1956-2024


Our dear son, brother, and uncle, David, bravely and peacefully passed away on August 7th from pancreatic cancer.

David leaves behind his mother, Hannah; his siblings, Elizabeth (Hassan H), Jennifer, Barbara (Hassan S), Bruce (Maria), and Ann (Berhanu); his nieces, Sasha (Keith), Aida, and Siobhan (Kanish); his nephew, Devin (Lila); and his great-nieces and nephew, Blake, Elise, and Weston. Predeceased by his father Irwin, David is also mourned by his many cousins, friends and co-workers.

Born in Trinidad & Tobago, David excelled academically, particularly in mathematics, and was also a standout in track and field during his high school years. After the family relocated to Guyana, David completed his secondary education followed by several adventurous years in the Guyanese hinterland, teaching indigenous children and then farming. He is still affectionately known by his Guyanese friends as "Trini".

In 1979, David moved to Montreal to pursue his academic ambitions at McGill University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Following this, he worked on a research scholarship towards his PhD, then moved to Toronto. He was known for his single-mindedness, independent thinking, and unwavering ethical principles.

David found fulfilment in a role that aligned with his values at the Ontario Science Centre, where he worked for many years. This was his ideal job - working at a renowned institution and contributing to the design of exhibits that both enchanted and educated generations of young people about the wonders of science and the world.

David lived quietly and simply, sharing what he had with others. He approached his illness with the same resilience and independence that defined his life. He did not want a service, but said we could have a gathering that was in keeping with his world view. He requested that we play the song "Imagine," reflecting his enduring vision of a harmonious world.

Friends are welcome to join David's family for a Celebration of Life in keeping with the theme “Imagine”, at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre (625 Birchmount Rd., Toronto, ON, M1K 1R1), on Saturday, September 7, 2024, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Dress code is informal . As David himself was known for his constant “uniform” of a white T-shirt or white cotton shirt and jeans, family members will don jeans and white tops in his honour.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation are welcome:
https://mghf.akaraisin.com/ui/memorial/p/davidtelfermemorial