Mr. David Naveen Sharma

David Naveen Sharma, born January 18th, 1935 in Navua, Fiji, passed away after a long and courageous health battle, on September 4th, 2024.

Naveen is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Savitri Devi Sharma, and his dedicated children, Jake (Nicole), Nick (Devi), Roger (Jean), and Reema (John). His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Varsha (Jason), Devin (Sonia), Aaron, Peter, Liam, David, and Raychil, who were his pride and joy.

Naveen is also survived by his sisters, Sarla (David), Sheila (Vijay), and Pratima (Gurdayal). He was met in heaven by his parents, Pandit 1st Deo Sharma and Chabraji Sharma, brother Rishi (Krishna), and sisters, Kamla (Shiu), and Vimla (Ram).

Naveen was born under the sun and along the river, palm trees swaying in the breeze, the salt of the ocean and orange trees perfuming the air. Naveen spoke of his affinity for Navua often, telling his children and grandchildren endless stories of his life in Fiji. Naveen worked hard as an auto mechanic in Suva, a city where he also fatefully met the love of his life, Savitri. After working hard in both Fiji and New Zealand, Naveen was inspired to carve a new frontier, setting his sights on Vancouver, Canada.

In July 1964, Naveen courageously sailed across the Pacific, ultimately choosing to settle in North Vancouver’s Deep Cove - a city he loved and called home for 60 years. He loved the towering red cedars in his backyard, and the view of Indian Arm from his upper deck, affectionately known as “David’s Treehouse.” Naveen was also responsible for bringing many of his family members to Canada from Fiji, so they too could build their lives in this new country.

Naveen worked hard in his new homeland, employed first by Jim Pattison on Main Street, then as a real estate agent. Never content, Naveen furthered his career by becoming a Life Insurance Broker for Manulife, and later, a Life Insurance and Investment Advisor for HUB Financial. Throughout his career, Naveen was revered in the community for his insightful financial advice, care, and honesty.

When Naveen wasn’t working hard, he was travelling to various tropical destinations around the world, his favourite of all being Hawaii. He also had the utmost love for his vacation home in Birch Bay, Washington, a place where he could do all of his favourite things: sing, dance, have a drink, and most important of all to him, spend time with his family.

Naveen will be remembered by his family for his sharp wit and humour, his benevolent philanthropy to various community groups, his plentiful vegetable and flower garden, his treasured Cadillac, his love of public speaking and speeches, his closet full of Fiji shirts, and of course, a good scotch.

Naveen will also be remembered for his bravery, resilience, and steadfast beliefs. He may have had a tough exterior, but those fortunate to know and love him knew that inside, he had a heart of pure gold.

We will love you forever, our Husband, Dad, Aja, Nana. Forever wouldn’t have been enough days with you.

Service details can be found below.

Friends and guest are also encourage to leave messages of condolences, share fond memories or upload photos below.

And for those sending flowers, please have them delivered to Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 12th no later than 2:00pm.