Obituary
Barr, David Hugh
January 8, 1930 – November 7, 2021
Passed away peacefully at Mariposa House Hospice, in the presence of loving family members, on Sunday November 7th, 2021 at the age of 91. Beloved husband for 68 years of Margaret (nee Hulme). Loving father of Carol (Richard), Linda (Rick), Diane (Ralph – deceased), Kathryn (Stuart), Sandra (Christopher). Cherished Grandpa of Lee and Laura; Elizabeth and Elliott (Kennedy); John and Sarah; Finley, Charlotte and Bennett. Dear brother of the late Betty (Hank). Dave started a 12 year career with a rapid rise through the Royal Bank of Canada. Here, he worked up quickly from a junior staff member to a senior accountant. He then worked in the inspection department and oversaw staff training. After a promising banking career, in 1960 Dave realized his true calling was in education. He started a 27 year career as an influential teacher, guidance counsellor and principal with the Etobicoke Board of Education. Dave worked with Federal and Provincial Governments to initiate and develop the curriculum for the Native Counsellors Training Program at Laurentian University where he served as Principal. Dave also taught graduate students at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.
Throughout a long and rewarding life Dave made lasting friendships among students and contemporaries. He had a lifelong positive impact on his former students, many of whom have remained in touch in recent years. After retirement, Marg and Dave moved to Orillia, where they were active at St. Paul’s United Church. Dave held various roles including Chairman of the Board and a leader with the Pastoral Care Committee. In these roles, he dedicated endless hours helping members of the St. Paul’s church community. He was affectionately known by some as ‘Pastor Dave’. Dave was an avid sportsman and accomplished athlete. Baseball was his favourite to both play and watch! He excelled on many teams in his teen years, and was proud to have played competitively until the age of 48, leading the Rexdale United team to a 7 year victory stretch. Dave was a passionate and skilled hockey and golf player, regularly playing tennis and squash with his lifelong friend of 80 years: Doug Brown. He was a founding board member and fundraiser for the Orillia Rowing Club, and donated several rowing shells over the years to various rowing clubs. Music brought Dave great joy and comfort every day of his life. He encouraged his girls’ hours of music practice and enjoyed his personal musical collection. He would break into song and dance a jig whenever he was so inclined – which was often! Dave was a devoted family man and husband who found great delight spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, and their numerous pets. His integrity, compassion, and generosity are his legacy.
Visitation to take place at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West Street North, Orillia, onTuesday, November 9, 2021 from 6-8 pm. A small Private Family Service will be held. Interment; St. Andrew’s – St. James’ Cemetery, Orillia. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Mariposa House Hospice
1140 Brodie Drive, Severn, ON L3V 0V2. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to David’s family, please visit our floral store.
January 8 1930 November 7 2021 (age 91)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de David H Barr January 8 1930 November 7 2021 (age 91)..
Décès pour la Ville:Orillia, Province: Ontario