April 11, 1932 – June 29, 1926

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 will be held at a later date.