Dr. David L. Common

I just learned of David's death. As I write this from Equador, I send my deepest condolences to the entire Common family, and all those who loved him. Anne told me so much about him and I am grateful I had the opportunity to meet him and spend time with him. It is not surprising that he influenced the lives of so many in positive ways.

Dear Uncle David.. I always felt close to Uncle David and am grateful to have had truly meaningful communications with him, particularly as I have gotten older. As a child, he seemed larger than life to me, but never in a way that was frightening.. only in a way that made me wish I could see him more often. His intellect, his empathy, his kindnesses to me, even when he was going through challenging times- these are experiences I will carry with me always. His humor and energy added to the mix of a man I will never forget. That he was my uncle makes me feel that much more fortunate.
I send my love and sympathy to you, David and Paul. Blessings,
Anne Curry Sanchez

Uncle David was a very special man and a very special uncle. Interesting, philosophical, empathetic, well-read and very intelligent. He also had a great sense of humour as a riveting story-teller with a booming boisterous laugh. You knew when Uncle David was in the house. Having lived in London, Uncle David could imitate English phonetics while formulating sentences like the British can only do. He could do an East End of London working class Cockney accent in full-blown conversation. He could talk-the-talk of upper society British nobility. As a teenager when I was expecting a call, I would ask Uncle David to answer the phone to have a short conversation using a British accent before handing the phone to me. My friends were genuinely convinced that my uncle was from British aristocracy. When I was in my early twenties, David and I would have summer conversations sitting on a bench in Murray Park, about God versus Darwinian Theory. I have childhood recollections of Reverend Common officiating at family funerals and later my brother's wedding. He always wanted to play a supporting role for his extended family in challenging times and in good times. His sense of humanity propelled him to be there for people. When my parents divorced, David traveled to Montreal several times giving emotional support to my mother, his sister, and myself as a nine-year-old. He tried to be there for my brother, Duncan, and he surprised me at the house when I was in high school, arriving from Toronto, because my mother called to tell him I was seriously depressed. David was at his brother's side, as Uncle Frank was slowly dying over a period of many weeks in 1994. When Uncle Frank was still able to speak, he said of his younger sibling, "I could have learned a lot from my brother." David said that his father never ever spoke of his success, nor did David speak of his own accomplishments. Looking at his nose, it had been broken more than once as a young boxer who was determined to be the Canadian Heavyweight Boxing Champion. I was proud to introduce David to my friends. I called David about four weeks ago. I hung up the phone knowing I was lucky to have a special relationship with a great guy I'll never forget.
Donny Munro

In past few years I was able to have wonderful conversations with Uncle David, who was always my favourite uncle. He was such an empathetic person and so intelligent. It was a real privilege to have an uncle like him. My thoughts go out to both of you. Love, Diana Common Dempsey

I have fond remembrances of David in my youth. I am the youngest daughter of Dr. John S. Common and we would go up to Uncle Frank's home every Christmas Day and David who was abou 6 years older than I would pay me great attention. Frank Jr. was always good to me as well. So now that leaves me the only Common of that generation alive, an intimidating thought. Sheila Molloy ([email protected])

Paul, David and family's:
Our heart felt sympathy goes out to all of you for your loss. I am proud to have known your father and admire not only what he accomplished in life but that his children are direct reflection of the quality of his character.

" Cry not for me but rejoice"
I am sure this is what your father is asking you to do during this hard time.

Our deepest sympathy and much love:
Scott Brooks and family.

A celebration of our Dad's life is planned for Spring 2011, in Montreal . David & Paul