David Christian Obituary

CHRISTIAN, David J. October 25, 1932 - December 28, 2017 The life that David loved so much and in which he found such joy has come to its end. Peacefully and with dignity he accepted what could not be changed. Pre-deceased by his sister Yvonne (Eric), David leaves his wife Ruth, son Jeff (Melody), and brother Jack along with his large and loving family: Chris (Sue), Julie (Vic), Kathy (Ken), grandchildren Jennifer (Reid), Jesse (Elana), Brian (Jessica), Molly (Steve), Megan and Damien (Kim) as well as eight beautiful great-grandchildren, nieces Leona and Liska, and nephews Rod, Greg and Steven. Born in Rossland, BC, David grew up in Sidney where he made many longtime friends. He loved "messing around with boats" (60+), cars (countless) and dogs (especially Bo). His teaching career began at a U.S. radar station in a one room school and spanned over three decades finishing at Keating Elementary where he was principal for 17 yrs. After retirement he served 6 yrs on the Board of School District 63. David's last words "It's been a slice" pretty well sums up the life he loved, however he wanted these words of wisdom from O. Khayyam included: "The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: thy Piety nor Wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all thy tears wash out a Word of it" Thanks to Drs. Aiden Byrne and Jeff Unger, Home Care Nurse Coreen, and the Palliative Response Team who provided such compassionate care. Thanks also to friends Brian and Carol, Keith and Jerome, and to the family who were so supportive and helped us through the last weeks. Please join us in a Celebration: Sunday, February 4th, 2018 (2-4pm) at the Mary Winspear Center, 2243 Beacon Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations in David's name to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Condolences may be made online by visiting: www.legacy.com/obituaries/timescolonist/obituary

Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jan. 6 to Jan. 8, 2018.

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Memories and Condolences
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18 Entries

I'm so sorry for your loss. David was by far the most influential and remembered teacher/principal I can remember throughout the 13year span of education. He will be fondly remembered by so many. My sincere condolences to your family.

Cindy Shaffer

February 4, 2018

We are so very sorry for your loss and for the sudden, unexpected passing of David. Wow, what a character he was; he lit up the room and was a joy to speak to - full of charm, wit and a wicked sense of humour. We are truly sorry we didn't get to say goodbye in person due to the circumstances and will truly miss his spark when we see you all. Life is precious, it can be over so quickly, enjoy every moment. Love to you all - Ruth and family - Laura, Pete, Lily and Isla Veasey xoxo

Laura Veasey

February 2, 2018

This condolence is from Gunter and Ingrid Koch. My wife and I are very sorry to read of the passing of Dave. I came to Canada in 1954 from Germany and Dave was the first friend I made in Canada. My parents lived in the same house as Dave and so we got to know each other. After I brought my fiance to Canada the next year we chummed around with Dave for a couple years but eventually our friendship became more sporadic. Once in a while we would run in to each other and we stayed friends for all these years. Just not close friends. Still I have special memories of Dave.
Gunter and Ingrid Koch.

January 21, 2018

Dear Ruth and family (with a special hello to Leona and Steven) - I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of our dear "Mr. Christian." What fond childhood memories I hold (though I still don't know if I was "Heckle" or "Jeckle"). To see him at our Dad's memorial November 2016 meant the world. Rest in Peace, Mr. Christian. Give Dad a big hug for us. Much love xox

Glenys Chow

January 19, 2018

I am so glad I had the chance to speak briefly to my cousin David a couple of years ago as I hadn't seen him for many years prior to that...I was remembering a visit with his Mom(our Aunty Barbara) when my sister, Pat and I were teenagers. We managed to bum a cigarette from him and Jack and were then told "if you're old enough to smoke, you have to get your own cigarettes." Our 2 families never lived close so I didn't know anyone well but I'm sorry for the loss and I too really love the quote from Omar Khayyam. My thoughts are with all of you. Janet & Joe

Janet Reaney

January 14, 2018

We wish to send our condolences to you Ruth and the family. Thinking about you all and sending love.

Larry & Terry Colwell

January 10, 2018

Dear Ruth & Family,
We are sadden to hear of David's passing. Our sincere condolences at this difficult time. I had the privilege of serving with David on the School Board and know first hand his passion and dedication to education in the Saanich district. His contributions as a teacher, administrator and trustee will not be forgotten.

Derek & Brenda Chow

Derek Chow

January 9, 2018

Condolences to the family from a distant cousin

Brian Belcher

January 8, 2018

Ruthie and family , you have our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. It was a tragic loss for me too as i've never had a better friend than David.

January 8, 2018

Ruth and family, we are sorry for your loss. "Grandpa Christian" / David was one of our favourite people and he (and his wonderful sense of humour and outlook on life) are dearly missed. Much love, Lyndsay, Byron, Liam and Lily

January 8, 2018

You were one of The Best' Dave. Smooth sailing dear friend.

Frances Weir

January 7, 2018

Dear Ruth and family
We are very sorry to hear of David's passing. Our sincere condolences for you loss.
Jake & Ace are going to miss the daily dog cookies from David.

George & Carla

January 7, 2018

Dave was a true friend of many years going back to the days when we lived at Prospect Lake. He had a lust for life above and beyond.
I will miss him!

Brooke Tomlin and Family

Brooke Tomlin

January 7, 2018

Dear Ruth and Family,

We send our sympathy to you and the family in the sad loss of David.

Marlene and Warren Gordon

January 7, 2018

Ruth and family:

I am so grateful that we had all those
wonderful school reunions.

Memories are to be held and cherished at
a time like this.

My thoughts are with you, Norma

Norma Greig

January 6, 2018

Ruth and family
We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing . Thinking of you at this sad time. He will be missed.

Ron and Lynn Gardner

January 6, 2018

Ruth,
Dianne and I want to send you our condolences at this time. Dave was one of a kind...clever, funny, compassionate, obstinate and the list can go on. He made an impact on education in SD63 and he will be remembered because of that.
Unfortunately, we will be away at the time of the remembrance service, but we want you to know that we will be thinking of Dave.
Dianne and Larry

Larry and Dianne Cross

January 6, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ray Bowcott

January 6, 2018

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