November 10, 1934 – January 22, 2019
Lee, David Robert, Q.C. – David Lee died peacefully with his family by his side on January 22, 2019 after struggling with Parkinson’s Disease for over 15 years. Loving husband of Ruth for 60 years. Cherished father of Daniel (Teresa Wasiak-Lee); Sarah (Cameron Belsher); Stephen (partner Nancy Reinhart); and Deborah (Kevin Eldridge). Beloved grandfather of Kristen and Shane Belsher; Duncan, Adam and Robyn Eldridge; and Clare (David Adamcik). Loyal and valued friend. David practised law for 35 years in Dundas at Lee & Lee alongside his father D’Arcy. His clients appreciated his wise counsel. His colleagues considered him reliable and trustworthy. David was a multi-talented individual who was first and foremost a gifted pianist and composer. He also excelled at golf and his nearly 60 year membership at The Hamilton Golf and Country Club was very dear to his heart. He won many tournaments including winning the Club Championship 13 times over a period of five decades. As a Master Model Railroader, he spent his lifetime creating an elaborate model railroad in the basement of his home. In 2015 he and Ruth donated the entire layout to their alma mater, McMaster University. It is now located in the David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton for all to enjoy. Many thanks to the Dundas Model Railroad Club for their involvement in dismantling and relocating the layout to its new home. While pursuing his passions and in service as an active member of The Rotary Club of Dundas and a Master of Valley Lodge 100, David touched many lives and inspired many more. He was a fine gentleman who lived his life with integrity, a dry sense of humour, and a relentless desire for excellence. His love for his wife surpassed all other passions and was crucial to helping him cope with his debilitating illness. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Meadows Long Term Care Home for their care and concern. We are also deeply grateful to David’s private caregiver, Mariola, who faithfully and with great compassion helped David face his disease. We also wish to thank Dr. Misiaszek and Lisa for their guidance and wise medical advice. David had a strong Christian faith and was an active member of St. Mark’s United Church for 60 years. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received by the family on Friday, March 1 from 7-9 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Church (Governor’s Road) with David’s Memorial Service being held at the Church on Saturday, March 2 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David may be made to the Bell Fund of St. Mark’s United Church (1 Lyndale Drive, Dundas, Ontario, L9H 3L4 ) or to Parkinson Canada.
The Lord said unto him “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”.
KJV Matthew 25:21
A dear friend, colleague and neighbour growing up on Cayley Street in Dundas. David was dear to us, achieving many fine accomplishments. God Bless him.
My husband Tony Segato was in your home to help David with the trains. He always came home and said what a kind, helpful and accomplished gentleman he was. Sorry to hear of your loss. Pat & Tony Segato
We remember the years David played with the Band on keyboard. He was a brilliant musician and friend. Our sincere condolences from the Silver Swing Big Band.
My family back in Hamilton, Ontario just notified me of David’s passing and I was saddened by the news. I have lived in Arizona since 1991 and have lost touch with many of my old friends, including David. We enjoyed many rounds of golf together, both as opponents and teammates. We shared many similar interests including golf, the piano, stamp collecting and staying fit. To be honest, I idolized him; he always did everything just a little bit better than me. I remember enrolling in a fitness class many years ago that was conducted in the gym at Regina Mundi Elementary School on the west mountain. David had enrolled too. At the end of one class, the instructor had all the participants race around the indoor gym. At the end of the prescribed 8 laps, David and I were literally tied in first place. We had run shoulder to shoulder for the entire race. Without saying a word, he kept going at an even faster pace and I accepted his unspoken challenge and really got serious. I was fifteen years younger and had been on the Cathedral Boys track team in my youth. I would put this Mr. Lee in his place. Except I couldn’t shake him; we kept going around and around the gym at a dizzying pace. The class just stood in place, speechless, and watched this battle of wills. I finally had to stop: I was completely spent. We never said a word to each other but we both understood what had just happened and we both knew who had won. He was the consummate competitor.
I loved his sense of humor, his kind and supportive nature and unfortunately I’ll never have the chance to say goodbye to this wonderful person. I’ll be in Hamilton to watch the Canadian Open this summer and perhaps his memorial will be conducted around that time too. I would love to reconnect with his family again.
His was a life well lived. Love, Bobbi
Ruth & Family, Thinking of you and your family in your in time of sorrow with sympathy Bill Lawson
Ruth and family: Please know that others are thinking of you in this finality of your loss. I had the pleasure of camaraderie and service work with David in his last dozen or so years of his 30 plus years as an active member of The Rotary Club of Dundas, and especially of benefiting from his great gift of music. I remember his elegance, integrity, clarity of expression, care and concern, passion, and friendliness. May warm memories sustain and bless you. “Love never ends.” Gary Caldwell
I am thinking about you Ruth and wish to offer you my condolences with love
Hilda Rempel
Dear Ruth and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
Love
Woody and Gwen
So very sorry to hear of your husbands passing, Ruth. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. You always spoke of him with much love and I know he will be greatly missed.
Ruth – sending love and condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of “the train” in the basement, and playing duets with David in your lovely home. He was a wonderful person, and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. I am enjoying his CDs and play them frequently. Thank you again for those. Much love to you.
Dear Ruth, Dan, Sarah, Steve and Deb, I was so sorry to hear of David’s passing. I have many fond memories both musically and otherwise. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susan
David was a brilliant student when we went to school together. His model railroading hobby will cheer up many children and adults alike for years to come. He was a fine lawyer, musician, and citizen who made a significant contribution to making his community a better place.
Dear Ruth,
It is like yesterday when Caroline rehearsed with David for the first time at St Paul’s for a Christmas event.
You immediately invited Caroline to meet your family from Vancouver.
You and David chased after your love, straight away without interruption. What a world awaits us when we
all can live this Way. In sweet memory.
Ruth, you are in my thoughts. I wish I could do for you what you did for LeeAnn. Jim.
Dear Ruth,
I am very sorry to hear of David’s passing.
He was such a talented man, so distinguished.
I was so pleased to play some of his ragtime
music.
If you should want me to play any of his music for the memorial service
I would be most happy to do it.
Love and warmest sympathy,
Valerie Tryon
Paul Burns
Feb. 6,2019
David and I were childhood buddies and lived less than a block from each other. We were also students of Grace Cooper who taught piano from her home on South Street in Dundas. Together, we won the gold medal at the Kiwanis competition in duo pianos; I think we were 12 years old! Although our careers took us in different directions, David did some legal work for my family later in life. A very fine man. The world is diminished.
Like his father before him, David was a credit to the legal profession and a model of decency and good cheer. His many skills included the ability to choose his splendid life-mate and to father a spectacular family. I started missing David when I departed Canada eight years ago and will continue to remember him fondly forever.
Ruth,
Just read about David’s passing. My heartfelt condolences.