It is with sadness we share the passing of David Neil Primeau on May 7, 2024.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland on December 14, 1944, David first and foremost found happiness as a husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Sheila would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on May 23rd, 2024. He leaves his wife to mourn him and his dear daughters Sarah Thivierge (Marc) and Elizabeth Primeau LeBlanc (James), as well as his beloved grandchildren, Mason, Andrew, Shelby and Kiersten, and Howie the granddog.
David will be missed by his siblings Mitchell (Alice), William (Rose), Robert and Jane (Terry), his brother-in-law Michael in Australia and his nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Quebec High School, David completed a B.A. (History) in 1967 at Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario followed by completing an MBA at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
David served as a Naval Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy for 22 years, followed by a successful career as an executive in the Federal Public Service. David was a recipient of the Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals in recognition of worthy and devoted service and reflected the esteem in which they were held by their associates.
From a young age, David was a keen model railroader and train enthusiast. He had long lasting and special friendships with those who shared this interest, as well as from his time at RMC and in the RCN.
The family would like to thank our friends who provided invaluable support to David and his family over the last 3 months as well as the many doctors and nurses who provided care during David’s illness. A special thank you to Christina, Henry, Avry and Gwen, the dedicated doctors of his palliative care team and the many others who provided care throughout his illness.
Family and friends are invited to the interment on Saturday, June 22nd in the National Military Cemetery of Canada (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) at 1pm. Friends are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to the interment and to report to the main building. A reception will follow from 1:30 to 3:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Paul O'Boyle
Pat and John Turner
Dave was a very special friend for many years. John met him in Borden, ON in 1968. The friendly games of tennis (1968) were fondly remembered. In Dartmouth, Dave and Sheila were starting their family at the same time as we were growing ours. In fact Dave and Sheila drove Pat to the hospital when our first child Patrick was born. And we were one of the first of family and friends to meet their daughter Sarah when she arrived in their family. Subsequently we loved and shared play dates as our families grew with another son for us and another daughter for them. Family was very important to Dave. Over the years we have kept in touch and finally as we settled into retirement in Ottawa our friendship continues. So many wonderful bbq’s, the odd scotch, and always good conversation! During the Covid pandemic we appreciated getting together more frequently. No words can express our profound sorrow at his passing. He will be greatly missed….’fair winds and following seas’.
Christine and Roger Isaacs
So very sad to have lost such a wonderful gentleman and friend. Heartfelt condolences to Sheila and family.
Duncan”Dusty” and Ann Miller
Oh my goodness Shiela we are devastated. We had so many wonderful times together - poker, Christmas tree hunting, training, family pool times , pubbing, and supping. Dave was so full of life and larger than life. Cannot believe he’s left us. We will always treasure our times together. We just loved Sarah and Elizabeth and your Mom too Shiela. Such precious times. Don’t think we’ll make the 22 nd but you never know. Raise a glass from us to a wonderful man, Naval Officer , Navcan guru , and special friend. Recognition medals well deserved. Big hugs to you Shiela as you carry on without him. Love you dearly.
Dusty and Ann
The Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund (RCNBF)
The Directors, many volunteers, and former members of the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund are deeply saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. He was a longtime member and lent his wisdom to the Fund which reaped the benefits of his efforts and support. The Fund will note Dave's memorial in the June Newsletter as all will want to join in expressing heartfelt condolences for the Primeau family's loss.
- Gay Hamilton, Executive Director
Bob Cleroux
To the entire family first let me offer my deepest condolences. Dave was the President of the RCNBF when I first met him. He encouraged me to join while I was still serving and after my retirement brought me along until I became President of the RCNBF. I could not have done that without his support. He was always supportive and encouraging and a really great guy to talk with and to like. He will be missed and may he rest in peace
Barney & Chris de Schneider
We were surprised and saddened to learn of Dave’s passing. I worked for Dave in DPS (Pay Services) in the early 80’s and we went on to become family friends for a period of time. I don’t recall working with a more intelligent and grounded individual than Dave. He had a wonderful way of being able to look at a complex issue, remove the clutter, and summarize the situation into a concise unambiguous conclusion.
To Shiela and the girls, and to all of the Primeau family we offer our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. A very good man has moved on.
CHRIS SAVAGE
Very sad to hear of Dave's passing. I came to know Dave thru operating sessions on his model RR layout where I was fortunate enough to participate and enjoy the good company of Dave and fellow model railroaders. I was particularly impressed by the work Dave had done building his structures, so much so that when he decommissioned his layout, I purchased a good number of them which now occupy pride of place on my layout. His round red barn, a particularly memorable scenic element on his layout, now resides in a favourite spot on my layout which I named Primeau's Farm in honour of Dave. May your memory live on my friend, you will be missed but fondly remembered.
Wade Cuthbertson
A great guy, excellent naval officer, and exceptional class secretary to the RMC Class of 1967.
Joanne Parsons
Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mrs Primeau, Sarah, Elizabeth and their families. Very sad to hear this news.
Dear Sheila and Family. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I knew Dave while I worked with the RCN Benevolent Fund where his leadership, great care and compassion were so important in helping the Fund achieve its goals. You and all of Dave's family and friends will be in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.