Three years after being diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Dave passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 1st, 2023. Predeceased by his father Donald, a Royal Banker and member of the RCAF in WWII, and mother Hazel, a school teacher, and older brother, Don, a rancher and cattle breeder. Survived by his longtime running partner and wife of 25 years Mary Riopelle; son Sean (Natalia Herez); daughter Stephanie (Paul O’Donnell); grandchildren Oliver, Rafaëlle and Bernadette; sister, Lin; and a wonderful assortment of nieces and nephews.
Dave was born in Kelowna, BC and travelled with the family across the country with stops in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Montreal before settling in Chicago in 1963. Dave attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio graduating with a degree in economics. Waiting to join the RCMP, he drove taxi in the Chicago area and returned to Canada in 1971 to join the Mounties (#29091; Troop 14 - 71/72) with postings to Ottawa, Rimouski, Quebec City, Montreal. In 1984, he transitioned CSIS working in Ottawa and Toronto before he retired with more than 38 years of service. Dave thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of his career and is proud of the contribution he made to the security of Canada.
Growing up, he was always playing sports and making friends. In his youth, he was a little league baseball all star and won a provincial championship with a pony league baseball team. However it was in high school and college he turned to track running and it became his passion and a lifetime activity. As an adult, he played recreational tennis and golf with enthusiasm but limited ability. While he always enjoyed the competition, it was the friendships that he developed through sports that were most important to him and have lasted for more than 60 years. All of Dave’s friends relished his intelligence, extensive knowledge, sense of humor and sharp wit.
After an exciting and adventurous few years in the RCMP, he settled in Ottawa in the late 70’s to raise a family and resumed running to maintain his fitness. He ran several marathons before returning to middle distance running and joining a track club.
As he approached 40, he realized he could be competitive in the Masters (over 40) category. Juggling his job and family responsibilities, he increased his training and focussed on track and road racing. In the late 80’s, Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter, two well known American athletes, were also turning 40 and were competing in Masters races across North America. Dave was invited to compete in many of these events and, over the next several years, he won his share of races against top international athletes. He also set 14 Canadian Master’s age group records on the track and in road races, including two world records (indoor 1500m (3:58) and the mile (4:15)). Several of his Canadian records still stand after more than 30 years including the 3000 m (8:24), the indoor and outdoor mile records, the road mile from New York City (4:12) and the 8 km (24:05). He was one of Ottawa’s running legends.
Dave was proud of his career and his many other accomplishments, but most proud of his loving relationship with his wife Mary and his children. With pride, he watched Sean and Stephanie pursue their dreams and develop into caring and successful adults. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each of them and their families and had many world-wide trips with them. After his cancer diagnosis in 2021, two new grandchildren were born. He spread his youthful spirit through the special relationships he developed with his three grandchildren, who will advance his legacy of hope and optimism.
Dave saw his journey through the trial of cancer as part of the overall battle to find a cure. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy were successful for a while, but NSCLC has proven to be a difficult opponent. The cancer centre at the Ottawa Hospital is first class and Dave received excellent care and treatment from his oncologists, doctors, nurses, technicians, and so many others.
Throughout his ordeal, his wife Mary was with him every step of the way. They faced Dave’s health challenges together, as they had lived their lives, with love, determination, commitment and resolution. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling: “Together, they filled the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run”.
Family, friends and colleagues are invited to celebrate David's life and share memories on Wednesday November 8, 2023 at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Digital Guestbook
Gerald Chartier & Lucille Lepage
Blake MacKenzie
Whether on the race course or the links Dave was as competitive as they come, a trait that served him well and led to much success. We will miss so much about Dave but I will always remember his endearing smile.
Dave McMahon
I will miss you Dave. I have fond memories sharing friendship between kindred spirits and a passion for running fast.
Andy O’Rourke
Running down the canal in an Ottawa winter, minus 20 with a head wind, McCloskey is pushing the pace and we are all laughing at some ridiculous comment one of us has made! I think that spring we won the Masters Team division at the “Nordion 10km”. I loved those days, I loved those guys, those memories have never dimmed - DAVE had that kind of impact on people. My heart aches for Mary and Dave’s family - gone far too soon, but will never be forgotten…
Rest in peace Brother.
Jason Irvine
It was such a privilege to know Dave. Anytime you were in his presence you could feel his warmth, kindness, and appreciation for all those around him. He was a truly wonderful man.
Tahera Mufti
My deepest condolences. Dave was one of my favourites. He was a mentor for me as I started a new job in a realm completely unknown. He was selflessly giving of his time and he was supportive and infinitely funny. Rest my dear friend.
Alison
As a child growing up, I knew Dave to be a kind, gentle man and a great Dad to Sean and Stephanie. My heart goes out to his two amazing children who grew up into exceptional humans and I really feel like his spirit lives on in them.
Sue Davidson
As a brother to Jim Davidson, I was a shy teenager six years younger than my brother and attending the Depot graduation for Jim into the RCMP with my parents. Dave Stewart was in the same troop as my brother and came over at the supper dance and asked me to dance. I always remembered that. He was very kind and a gentleman.
Dennis Featherstone
In 1989, Dennis the better baseball player than runner met Dave the better runner than baseball player. Our initial noon-hour jogs led to over 30 years of sharing and friendship. We trained together and went to races in the U.S. together. As we began to golf more than we ran, we played innumerable rounds together, sometimes partnered and won more than we lost. The friendship broadened to include book discussions and more importantly our spouses. We visited each other while vacationing in the south. I treasure the advice, thoughts, support and friendship Dave provided to me. The world needs more people like Dave.
Loraine Gillen
Dave's mother was my grandmother's sister. About 8 1/2 years ago when he came out west I drove my mother (his cousin) to meet him and we went to lunch. I didn't really know him previously, and I was struck by the strong family resemblance between us and impressed by his vitality and intelligence. I was surprised to hear of his passing from my sister, Jane Fernyhough. I am sorry for your loss.
RIP my friend and troop mate. You always wear a smile. I was the worse runner in training while Dave could outrun everyone. With his encouragement I was able to keep up with the rest of the troop. We were in the first bilingual troop at Depot and I remember well is ability to learn his second language. He will be missed.