David James Wyse

David James Wyse was a natural leader whose presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. He possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting. David always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, David was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

David was born on March 30, 1957 at Dublin Ireland Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. His parents were James and Maura Wyse. David was raised in Preston, Ontario. Armed with a great wit, David was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

David was able to relate well with others. He was raised with one sibling, a younger brother named Stephen. David had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a child, David showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. David enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in track and field and hockey. In his spare time he could be found building forts and watching TV “Dusters”.

Known to others as a focused, open-minded individual. David’s curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Preston High School in 1975.

When the goal of college was in sight, it became important to David. Again, his direct, “down to earth” approach served him well. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his associate degree in Architect-Drafting, and a Red Seal equivalent in Carpentry.

Friends and acquaintances found David an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would look forward to his friendly style of communication. David was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were John Kelly, Kevin Bartley and Glen Davidson.

A talker with an engaging personality, David was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humour to the relationship.

David had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. David and Susan shared their lives together for 20 years. Love can't be defined but must be experienced, that was so true for David.

Very much like a kid himself, David identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. David was blessed with two step-sons, Justin and Nathan.

A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, David’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He was able to positively direct situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. David could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was as a Master Builder. He was employed for 25 years as the President/Director of Reno King Construction Ltd.

David enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were guitar, music, dancing and boating. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but preferred to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, David was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, David played baseball and excelled at track and field. Recreational sports included kick boxing, boxing and running.

David was a problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him an asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done. Throughout his later years, David was an active member of the Variety Village, Twin Dragon and GTHB Association.

David was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was active and giving in his community. David was an active participant, supporting several community groups including, The Terry Fox Run, Variety Village Weight Lifting Club and Alzheimer’s Society.

David held faith in values that encompassed human dignity and integrity. He did not have a sexist, racist, homophobic bone in his body.

From a child building forts, to an adult Master Builder, David’s most fulfilling, public recognition was earning the Toronto Home Builders Renovation and Custom Home Award in 2000.

Travel and vacations were experiences that David truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favourite vacations included Machu Picchu, Amazon, Venezuela, St. Lucia, the Mediterranean and of course Ireland.

David was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of David’s favourites was Breeze, a Staffordshire Terrier. They were best friends for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his cat Pooey and various tropical fish.

David passed away on February 22, 2015 at the Princess Margaret Hospital - Toronto, Ontario from complications of Kidney Cancer. He is survived by his wife of 20 years Susan, his children Justin and Nathan, his brother Stephen (Hilde) and his nephews Evan, Jake and Sean. Services were held at St. Clements Roman Catholic Church - Cambridge, Ontario. David was laid to rest in Park Lawn Cemetery Cambridge, Ontario.

David was the kind of person who could win others over easily. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If David had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Kick Start My Heart.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember David James Wyse.

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David passed away peacefully at Princess Margaret Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

Dave is survived by his wife Susan of 20 years. Father to Justin and Nathan, brother to Stephen (Hilde) and uncle to Evan, Jake and Sean.

Born in Dublin Ireland, Dave lived his life to the fullest.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 27th, 2015 at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650) from 6-9pm. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day on Saturday, February 28th, 2015 at St. Clements RC Church, 745 Duke Street, Cambridge at 10:30am.

Till we meet again…