David Pankhurst
David Pankhurst
Obituary
Guest Book
David Pankhurst Obituary
(born The Baron David de Hirsch)
Suddenly on September 16, 2011 at age 69. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Colleen (Mayo-Pankhurst), cherished daughters Victoria (Glenn Scott) and Natasha, and treasured grandson William. He leaves behind siblings Mark (Barbara), Julie (Andre), Larry, Deborah, and Mike (Barb) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father, Simon de Hirsch, and his parents, Golda and Roy Pankhurst.
A licensed teacher and psycho-educational consultant, David pioneered research in neo- natal development (Carleton University) and early childhood and special education (OBE). David enjoyed thirty years in the federal public service, twenty at CIDA. He taught Psychology and Photography at Algonquin College until this spring. A gifted portrait photographer, David's photographic career spanned five decades.
His passion for life was most evident in his teaching and photography. David was a social advocate, executive member of numerous organizations including Christ Church Bells Corners, daughters' schools, Nepean Skating Club, the Liberal Party, Royal Commonwealth Society, and Professional Photographers Associations.
Friends will miss his compassion, extraordinary intellect, clever wit, capacity to mediate solutions, love of language, willingness to stand up for his beliefs, generous hospitality, and love for his students.
Friends are invited to the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod (at O'Connor), on Monday, September 19th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral at Christ Church Bells Corners, 3861 Richmond Road, Ottawa, on Wednesday, September 21st at 3:00 p.m.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario would be appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
22 Entries
Peter O'Hara
September 6, 2019
He was the best man at my wedding. Wish we had kept in contact
LeslieAnn Manley
September 24, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about David's death. We worked together at Algonquin in General Arts and Science. David was kind enough to let me sit in for a semester in his photography course. He taught me a lot and I really appreciated him. Now retired I am using the photography skills I learned from him.
My best wishes to the family.
Troy Zenebisis
September 20, 2011
Professor David Pankhurst was a great teacher who I will remember fondly. He was one of the most engaging professors that I have had the pleasure to know and learn from.
I will always remember the candid and truly amazing advice that he imparted to me and I will always remember how he helped me when I really needed help. I hope to follow the example he set and offer to others the same kindness that he showed to me.
With the greatest respect, Mr. Pankhurst, wherever you are now, I’d like to say thank you; I sincerely thank you for giving me advice that I needed when I needed it most. With sincere sympathy, my condolences go out to his family and friends. He will be missed and he will be remembered.
Nancy Mayo
September 20, 2011
Dear Colleen, Vicky and Natasha - I was so sorry to hear about David. I am away in England and will not be able to grieve with you in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Samantha Sjodin
September 20, 2011
David Pankhurst was a wonderful Professor. He taught me photography in my first year at Algonquin College, and made it a very entertaining semester with his jokes and lessons. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Ron Purvis (retired psychology prof.)
September 20, 2011
Sorry to hear of David's passing at such a young age. We were friends and colleagues at Carleton U. in the late 60's. David worked part-time for Cesco Electronics near Westgate, at the time. He sold me a stereo that I still have at the cottage today. Every time I turn it on, I think of him. We lost touch when I moved out west in the mid-70's. Ironic that we both ended up on the faculty at Algonquin College years later. He was a kind, humorous, intelligent, and talent man.
Judy Brown (nee Avery)
September 20, 2011
My thoughts are with you Vicki and family.
Sara Mayo
September 19, 2011
I was so sad to receive your email Colleen. I'll always remember how much you and David were clearly devoted to each other each time I saw you. My deepest sympathies to you and Natasha and Victoria.
Rachel Bériault
September 19, 2011
Dear Colleen,
Sorry to hear of David's passing, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
September 19, 2011
Dearest Colleen,Vicky & Natasha,
It was with great shock that we learned of the loss of David, your Husband and Father.
He will be very much missed by all who knew him.
Angie & I would take this opportinty to extend our sincere heartfelt condolences to all of you and the Pankhurst family.
We pray that the fond memories you have will help you all through the next months ahead.
With Love,
Angie & Melvyn Fields
Gloria Crouse Picking
September 19, 2011
Larry & Family
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers
Sue Vrieling
September 19, 2011
Colleen, Natasha,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of David's passing. My deepest condolences to you both of you as well as Vicki. Loved his charm and wit. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Sue Vrieling
robert smith
September 19, 2011
Dear Colleen, I am very sorry to have read today's news. My thoughts are with you.
Sandra McEleney
September 19, 2011
Dear Colleen: I am in shock and so sad to hear of the news of David's passing. I am praying for you and Natasha and all of your family right now. I'll never forget the warmth that David showed to Maggie and me when we came to Red Pine 7 years ago and joined the "week 7" campers. We always looked forward to getting trounced at euchre on a regular basis. Maggie, Dave and I send our love at this very sad time. We love you and Natasha and will pray for you.
Julie & Steve Hill
September 19, 2011
Colleen, Natasha & Victoria,
We offer our sincere condolences on the news of David's passing. He was a great neighbour and terrific friend. Steven & I will miss him very much. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of David's family.
Jill Balcom
September 19, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I have many memories of Mr.Pankhurst from growing up with Vicki. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this time.
Jill
xoxo
Tamara Tarchichi
September 19, 2011
Professor David Pankhurst taught me in my first years at Algonquin College. He was the only professor who engaged with his students, laughed and joked, and even took them out to eat celebrating the end of the year for classes. My condolences to the Pankhurst family and friends! His passion for photography and life will live on.
Julie Giraldo
September 19, 2011
Dear Colleen,
I am deeply shocked and saddened by Davids' death. What a terrible loss for your family. David was such a dynamic man with diverse talents but I will remember him most fondly for his young spirit, gift for listening and his wonderful way with words. And, of course, as the honourary "Fantastic Lady".
I am blessed to have a collection of beautiful portraits that David took of me. They were already very special but I will hold them even more precious now.
It is my hope that you will find comfort in the support of your family, friends and church and, also, in the knowledge that David was living out his passion right until the very last moment.
Please accept my most sincere condolences on your great loss.
Françoys Crépeau
September 19, 2011
Xuong and I offer our deepest sympathies to Natasha and her family over the loss of her father.
Sarah Abramowitz (Fields)
September 19, 2011
My deepest condolences to you Colleen and Natasha and to all of David's family on this very sad news. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Joan Strong
September 19, 2011
Colleen and Natasha,
I am so sorry to hear the news of David's passing. I will never forget his support at JSW, his beautiful photography, his laughter and astute conversation, and most especially, his obvious devotion to his family. We will all remember him with great fondness. My heart goes out to you and your family.
September 19, 2011
The Officers and Members of Vimy Rebekah Lodge # 181 extend their deepest condolences to the Pankhurst family on David's death.
Geraldine A. Tait
Noble Grand
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