It is with deep sadness that we announce David’s sudden death in Victoria, BC on June 2, 2022. A partner to Judy for 57 years, a brother to Christine; a father to Jennifer (Doug) and Sara (Colin); a grandfather/PaPa to Austen, Luc, Lauren, Halle and Jesse; and a friend to many.
David had a boundless curiosity and a genuine interest in other people. All who knew him will agree that he could converse with anyone about almost anything. In addition to his lifelong career as a social worker, he had abiding passions for interior design, his many gardens, and being physically active until the very end of his life.
David left this world on his own terms, as he repeatedly said he would in the face of declining overall well-being, just before his 80th birthday. The family is confident, that at last, he has found inner peace.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Thomas Andrew Elisseou
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Miriam Sears We will miss Dave on our walks here on the Island. We look forward to you coming back Judy, we miss you.. It was so nice talking to Dave about my hometown of Saint John it brought back many good memories.
Sincerely
Miriam (Pridham) Sears
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Gordon and Mary Ellen Dalzell To Judy and family, I was very sorry to learn of David’s death, please accept my condolences As a social worker here in Saint John, I knew the positive impact David had in serving this community especially as head of Family Services as later with the Dept. Of Social Development . We had many enjoyable visits and chats over the years beginning when I was a freshman at Saint Thomas University and he was in his senior year that was 1964 . I never missed his column “Family Talk” that was published in the New Freeman paper. I recall when you and David took a drive to see our newly renovated house on the Anthony Cove Road in Red Head. David was very impressed and took a strong interest as Mary Ellen and I showed you through our first home back in 1973. I will remember David with fond memories and a recognition of his contribution to Our Saint John community with all his service.
Kindest Regards, Gordon and Mary Ellen Dalzell
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Marilyn Doel Judy,Sara Colin and families. Jen, Doug,Austen, Halle and Jesse. With deep condolences and lasting peace. Love Marilyn + Rich Doel
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Louise McShane Although it has been many years since I have connected with David, and family, his friendship has left me and my family with a lifelong impact. I recall many shared meals at our home and witrh friends; there was always interesting conversations and laughter. Most importantly, he helped me see the world clearer and was an inspiration.
I am emotionaly with the family as they try to work through this loss; I too have suffered the loss of someone dear to me (one of our sons) sending prayers your way with love
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Daunine & David Burbank Judy, we were so surprised and very sad to hear of David‘s passing. He is now at peace. We hope the support and love of family and friends will give you strength and comfort to guide you through this challenging time.
With kind regards Daunine and David BurbankI chose this poem because of our shared love of gardens and gardening.
There is a very special garden
Where the trees of memory grow
Nurtured by the kindness
And concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories
Of good times in the past.
The branches tender promises
That souls endure and last.
It’s a place of peace and beauty
Where bright new hopes can start.
It’s memory’s lovely garden
That soothes the hurting heart.
~ Author unknown
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Karen Buchanan & Emery Robidoux Judy, cousin Christine and family
David reminded me so much of my Dad, Otty Buchanan (brother to David’s father, Raymond). Most notably their wit and laughter, which was always contagious. Sending love and hugs to you all.
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Margaret Anne Smith Thinking of you, Judy, and your family with love.
Margaret Anne Smith & David Levangie
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Deb Dear Judy and Family, I worked with David at Family Services (Rockland Rd) and have never forgotten how lucky I was to work there. David was a deep thinker and loved his connections with people. He had strong convictions but had an open and flexible way about him. Years would pass and we would once again work together at Social Development. Many lives have been touched from the pleasure of knowing David and I feel confident that he is watching over all of those who loved him. I am sorry for your loss.
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Mary and Laurie Sanford Judy and family, Christine and family
So very sorry to hear of David’s passing. He could talk to anyone and make them feel very comfortable, and never seem to run out of stories. That was his gift. An older cousin but we had many good times at the O’Donnell corn boils and I remember he was always up for a bit of mischief with the rest of the crew. May your memories bring you comfort and strength at this difficult time. Sending you prayers and hugs.
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Carol and Jim McNamee Judy,we are shocked and saddened to hear of David’s passing.We had so many fun times in the earlier years going to dances,partying and just having fun.The wonderful stories you have heard over the years and will continue to hear about the positive impact David had on so many people will offer you some comfort.Please accept our condolences.
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Blaine and Mindo Worth We have known David for only a short time and felt he was a special man. We will miss him always.
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Signe Gurholt Dear Judy,
I hope you are surrounded and supported by the many who love you.In sympathy, Signe
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Dale Richard My sincere condolences, David and I worked in the same unit for several years. I loved working with him. We shared many stories which often ended in laughter. I’m deeply sadden to hear of his passing.
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Brenda Prime My deepest sympathy to David’s family. I worked with David for many years at Social Development and knew him when he worked at Family Enrichment. David was a smart and skilled social worker who always made people feel important and motivated. To his colleagues, he was always a source of information or a story or two or maybe someone to share a good laugh with. He will definitely be remembered by us all and greatly missed.
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Frank Hand So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our sincere condolences to Judy and David’s family. Frank & Audrey Hand. Rothesay NB
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Charlie McKendy and Nancy ouellet. I have known david for almost 50 years, as a coworker and as a friend. Nancy and I are saddened to hear of his passing. We will remember him in our prayers.
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Ann and Dick Quigg Judy and family.
Thanks to Frank and Audrey Hand we learned of David’s recent death. He was an interesting and complex person, who had a special understanding of relationships. We saw first hand how he showed unusual insight into other persons feelings and emotions.
Although we haven’t seen you and David for many years, we have fond memories of the times we spent together in the 1970’s in Saint John.
Our sympathy and best wishes to all of you during this time.
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John and Sandra Steeves John and Sandra Steeves,
Our sincere condolences to you Judy and your family. While we weren’t among the lucky many who benefitted from direct interactions with David, we certainly appreciated the impact he had on you and your family in helping to make us all happier and better people. You will all remain in a special place in our hearts and memories.
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Eileen Gauthier My sincere sympathy to Judy and family. I worked with David for many years and greatly enjoyed his curiosity and genuine interest in people. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of time you had together for many years. David is at peace. Take care
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Shelly Nogueira-Adams Very sorry to hear of David’s passing. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. I worked with him in Saint John,NB; he the Social Worker, me the Foster Parent. I truly enjoyed our talks and David was someone I knew I could always depend on and listen to. He also never talked down to me. I’ve thought of him many times since his retirement…wonderful and unique man. Rest easy.
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Leonard Wilkins Deepest condolences. Working with David was the most interesting time of my career . He had a way of putting people at ease, non judgemental and caring. I’ll never forget how much fun our summer road trips visiting foster parents was. He was a good friend . So sorry for your loss
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Diane Arthurs David was a genuine, thoughtful person who truly cared about the clients he served and his colleagues. His enthusiasm and dedication were evident here in Saint John during his many years with Family Services and Social Development. Sincere condolences to Judy and all Dave’s family.
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Dawn Cunningham My deepest sympathies to Judy and family and to all those who David touched with his wit, laughter, compassion and blessed soul. I’m grateful David has found his peace and warmest of thoughts are sent to family as they journey through this great loss.
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Ron and RaeMarie Paisley So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He worked with us for many years. We could always count on Dave to do things the way they should be done. He was a good man.
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Kevin & Lester Judy and family, Lester and I are holding you in our thoughts as David flies with the angels looking over all of us.
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Joanne Barry Our condolences to Judy and the family. Sorry to hear about David. Hugs
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Deanna Gagnon Judy & family, I am so sorry for your loss & saddened to hear of his passing. I was David’s admin for over 15 yrs at Social Development & we’ve had great, in depth life conversations. He was a unique character who brought charm to our unit. He was always a listening ear, good for a laugh, and always complimentary. David left a hole in our unit as I’m sure he will leave a gapping hole in your lives. Take comfort in the fond memories he left & find strength in one another. God bless
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Ross Beauchamp David Buchanan was a charming and knowledgeable man. An extrovert, he did not hesitate to reach out to others in a kindly and sensitive way. He facilitated stimulating conversation as a good listener and creative thinker. We regret that our new friendship with David was so brief. Love to Judith and family.
Ross and Suzanne Beauchamp
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Donna Fitzgerald Dear Judy and family. So sorry for your loss Gord. I had great memories of great times. Keep safe and I will be praying for you. Love Donna
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Denise Isaacs Judy and family, I hold you in prayer as you navigate these painful days. David was such a loving cousin, and I have fond memories of our youthful years in Berwick. I know David is at peace, and he is surrounded by love. May this love surround all of you.
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Linda Dear Judy and Family,
Sending much love and swirls and swirls of healing energy to you.
With sincere condolences,
Linda & Louise
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Clara Tarjan To David’s family: so thankful for the privilege of working alongside David at Social Development. What an energetic and compassionate man. Very sorry for your loss.
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Leslie Black David was a kind, gentle spiritual soul graced with sound, sage honest advice to those open to his wonderful insights. Thank-you for your lovely kinship.
David’s love for his family was evident and his story-telling connection toward others a refreshing delight.
Heartfelt condolences to my pal Judy and the Buchanan Clan sisters Jennifer and Sara along with your entire family.This little Postie will cherish fond memories of the quick witted David.
In peace,love & gratitude,
Leslie from Victoria BC
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James Price May cherished memories bring comfort and peace always until you are reunited with him in Eternity. A man of style and substance; of wit and insight. He will always be remembered with much love and fondness. Sending my deepest condolences and sympathy.
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Debbie Francis Christine, Judy and families we send our love and condolences.
Deb. And Dwight xxoo
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Sue Davis Dear Judy and family,
When I think of David I think of gardens, interior design, and his warm welcome whenever I visited. Grateful for the opportunity to share some wine in your lovely oasis in NB. Sending you big hugs.
Sue Davis
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Wendy Stewart Thinking of you and your family Judy. Sending a hug across the miles in this difficult time of loss.
Keep in touch
Wendy
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Sheila MacDonald My condolences to you Judy and your family, David will be missed.
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Shelly Graham Please know that I am thinking of you all as you go through these very difficult days.You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
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Wendy northrup I am so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Sending love and prayers to you all ❤️
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Rob and Elaine Doel Judy, Jen, Doug, Sara, Colin, and families,
Our thoughts and love are with you all.
Most sincerely
Rob and Elaine and family.
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Connie and Rollie Haselden An evening or afternoon spent with David and Judy was sure to be entertaining and thought provoking! As mentioned already, David knew something, often a lot, about everything.
He was a philosopher and an artist and never shied away from the BIG questions either.
We met David and Judy 20 years ago during their brief sojourn in Calgary and were so delighted to reconnect after they moved to the West Coast. Alas for too short a time! But we shall see you lots Judy and while David’s absence will be difficult, he must surely be at peace now. Probably still asking questions. Thank you for sharing David with us and our deepest condolences to Judy and all of David and Judy’s family.
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Tammy Gallant Sara & family
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May you find peace and comfort in each other and cherish the memories you have made.
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Anne and Larry Timms Dear Judy and family’
When I read this, I think of David who loved his gardens.
‘A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall. As the days passed swiftly by, it spread its branches straight and tall. One day a beam of light shone through, a crevice that had opened wide. Its beauty even greater there, the rose bent gently towards its warmth, then passed beyond to the other side. Now, you who deeply feel its loss, be comforted -the rose blooms there- its beauty even greater now, nurtured in loving care.’
David is at peace.
Thinking of you, Judy, and your family with love and caring thoughts. Anne and Larry
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Raymond and Leona Judy and family our deepest condolences. Know you are loved and treasured. May your fond memories bring you together to remember and celebrate David and the wonderful years you shared.
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Kate Frego and Peter Hastings Peter and I are beyond sad to hear of David’s passing. Your obituary describes him so well – we always enjoyed his keen mind and keener wit. His suggestions on garden and interior design inspired us – in fact we have a Buchanan Window, AND a Buchanan Door, both of which remind us of David daily. He enriched so many lives, in so many ways.
We are grateful for our time with him. Thinking of you, Judy, and your family with love.
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Blaine I know. David is in a special space now
And may THE LIGHT SHINE BRIGHT
Blaine
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Vicki Porter My very deepest sympathy. I loved David. He was a most interesting, compassionate, clever man. I loved being in his company. I was never bored. He always entertained me. He was IDEAL. He had such a wonderful insight into people and helped so many. I am happy he is at peace. He earned it. God bless his family and keep them strong
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Brenda Kinney Dearest Judy and family, know that David touched many lives and left lasting positive impacts in so many people. Sending my love and caring thoughts to you all.
I am so sorry just now learning about David here through a google search. My deepest condolences to his wife Judy and his beautiful family.
His friendship and kind spirit have been such a blessing . He will always be dearly remembered ..