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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KILLAM, David (Dave) - passed away peacefully on April 9 with family by his side.
Dave was born in Montreal in 1934 to Bill and Kay Killam. In 1944 the Killam family moved to Point Grey where they settled with their growing family. Summers were special for Dave and his five younger brothers - full of beaches, boating and adventures. Young Dave was known for designing and building wooden boats.
After a time in the Navy, Dave attended UBC where he was lucky to meet the beautiful Elaine Collins, who became his wife of 58 years. Dave graduated from UBC in 1959 with a degree in Engineering Physics and moved back East again to join Ontario Hydro. Dave and Elaine were married in June 1960, and she joined him in Cooksville, Ontario where Debbie and Chris were born. The family enjoyed camping and kayaking.
In 1966 Dave and Elaine moved back to Vancouver, and settled in Tsawwassen where Geoff and Lori were born. His family enjoyed summers at Gambier and Phillimore Point. In 1997, Dave and Elaine retired to their dream home in North Saanich on Vancouver Island. Retired life included travel, ballroom dancing, model boat building, and time with family and friends.
Dave was particularly creative. He is fondly remembered for building "pully slides", boats and unique pools; and he designed his family home both in Tsawwassen and later in North Saanich.
Known for his philanthropy, Dave impacted many lives within both his family and his community. Dave volunteered with the Boy Scouts, building kayaks and canoes with them in the family garage, and taking the boys on camping adventures. Later he became involved with IDEA, Big Brothers, and generously supported local community initiatives. He was an active member of APEGBC (Professional Engineers and Geoscientists), Society of Plastics Industry Canada and more. In 1998 he was recognized by APEGBC with their Community Service Award.
Dave was predeceased by his wife Elaine in 2018, and is survived by his brothers, Tom, Peter, Rick and James; and by his children, Debbie, Chris (Irwin), Geoff (Marla) and Lori; his grandchildren, Kelsey (Oliver), Leanne, Karmin, Michelle, Jonah (Ro), Emily, Claire, Alora, Lily and Alex; and his great-grandchildren, Jax and Grace.
Dave will be sorely missed by his family and friends, and we are very fortunate to have loved him. A reception will be held at the house on May 31 from 1-4 pm to share memories of Dave. (The Vancouver Sun & The Province 24 Apr 2025)
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