James David Knox, “Dave”, 76, passed away peacefully on June 23 at the Campbell House in Collingwood as the early bird’s song welcomed the new day. Dave was surrounded by the love of his family as he braved a fast and hard-fought battle with cancer. Dave leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Cathy. His children James (Demian), Kevin (Melody) and Amanda (Bryan) will forever miss him. Grandpa Dave was a shining light in the lives of his grandchildren Malcolm and Emily. Dave is also in the hearts of his sister Jill (Brian), his sister in-law Susan, his cousin Helena in Scotland and his stepmother Geri. Dave also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Dave was born on September 19, 1944, in Hamilton, Ontario, to a Scottish RAF navigator (James T. Knox) and a Canadian war bride (Betty Smith). In grade 9 at Burlington Central, he met Cathy, his future bride. Dave and Cathy married in their final year at U of T. In 1970 as young parents, they moved to Collingwood where they built a beautiful family and life together.
Dave taught for 3 years in Toronto before becoming the Geography Head at Collingwood Collegiate Institute. For over 30 years, his enthusiasm for the environment, geological formations and caring for our planet was imparted to his students. Dave also coached cross country running and track & field at CCI. Mr. Knox was a positive influence and mentor to many.
Dave demonstrated tremendous endurance and stamina throughout his lifetime as an athlete. Dave ran competitively as a middle distance runner. At his fastest, he ran just over a 4-minute mile. One of Dave’s favourite stories was when he boasted about leading the Toronto Marathon. In his younger years, he would spend hours running the escarpment and the country roads around Collingwood. Alpine and cross-country skiing were two sports dear to his heart. He taught all of his children and grandchildren how to ski. Dave counted the number of times he made it out in the winter while meticulously tracking the conditions and weather. He cross-country skied 55 times in his final season. Spending a morning on the trails with his family was one of Dave’s favourite activities.
In his retirement, Dave donated much time to the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC). He was a Land Steward Director for the Blue Mountains Club for over 20 years. Dave acted as a leader by organizing tree-planting parties to training volunteers to acting as a liaison with the head office of the BTC. Dave was a proud supporter of the ribbon of wilderness that runs along the spine of the Niagara Escarpment.
Music, travel and culture were a passion for Dave. His record and CD collection was phenomenal; his knowledge about music and musical artists ran deep. Dave helped to host a weekly local radio show called “John and Dave’s Flashback Diner”. Wherever Dave travelled, his thirst for knowledge was apparent. Many family vacations were spent exploring museums, ancient castles and geographical wonders of the world. Over the past 20 years, Dave visited Norway numerous times to pay homage to the community where his father lies in rest and to honour the ultimate sacrifice he made during World War 2.
Dave is undoubtedly skiing knee high, champagne powder, running like the wind and chatting up a storm with all the rock n’ roll legends in the sky.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood for their extraordinary care of Dave in his final days. A private ceremony will be held, and a celebration of life will be planned post Covid-19. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bruce Trail Conservancy, brucetrail.org/donations/donate, or Hospice Georgian Triangle – Campbell House, hospicegeorgiantriangle.com/donate/.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dave Knox Wednesday June 23rd 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Collingwood, Province: Ontario