David Henry Peirce

David Henry Peirce was born on September 8, 1941 at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario. David spent his childhood in Lindsay, Ontario with his parents, Harry and Dora Peirce, and his three siblings Eva, Alec, and Jim.

As a young boy, David took part in Cub Scouts and enjoyed playing team sports, particularly hockey. In his spare time he loved to read and collect classic comic books and occasionally, cause a little mischief. In high school, David played the Glockenspiel as a proud member of the Kawartha Kavaliers.

David enjoyed school and excelled in academics, skipping two grades along the way and graduating from the Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute in 1957. His favourite subject was history. He graduated from the Peterborough Teachers College in 1958 at the tender age of seventeen and began teaching at John A. Leslie Public School in Scarborough. Though a mere youngster himself chronologically, he was ready for the challenge, seeming to have been born to teach. After several years at John A. Leslie, David spent three years at the Scarborough Board office rising to the Assistant Director position, but then chose to return to the schoolrooms which he most loved, as the Principal at Cornell Jr. Public School. In the classroom setting, David was focused and persistent in his demands on his students and willingly coached for hours after school and on weekends, to help his students grow towards greatness as young adults.

David’s work ethic was unparalleled. David went on to obtain his Bachelor of Art degree from York University in 1968. He also pursued graduate school, earning a Master of Education degree from the University of Toronto in 1971 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from York University Osgoode Hall Law School in 1977. David also passed his Bar Admission Course from the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1979. After a few years of practicing law, David co-founded Peirce ◊ McNeely Associates. He proudly welcomed his son, John to his practice in 1991. He enjoyed working closely with John, his wife Johanna, and his co-workers whom he considered family. David practiced law until his retirement in 2012.

David would start every conversation, whether with a friend, client or stranger with a joke. Always interested in his friends’ activities and interests, David would remember someone expressing an interest in the seemingly most trivial of topics. You could not ask for a more loyal and generous friend than David. David's humour and curiosity were contagious for those around him and for many, he will be most missed for his infectious laugh and daily jokes.

On December 30, 1983 David exchanged wedding vows with Johanna Koppens at Victoria County Courthouse of Lindsay, Ontario. If there is one thing to remember about David, it is his generosity and love for his beautiful wife, Johanna. Johanna often commented that she needed to be careful what she asked for because David would have moved heaven and Earth to get it for her.

David was blessed with three children, two sons, John and Michael, and one daughter, Sarah, who affectionately called him ‘short man’. He was also blessed with a grandchild, William. David's remarkable patience and love for learning influenced his relationship with his children. He was exceptionally proud of all of his children and loved to share their most recent accomplishments with friends and family.

Since David was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. His favourite hobbies were reading, stamp collecting, slot car racing, gardening, cooking, and wood working. He also enjoyed building and collecting model cars. He was a superior pianist and enjoyed hosting an annual Christmas sing-song for friends and family with Johanna. While his favourite animal was always the otter, he was passionate about his pond and aquarium fish.

David's eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. During high school, David played hockey, basketball, and volleyball. He continued to play hockey throughout college for the ‘Pinks’ and into his 60s before taking on the role of coach, making lifelong friends along the way. He loved taking Johanna and his three kids to Maple Leaf Gardens to watch the Maple Leafs and enjoy a meal at the Hot Stove Club. He also enjoyed playing pool, golfing and taking his kids swimming and outdoor skating. David was a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity.

David’s talents, strong values, work ethic, and generosity were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in any situation. Throughout his later years, David was an active member of the Rotary Club and Aurora Canadian Legion and proudly served on the Aurora Committee of Adjustment and Aurora Cemetery Board. He remained an active member of these organizations until the summer of 2013.

David served as a past president of the Ontario Volleyball Association and was a founder of the Scarborough Solars Volleyball Club, which became the largest and most successful in the country. He also generously provided time and legal council for many Provincial Sport Organizations and other community organizations such as the Aurora Fire Brigade and Aurora Minor League Hockey Association. He made close friends through all these organizations.

With all of his talents and ingenuity, it is no surprise that David received public recognition for his long list of achievements accumulated throughout his life. One of his most prestigious awards was the Special Achievement Award presented by the Province of Ontario for distinguished contribution to the field of fitness and amateur sport.

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued David. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for David to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. He deeply loved his country and was both proudly and fiercely Canadian through and through. As such, his favourite vacations included going to the Canadian Rockies with Johanna, Michael and Sarah in 2000 and then taking the family to the Canadian East coast in 2001.

David passed away on September 5, 2013 at 1940h at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Services were held at Thompson Funeral Home, Aurora, Ontario. David was laid to rest in the Aurora Cemetery, Aurora, Ontario. To his children, David taught generosity, loyalty, humility, how to laugh and joke, and how to love. Every action they take, every patient they care for, every client they meet, every student they teach, every person they hug, and every joke they tell there is a bit of David there and this is how he will live on. Despite his lengthy medical history, including being a multiple time cancer survivor, the part of David that was never at risk, which never weakened or faltered, was his big heart.

* * * * * * * * * *

PEIRCE, David Henry – Former Educator/Lawyer

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of David Henry Peirce, longtime resident of Aurora, on Thursday September 5, 2013 at Southlake Regional Health Centre. Beloved husband of Johanna Koppens. Loving father of John (Sarah), Michael (Katie) and Sarah (Aaron). Papa Peirce to William. He will be sadly missed by many relatives and friends. Visitation will be held at the Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, 905-727-5421 on Monday September 9 from 2-4pm & 6-8pm and on Tuesday September 10 from 10am until the time of the funeral service at 11am.

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made at www.thompsonfh-aurora.com