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
Rob Livingston
Bill Rostek
My first memory of Dave was at the Kanata Road Races many years ago. I was running the 5K which Dave won and then he went on to run the 10K immediately after that and win that race too! I was in awe. It was shortly after that, while living in the same neighbourhood of Manor Park, that Dave invited Lee and I to join their group on Saturday AM runs, a tradition that still continues in the Arb with Mary and a number of close running friends.
Dave was one of the most competitive, if not the most, athletes I have known. Whether it was running intervals or playing a round of golf, Dave was out to beat you. I will never forget that look in his eyes.
I played many rounds of golf with Dave and I will always remember his razor-sharp wit and countless stories that always had me laughing so hard. The highlights of my year were our annual golf trips to Lake Chesdin, Virginia and Muskoka along with Ray Elrick and Dennis Featherstone.
His sage advice on running was always welcome and he never came to an interval workout without a detailed plan. It made me a better runner.
I will think of Dave every Saturday AM as we continue to run intervals in Arb with Mary and friends - stepping over that start line that had to be drawn by Dave (and only Dave) before you started your workout.
Thanks a million for everything Dave. I miss you.
Stuart Barr & Mary Mazurek
Dear Mary - So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Please accept our condolences. Stuart & Mary
Mary Buckley
Mary and family,
Dave was a prince of a man and will be dearly missed. He leaves quite a legacy and you two together were an inspiration as you faced Dave's diagnosis and treatment so strongly together. Dave was positive throughout and he held true to his sense of humour and optimism. On the golf course I'll miss his happy hellos and Tony will miss his competitive spirit in match play. Fondly
Mary and Tony
Len Huffman
Played golf and chatted with him occasionally. Always fun, great sense of humour and gentleman to the end.
Condolences, Len
Sebastien Stewart
Dave was such a beatiful, soft hearted being. He was always able to lighten up the mood during the inevitable stresses of family vacations, holidays and events. His brother Don, was my father. When dad was ill, and dying from pancreatic cancer, Dave was the consoling brother and Uncle we all needed. We found smiles amongst tears with his presence.
A fantastic brother to both Lin and Don, and a reliable, fun and inspiring uncle to the rest of us.
Wish we could be there with you. Our most sincere condolences.
Rest in peace Dave.
We will miss Dave dearly.
Robin Rensby
Was very saddened to read this news - I didn't know Dave well, but had the pleasure of meeting him several times, usually with Mary on a run somewhere. Sending sincere condolences to Mary, family and friends.
Al Ferland
We were so fortunate to have Dave as a neighbour over the past five years. He was always so cheerful, energetic and interesting to talk to. I will miss our daily exchanges as he walked by with Joey. Truly a big loss for us all.
Bruce McNicoll
As a fellow runner, I admired and appreciated Dave's many accomplishments in athletics. His consistency and longevity were incredible. However, I most remember our pre and post race chats, because Dave was such an interesting and engaging person, modest, yet confident, quick witted and optimistic, friendly and kind. My utmost condolences to Mary, his children, grandchildren and other loved ones.
Steve POmeroy
Shortly after moving to Ottawa in winter 1989, I discovered Dave's running group and was invited to join and we enjoyed (endured) many interval workouts in the Arb, lunch workouts at Rockcliffe, at Terry Fox and around many neighbourhoods for Sunday long runs. And of course we battled head to head in many races. Dave was always full of life and stories and had a great wit and compassion. I'm thankful to have the chance to join him on saturday morning walk, jogs in the Arb even as he was battling cancer these last few years - and will miss his marking the start line on the loop. For Dave RIP is really Run in Peace. My deepest condolences to Mary, Sean and Stephanie.
As a new high school middle distance runner almost fifty years ago, I learned how to run beyond five miles as I joined Dave and Ray Elrick on some of their Sunday easy runs as they prepared for marathons. Those Sunday easy runs were a welcome distraction from hard track workouts and I learned how to chirp Sunday boaters on the canal.
As Dave moved away from marathons and into his masters middle distance career, I was able to keep up with his group as we focused on the standard workout of five times a kilometer. When my parental duties threatened a workout Sean and Stephanie babysat the kids in the jumping pits at Mooneys Bay.
Workouts with Dave were a welcome physical and mental challenge as you didn't want to be last, nor become the brunt of the banter.
I look forward to keeping Dave's spirit alive on Saturday runs at the Arb with Mary and friends.
Thanks for everything Dave.
Rob