David INGRAM

INGRAM, David Laurence
Suddenly promoted to the Upper Chamber, following a heart attack at his home last weekend at age 76. David loved people – all sorts, sizes, ages, colours, ethnicities, from princes to paupers. That was David to the core. He cherished them all, throughout his life, cultivating their friendship as a gardener tends to his garden. He maintained lifelong friendships starting with those from Baron Renfrew Public School in Hogg's Hollow (Toronto) in the days of the horse drawn milk wagons, high school at UTS (including the Friday night poker games) and Commerce and Finance at U of T. Developing a path that would be more common for future generations, he set off to see the world, first as a CUSO volunteer in Ceylon, before backpacking through Asia, India, Africa and Europe. Upon his return he obtained his MBA at Harvard which led to his initiation into politics and Vancouver, working for a senior member of the Pierre Trudeau cabinet, Arthur Laing. As a lifelong bachelor he was able to set his own course and have genuine time for people. On moving to British Columbia, he became involved in business start-ups, politics at all levels and numerous public boards and projects. Family was most important to David and he took seriously the role he assumed at age 12 when his father died, as a paternal figure for his younger brothers. That integral role in the lives of Richard (Satoko) and Alan (Jenny) continued throughout his life. He was always the favourite uncle for his nieces, Emily, Kalen and Kelsey and his nephew David, who carries on his name. Despite the fact that they lived in the East, he never failed to make their high school graduations, university convocations or weddings. His frequent trips to his mother's birthplace in California created impromptu family reunions with numerous extended family members of the Smith clan. Many of his friends welcomed him into their families such that he was regularly included in their family celebrations, becoming a special "uncle" to their children, always willing to listen and share in their accomplishments. David loved his family, both immediate and extended; and they loved him back. He will be missed...but never forgotten. To our supportive confidant, tardy companion, chatty uncle and willing dinner guest, we toast a life well lived. Many hearts, young and old, left behind, are sad to miss out on more. David's life will be celebrated in Vancouver and Toronto when the flowers bloom. Messages can be addressed to the family through his nephew c/o David Ingram, 55 Deblaquire St. N., Port Hope, Ontario, L1A 4K7.