Dave died Aug 17,2022 at The Dunfield Retirement Residence, listening to music, with his cherished wife of 66 years, Joan, by his side. He was 91.

Joan and Dave began dating in university. After 5 years when Dave’s mother suggested they wait 5 more, Joan famously said “it’s now or never.” And so began an unshakeable bond and life journey taking them from Toronto to Creemore to Naples, Florida and finally back to the Dunfield in Toronto. They raised their 3 children Leslie, Sue and Ian in a loving and supportive home and joyfully welcomed their 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Dave attended Bedford Park P.S., Lawrence Park C.I., U of T and Osgoode Hall. Despite the illusion created by his illegible hand writing he had a brilliant mind and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Dave began his law career with his father Ernest at Black, Bruce & Black and retired from the firm, now called Black Sutherland LLP, in 1996.

Dave’s sports pursuits, hobbies and interests led to him being gifted the licence plate XL2XS. His varied athletic feats were impressive. At Lawrence Park he played tackle on the 1949 undefeated football team, was a sprinter and city champion at shotput. At U of T Dave threw discus for the track team and was a 4 year varsity golfer with a handicap of 1. His lifelong love of the game started at age 14 at York Downs and continued at Windstar in Naples and Mad River in Creemore.

Skiing was a huge part of Dave’s life and joining Devil’s Glen in 1966 resulted in magical winters with friends and family and some shenanigans at Pleasant Manor in Stayner. Dave loved first tracks and powder hunting. This obsession led to countless CMH heli-skiing trips and he made sure his family got to experience the joy with him. He amassed over 2M vertical feet thus qualifying for the coveted blue and orange ski suit.
Always looking for a challenge, Dave took up “running” in his 40s and completed 12 marathons, Boston included, and an astonishing 2 ultra-marathons at Nanisivik, Baffin Island.

Dave’s other hobbies included gardening, art, theatre, wine making (complete with kids stomping grapes) and music of all genres- especially jazz. Although he had no tone Dave would belt out songs at home or at concerts such as Dylan and Lightfoot with the family in tow.

Dave was incredibly community-minded. He was active in politics and sat on the Toronto Free Theatre, Canadian Stage Company, Tapestry and Parkinson boards. Dave was most proud of his contributions to his beloved town of Creemore and especially The Station on the Green.

Dave’s greatest legacy will be as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dave’s devotion to Joan was beautiful and they were such a strong, admirable and inspiring team. Their love was deep as evidenced by the care Joan took of Dave for the past 10 years while he had Parkinson’s. As a father he was supportive and kind. He listened and encouraged his children to follow their dreams letting them know they were capable of anything and everything. They knew how lucky they were to have him as a father. He was, however, a terrible cook, housekeeper and “babysitter”. Nothing thrilled the kids more than when Mom was out and Dad was “in charge”. Gumpa adored and was adored by his grandchildren; never passing judgement and always accepting them for who they were. And no one could generate shrieks of laughter better than Gumpa firing bidet water at the bathroom ceiling for his young admirers. Gumpa also gently provided sound advice, wisdom and great golf tips.

Dave was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law Mary and Gunnar Lie, Doris and Ross Davidson and Jim Vandewater and his son-in-law Steve Sigurdson. He is survived by his wife Joan, children Leslie Sigurdson, Sue (Jim) Lawson and Ian (Siobhan) Black, grandchildren Laura (Jonah), Claire (Nico), Amy and Heather Sigurdson, Brodie (Garrett), Tim and Jonnie Lawson and Bronwyn and Ethan Black and great-grandchildren Hannah, Elise, Rory, Henry and Damian.

Dave was also a much loved and integral part of the Lie, Davidson and Vandewater families.
Dave was humble, kind, fun, generous and loving. His big heart disallowed him from getting through a speech without crying. He was a gentle man and a gentleman and he will be missed so very much.
Our gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Dunfield and Dave’s caregivers.

A private family interment will be held.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at Sinai Health at www.tlcpc.org
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