April 11, 1932 – June 29, 2026
David died peacefully on June 29, 2026 in Hamilton after a full 94 years. A scientist by nature and by profession, he led a life of much curiosity, and offered wisdom and knowledge to colleagues, students, family and friends alike. He was born in Edgeware, England, followed by his sister Jan two years later. When World War II broke out, he and Jan were sent to Montreal through the Rotary Club for safety. He graduated from the University College, London, England and then moved back to Canada to teach in the Physics Department at McMaster University in 1959. A renowned crystallographer, he was a long-time member of the American Crystallographic Association.
Outside of his professional life, he loved baroque music, was an avid coin collector writing for well-known numismatic journals, and enjoyed creating his natural gardens. He was devoted to all things family, spending decades in pursuit of the family genealogy, a feat which found titles back as far as the 14th century. In addition, as a 60 year member of St. James Church, Dundas, he was continually interested in the connections and contradictions between science and religion.
He is predeceased by his wife, Mariana, and his sister, Jeannette. He leaves behind three daughters, Elizabeth (Larry), Catherine (Rob), and Alison (Alex), as well as six grandchildren, Mike, Sezen, Allan, Sandy, Isobel and Jenny and two great-grandchildren Violet and Hazel and his special friend Eileen Shea.
In keeping with his advocacy on social justice, donations on his behalf can be sent to the Guatemala Stove Project (guatemalastoveproject.org)
A Celebration of Life at St. James Church, Dundas On August 8, 2026, Visitation 10am Service at 11am followed by a reception.
Cat and family, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your dad. He was clearly a much-loved man, and I know how much he meant to you. I hope you can find comfort in the love of your family and in the many wonderful memories you shared with him. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family during this incredibly difficult time. If there’s anything I can do—whether it’s listening, helping out, or just being there—I’m only a phone call away. Sending you my love and heartfelt condolences.
We lost a Mentor, Friend and a Role Model Figure!
We loved David and we will cherish the memory of him.
He was an outstanding personality; all the Crystallographic community will remember his leadership and open mind attitude forever.
Our condolences to his beloved Family.
Hanna and Antek
As a member of the W.I.W.W.T.S., David showed his humorous side. Hi was also very talented in other areas beside his professional side. He loved discussions on almost any topic. Being on a narrow boat with Marianna and David was a trip to never forget.
Condolences to the Family
It was really sad to learn of David’s passing. He was a longterm crystallography colleague and friend of mine, particularly when I lived in Ottawa. Later in our careers we worked together on the development of the Crystallographic Information File and his patient methodical approach to this work, and the subsequent dictionaries, was invaluable and essential. He will be greatly missed by his many colleagues and friends in science. Salutamus te