In memory of

David McLaughlin

August 5, 1943 -  January 9, 2022



It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing in Toronto of David William McLaughlin, devoted son of the late Stella and Robert (Bob) McLaughlin.

Dave was the beloved best friend and partner of Beverley Koven for more than 40 years. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Paige McLaughlin (Sterling), grandson Samuel Hiscock-McLaughlin (Ilana), brother Stephen and sister Robin and his nieces. He will also be fondly remembered by Mikel Koven, Gian Fazey-Koven, Isaac and Jessica Fazey-Koven and extended family.

Dave, ever a humanitarian, started his exceptional career as a Queen’s Scout, became a Social Worker, Camp Director, YMCA International Community Developer in Zambia, Trinidad and Nicaragua, and in later life a realtor. Dave was a kind and generous soul, who sought to find the best in everyone and to help each to reach their fullest potential.

Our many thanks to the caregivers and doctors that supported him over the years. As per Dave’s wishes, he has been cremated. A family graveside service will be held at a later date.

If desired, a donation in Dave's name may be made to Woodgreen Community Services (click Donations above) where he had his very first job and came full circle in his later years as a program participant.


Guestbook 

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Tamara Doerksen-Smith (Family friend)

Entered January 10, 2022 from Toronto

I remember David as a very warm, welcoming, and humble human being, generous of his time and attention. And always with much more of a story than met the eye, because he listened and paid attention more to others than he spoke about all that he had experienced and achieved.

He had every reason and right to regale you with his stories, but those stories would not have existed without the humility and selflessness that was David.

My favourite memory of David is when he was selling our home on Queensbury Avenue after he had helped us to find the home we live in today. It was a tough sell. The market wasn’t hot and it was difficult to sell our home because it had an oil furnace that looked like a relic of an ancient school boiler. And the house needed some upkeep to spruce it up for sale. And David worked so hard to sell it, went way beyond the call of duty because that is who he was. I remember one showing in particular. A couple had just left the house, and up the front steps he came in overalls with with a paint can and brush and painted the rusting iron railings. He sold the house, and in the process further endeared himself to us. David didn’t just find us a house, he found us a home.

Other fond memories are of Thanksgivings at the farm. We looked forward to those days more than almost any other day of the year. And it wasn’t because of the place or the food, though we have amazing memories of both. It was because we were welcomed and treated as family by David and Beverley. Warmth. Just warmth. That is what I think of when I reflect on David and a life very well lived. And that feeling, that ability to make someone feel welcomed and appreciated as a human being and an individual is a rare gift that David gave to the world. We will miss him, and we will always be so very grateful and blessed to have known him.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Naomi 

Entered January 10, 2022

Please accept my deepest condolences on David’s passing. Although he had not been well for some time, nevertheless the loss of a close family member is still hard to accept, even though we think we are prepared.

David was a warm and caring person, and I will always have fond memories of him. I hope some of the good times you shared together can be of some comfort to you now.

Thinking of you, and take care.

Warm regards,
Naomi

Fran Bader (Friend and cousin)

Entered January 11, 2022 from Toronto

Dear Bev, Paige, Sterling and Sam,
Asbé and I are so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a kind and generous man. I remember how patient and helpful he was with my father. We all share wonderful memories of you and Dave at the farm. Love, Fran and Asbé

Elaine and Joey Steiner (family and friends)

Entered January 11, 2022 from Toronto

David was a very special person, whom we were privileged to know over many years. His kindness, warmth, generosity, and myriad skills are legendary and will be touted in every entry into this book of remembrance. Dave' sense of adventure and his commitment to others were inspiring. His accomplishments were astounding.

Dave's smiles and positive connections to you always made you feel important and valued. Thanksgiving at the farm with Bev and Dave were a highlight of every fall and provided our family with opportunities to connect, enjoy each others' company and eat heartily.

Remembering David at his best will be an important tribute to him.

colette malo (Former colleague)

Entered January 11, 2022 from Toronto

David was my mentor. He supported me and advanced my career. He was also a friend. I owe him a great debt and will always remember his kindness, generosity and good humour. My partner Nelson joins me in offering condolences to his family and friends.

Photos 

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David with Stephen, Oct. 2021 2011 in the UK Steve and Dave.. only slightly Merry... The 75 th.Birthday Boy & Beverley Pretty happy in August 2021
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