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DAVID CHARLES Obituary
May 27, 1950 – May 7, 2016
David died peacefully at home with his family by his side just weeks before his 66th birthday. Much loved husband and lifelong partner of Judy, loving and devoted father of Morgan (Marc) and Max, and soon-to-be grandfather. Brother of Doug (Brenda) and the late Derek (Terra). Dearest friend and brother-in-law to Jim and Mary Bowen, Anne and Jean-Claude Liberman, Carol Steers, and Barbara Steers (the late Roderick). Much loved uncle and "Gruncle" to many nieces and nephews. Called to the Bar in 1976, David built his practice and honed his reputation in Ottawa as a highly regarded lawyer (most recently with Kelly Santini LLP). He served each client with integrity and respect and believed in "paying it forward" by serving on numerous not-for-profit and charitable boards. He also took great pride and enjoyment in mentoring young associates. David developed lifelong friendships with many people and enjoyed sharing stories and trading barbs with them. His family was a constant source of comfort for him and he was at this happiest when surrounded by them. A true gourmand, David will be remembered for both his love of food and his fantastic sense of humour, neither of which dwindled, even in the last weeks of his life. Heartfelt thanks to family, friends and neighbours who supported the family over the last three years. Your friendship and support was a source of deep comfort and strength to David and the family and added much to their quality of life. Thanks also to all of the conventional and complementary care providers who helped make David's life longer and better. A Celebration of David's Life will be held at Beechwood Cemetery on Friday, May 13 at 11:30 a.m. In the spirit of helping those less fortunate benefit from the excellent care David received, donations in David's honour may be made to the Subsidized Care Fund of the Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre.
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38 Entries
Jamie Hurlow
July 22, 2016
This was a man of deep integrity, I am glad that I had the pleasure of knowing David.Our family is deeply saddened by his passing.
Christine Charles
June 19, 2016
oxox
Andrew Cardozo
June 4, 2016
I am glad I had the opportunity to know David and serve with him on a voluntary board, the Catholic Centre for Immigrants. David was a voice of reason and legal and procedural knowledge, always the friendly gentleman. It became the tradition that it was his duty to move to adjourn the meeting when the time arrived. I guess now those meetings will just have to go for eternity!
Judy you were lucky to have such fine man as your husband as he was lucky to have you as a wife so loving and dedicated specially through the last years.
John Barg
May 26, 2016
I worked with David in the same law firm in the eighties and early nineties. He provided me with direction, insight and wisdom, and I especially remember and appreciated his wonderful sense of humour. I always thoroughly enjoyed working with him. My sincere condolences to Judy, Max and Morgan.
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Honorata Pienkowska
May 25, 2016
We are very sorry about David's passing; a wonderful human being. Please accept our sincere condolences.
In times like these it is hard to accept that sadness and pain are the inevitable components of life and to keep believing that all is a part of a larger construct.
With all our love to you Judy, Max and Morgan,
Honorata and family
John Abbenda
May 19, 2016
Charles family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on David's passing. He was a true gentleman and it was a privilege to have known him. He will be missed.
Nicole Vaillancourt (Kane)
May 17, 2016
Dear Judy,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Met you both long time ago but never forgot you.
Nicole Galvan
May 16, 2016
Judy, Ma belle amie.
Je vous souhaite, a toi, Morgan et Max, mes plus sincères condoléance. Le temps présent est difficile, mais je vous souhaite, le temps venu, de retrouver la joie de vivre les belles mémoires de votre vécu de famille.
May 15, 2016
So sorry to hear about David's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Judy ,Morgan and Max and the family circle Michelle MC Conville (MC Bride) Belfast Northern Ireland
Judy and Keith Lockett
May 14, 2016
Dear Judy, Morgan and Max,
We just heard about David's passing and are so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian and Nancy Marley-Clarke
May 13, 2016
So sorry to hear of David's passing. He was a lovely fellow and we always enjoyed his company. Fondest condolences to the renowned Steer's family, old friends from the Rideau Tennis Club.
Marty Clement
May 13, 2016
Judy: I had the privilege of working closely with David while I was in Ottawa. My relationship with David is one I will never forget. David will always be a role model and mentor for me.
I wish you peace during this difficult time.
Lorelei Clavet
May 13, 2016
Max,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you have of your Dad bring you comfort in the days ahead. Take care, I care.
Lorelei
Krista McKee-Samson
May 13, 2016
Dear Judy, Morgan and Max,
Wally and I are so very sorry to learn of David's passing. I will always fondly recall his patience, generosity, wisdom, humour and compassion. As a summer student, associate, mentor and friend, he taught me so much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill Renaud
May 13, 2016
Judy, I am so sorry for your loss, just heard about David, he made such an impact on so many lives, mine for sure! He will live in all our memories.
David and some friends 2012
Ian and Stephanie Barnes
May 12, 2016
Sincere condolences to Judy, Morgan and Max on this very sad day.
David and Judy opened their hearts and home to our son Tristram when he arrived and we know he played a huge part in his settling in Ottawa and being made to feel part of their family.
Our visit in 2012 confirmed our opinion they truly were TJ's Canadian Parents and he was in wonderful hands.
David's intellect, love of family and sense of humour were always there to see and we are grateful we had the opportunity to visit them and were so saddened they were unable to visit us in OZ.
Love Ian & Stephanie
Michael Peterson
May 12, 2016
My sincere condolences to you, Judy and your family.
Natasha Zigiris
May 12, 2016
Dearest Max and family,
I wish to extend my sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time. Take comfort in the memories you shared and cherish them always and forever.
Natasha
Mary Anne McMahon
May 11, 2016
Judy: Mike and I were so sad to hear the news of David's passing. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him over the past few years. He was a wise and supportive collaborator on many files and always a source of great advice and cheerful good humour. He is already very much missed. Mike and I will keep you and your family in our prayers.
May 11, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs. Charles and the family at this difficult time and may god bless his soul. Mr. Chalres was very special person in my world.
Take care,
Pratibha Malavia
Rowena Hall
May 11, 2016
Sincere condolences to Judy, Morgan and Max at this sad time. David was a wonderful man and will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rowena and Jim
Miranda, Steve, Avianna and Connor
May 11, 2016
Judy, Morgan and Max, We were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you and only steps away if you need us. We wish you comfort during this difficult time,
Pasteur Rasuli
May 11, 2016
From the count we lost one but from the wisdom we lost thousands. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of David Charles.
May 11, 2016
A hello over the fence, Saturday morning in the garden, around the block with Bella, a friendly wave.....already so missed. Our thoughts are with you Judy, Morgan and Max.
Leslie and Chris
John and Vicki McWhinnie
May 10, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and the family at this difficult time but we know they will celebrate his life and we will be there to support them moving forward without him.
Marianne & family
May 10, 2016
Judy,
There are no words. Surround yourself with those you love and remember the good times. Keeping you in my prayers,
May 10, 2016
Judy
So sorry to hear of David's passing. Having gone through the loss of Brenda I have a strong feeling for the loss you are feeling. I did not know David all that well but when I had the few occasions to be
in his company I enjoyed his presence. God be with you and give you strength at this time.
Pat Barrington
Tony Guerra
May 10, 2016
David was a true gentleman and a top notch lawyer. I first met him some 25 years ago when I was working for a national health association and he sat on their board of directors. We spoke that day and it was clear that he was both very knowledgeable and very approachable. I would bump into him periodically and he was always very friendly. He was the only lawyer on my list of attorneys that I wanted to handle some estate planning. When he met with us, he made everybody feel comfortable and we knew immediately that things were in good hands. I offer my condolences to Judy and his children. David made the world a better place by being here.
lynda naveda
May 10, 2016
Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lynda
Ian Hammond
May 10, 2016
David had been my lawyer for the past 10 years or so, and although we only met periodically, I sensed a caring, trustworthy human being. I am saddened by his passing, and I extend sincere condolences to his family.
June W.
May 10, 2016
My condolences to David's family on his passing. I was fortunate to have worked with David when I was an associate lawyer in Ottawa. He was a wonderful mentor and always made time for those who visited his office regardless of how busy he was. He was a terrific person and will be missed.
Kate and Eric Agyemang
May 10, 2016
David was an incredible man to work for and learn from, even if only briefly. He will be missed by so many.
What an incredible life fully lived and loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Susan McCumber
May 10, 2016
David was a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many. It has been my extreme pleasure, privilege and honour to have known David and work with him. My condolences to Judy and family.
Sian Hawke
May 10, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are for you Judy, Morgan, Max, Mary, and Jim. You are a wonderful family and I am so sorry that David has left this world so soon.
Sian Hawke (Ottawa)
Lauren Evans
May 10, 2016
The Big Guy was such a treasured part of my family as he touched each of us in a special way. He was often my go to guy as he was not only great at getting to the heart of issues and figuring out what to do (he could have been a great lawyer... oh wait...he was one!), he did so in such a calm way. After talking to David I would be reassured that the sky wasn't actually falling and everything would be okay!
My son Jonathan considered David a role model, and David was one of the few people I have seen him open up to.
On take a kid to work day I brought my son Nathaniel to meet David in the swish Kelly Santini law offices, and I was touched by how much time David spent with him and David really really seemed to light up at the opportunity to share and mentor. He gave Nathaniel sage advice that will help guide him in the years to come.
David was such a gift to our family.
Final memory! Whenever I needed anything, my first stop was always Judy & David's (they have more than one of everything). One of my "loans" is this mighty red dolly that I use often to cart course material around on. Every time I open my trunk to get it I remember how upon loaning it to me David broke out into a round of.... Hello Dolly!!!! Makes me smile every time.
Erin Smith
May 10, 2016
I was one of the many associates lucky enough to be mentored by David. We had a lot of great times, and he provided me with excellent guidance. He was a truly wonderful person. I stopped working with him in 2007, and I've missed working with him ever since. He will always have a special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies to Judy, Morgan and Max, and the rest of David's family.
Erin
May 10, 2016
Judy and family. Please accept our deepest sympathies.. The tragic loss of David at such a young age is difficult to accept.
Love,
Reg & Andree Steers
Clauda McKeen
May 10, 2016
A great loss o one and all. The world is a better place because of David.
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280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON K1M 8E2
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