Memorial Obituary

In Loving Memory of David John Howard Kelsey

May 7 th 1942 - July 10 th 2026

David died peacefully on the morning of Friday, July 10 th , following less than 24 hours in

the care of Trillium Hospice, Parksville with his wife, and Son by his side. His Daughter,

Grandson and Sister had visited with him at home the day before.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Louise,

by their Son Peter (Kaley) and Daughter Angela (Paul Foers), Grandsons

Daniel and Aidan, and younger Sister, Margaret (Julius) and extended family.

David was born in Nairobi, Kenya to Parents, Dr. Henry Kelsey and Lois Kelsey, who

were medical missionaries at that time. On returning to Yorkshire, England the family

lived in Bradford and Scarborough until they emigrated to B.C., Canada in 1958. David

completed high school in New Westminster.

David went straight into the field of printing and paper, working in the office of Crown

Zellerbach Paper Company, Belkin Packaging then Evergreen Press, followed by Coast

Paper and completed his career at TRIUMF, UBC. His colleagues enjoyed his company

and lunch break jokes!

In 1974, David married the love of his life, Louise, recently arrived from England to work

as an Occupational Therapist at the Vancouver General Hospital’s Health Centre for

Children. Soon after, the couple bought their home in Kerrisdale, Vancouver where they

lived happily making many improvements and raising their two children. In 2007, on

retirement, they moved to their home in Qualicum Beach.

David lived for his holidays and in his early 20’s took up skiing to escape the dreary

Vancouver winters. He was a founding member of the Whistler ski cabin on Green Lake;

He quickly became an expert skier and progressed to helicopter skiing. He also

developed a passion for cars and racing and was an enthusiastic follower of Formula 1.

His especially loved British cars and owned Jaguars and MG’s through his life and

belonged to the Old English Car Club gaining and sharing his knowledge about his

favorite vehicles. Meticulously researched anything he planned to purchase, making

sure he got the best deal.

He was happiest on the water and owned several watercrafts over the years from a

catamaran sailing out of Jericho sailing club in Vancouver, kayaks, windsurfers,

inflatables and his much loved and admired little cabin cruiser, Grasshopper! Several

longer voyages across the Atlantic and Pacific were taken on cruise ships and his love

of travelling took the couple several times to New Zealand, also the Cook Islands, Tahiti,

Malta, France, Portugal and of course England many times. Exploring Canada and

particularly BC as well as visits to the USA West Coast and New Mexico were much

enjoyed. He always could find the best bakeries and coffee spots in the small towns.

David enjoyed riding his bike most days and when he could no longer do that

he gained enormous pleasure in his final months riding his electric Terra Trike.

Bravely determined, using his last burst of precious energy, he managed a short ride on

the day before he passed away. with his Grandson Daniel running behind to keep

watch!

David had the ability to make lifelong friends, he was kind and thoughtful,

a true gentleman, interesting and interested in a wide variety of topics. He researched

history and preferred to read non-fiction. He had a strong Christian faith and followed

the traditions and music of the Anglican Church which he supported throughout his life

in many ways.

People enjoyed his company and conversation; he was funny and had a wonderfully

distinctive sense of humor.

He was a much-loved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and friend

to many and we were all truly blessed to have him in our lives. He will be remembered

always and missed dearly.

The family wish to thank the Oceanside Palliative Care Team for their compassionate

and consistent care and support during David’s final weeks.

A service of Thanksgiving to honor David’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Anglican

Church in Qualicum Beach on Saturday, September 26 th at 1.30 pm.