David Gerald Lander
June 2, 1945 – April 25, 2019
David strived to make the world a place where people helped each other, felt supported and could live their best lives. He was a true advocate and found a deep calling in serving those that lacked the power to make their own choices. He grew up with strong farm values on Rice Lake, near Cobourg, Ontario. He learned the value of hard work and decency from his parents, Mary and Gerald. David died at home, surrounded by his family. In his last days, he looked out to a beautiful and wide view of Rice Lake, the same one he enjoyed as a boy working cattle on the hills of Northumberland. David and Doreen built a retirement home on Tower Farm in 2005, a part of the old family farm. Being in that familiar setting brought David much solace. He is survived by his wife Doreen (married 1973) and their three boys, Richard (Seattle), Philip (Burlington) and Ben (Burlington). David is dearly missed and loved by three daughter-in-laws, Annie, Leanne and Tanya, and six grand-children (ages 5-15). Siblings, Howard and June live locally and Dorothy lives in Nova Scotia. David was a United Church of Canada minister for just shy of 50 years, in Manitoba and Ontario. He spent three of those years with the Presbyterian Church in the 1980s in Taumarunui, New Zealand. He was assigned to seven charges over that time, ministering to the beliefs and needs of the congregations he served. He was a strong advocate of gay clergy in the 1980s. He helped Vietnamese refugees in the 1980s and then returned to a similar cause in the 2010s with Syrian refugees. He worked with food banks and shelters throughout. His true gift was his children’s stories where he made science look like magic and weaved the observed effects into parables that could lead kids, and equally adults, in their lives. His favorite memories were of the 9-month honeymoon shared with Doreen, the love of his life, and in Europe and Africa and camping and canoe trips in Algonquin Park with his sons. He developed an even stronger reputation for magic on the camping trips, lighting cook fires in the pouring rain. The boys eventually took over the trips and hosted their friends on multi-day trips in Algonquin. David leaves so many touched by his kind heart and infectious kindness. He will always be remembered and have an ever-lasting effect. We all miss him greatly. A memorial service will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home 30 King St. E., Cobourg on Sunday May 19, 2019 at 2 p.m. Donations should be directed to the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund or a charity of your choice. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.
Memorial Service
Sunday May 19, 2:00 pm
MacCoubrey Funeral Home, Cobourg
Reception
MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre Cobourg
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de David Gerald Lander June 2 1945 April 25 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Cobourg, Province: Ontario