dave remained living in his home in Sidney, BC with the assistance of various live-in caregivers (a special thanks to Sue) until December 2023. Many talented, compassionate and attentive caregivers provided excellent care of Dave at the Vista in Esquimalt, Dave´s home for the past year. It was clear and I was certainly grateful, that they not only cared for but cared about, Dave. I will miss Dave. I loved him! Low and slow, throttle back in the turns, Dave!
Brad James
May 21, 2025
Lisa Proctor
December 18, 2024
It was an honor to meet you and to care for you for the last year David. You were a very gentle and kind human. You will be missed by many.
Lisa - HCA@Chartwell
Elizabeth Ross
December 16, 2024
My deepest sympathy to Nancy, Pam, Greg and family.
Dave was a wonderful father, husband and friend.
Bev and Dave were special friends to Bill and I and we shared many happy memories over the years.
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Carolyn Chandler
December 14, 2024
Dave was a lovely neighbour to us in North Saanich. Our condolences to his family. Brian & Carolyn Chandler
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