Mine was the pleasure & delight of meeting Dave when he joined our communication team in Toronto; a public relations co-op work term with Mount Saint Vincent.   The toss-up was constant; was it Dave or me who benefited more from our relationship?  I'd quickly suggest it was me.  Dave was smart, eager, quick to learn, fast to act, determined and immediately likable.  While I didn't have the privilege of meeting Krista and Bennett, I don't have to.  If Dave chose you as the center of his universe, you're beyond fine.  The news hit hard of Dave's passing.  He taught so many of us how to truly live & give -- beyond ourselves, beyond limitations and beyond the days we walk this earth.  May his dreams live on through those he touched so deeply.  We are many.   

I was so saddened to hear the news about Dave.  I met him over several summers as camp physician with Camp Goodtime and was inspired by his drive, humour, kindness, and passion.  I have fond memories of his serenading the medical staff at night with his guitar, and sharing his dream of a camp for ALL children with chronic illness.  I'm so happy his dream came true.  My sincere sympathy to his wife and family.  

Dearest Krista, Bennett, Sue, John, Mike and McKeage family, 
I was utterly devasted to hear the news of Dave’s passing and I wish there was some way we could all lessen the pain of loss you all must be feeling right now. I had the privilege of knowing Dave for almost 20 years (I think I saw his name in the cabin rafters of Camp Wapomeo as a camper before I even met him as a staff member of Camp Goodtime) and I know that although he is no longer with us physically, he will always be with you and with the thousands of people who he touched with his complete and total goodness. I was honored to be involved in some of his first excited discussions of Brigadoon and I feel comforted to know that thanks to this magical place, Dave and his spirit will never be forgotten. I am a much better person for having had Super Dave in my life. Wishing you all some comfort at this time. Much love to you all. 
Carla Molloy
Shanghai, China


Dear Krista, Bennett, family, and everyone.

There are so many things I could say.  Dave was a remarkable person. He was both my mentor and friend from the time I started at Camp Goodtime in Grade 12 - many years ago. His passion, drive, humility, humour, care for others and vision are something to which we all should aspire. I can say, personally, he was one of the most formative people in my life. 

He made an indelible mark on me. 

I'm glad I was able to spend a July afternoon in the summer of 2018 sitting in the backyard talking all afternoon about  life and just shooting the shit and periodically him pushing me and just laughing and being together. That afternoon will last with me forever. 

Matt

Matthew Knox

I was so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I was privileged to count him as one of my best friends during our teen years. I’ll never forget his tireless sense of humour, his infinite store of compassion, and how a room took on a brighter appearance with him in it. 

Dave and I drifted apart as we grew from boys into men, and pursued different paths in life. But although we lost contact, I didn’t forget him. I followed my dreams, as many young adults do. So did most of our other friends. But Dave spent his life chasing down dreams for others - sick children, who couldn’t chase them on their own. I can’t help but think that there is no better way to live one’s life, than the way he did. God bless you my friend, and my deepest sympathies to the McKeage family. 

Sue and Mike, such a lovely write up in the paper outlining the wonderful life Dave led, the exceptional person he was, leaving behind so many who loved him dearly.  I know you two have such a joy of life and a sensitivity to others, it seems that was in the family genes,  with your dear brother Dave. I didn't know Dave but certainly his legacy of Brigadoon is well known in Nova Scotia circles.  

Krista and Bennett,  my wife and I would represent so many who will hold you in our hearts as you now go through the  days ahead missing this remarkable person.  

John and Rozanne Webb

Dear Krista, Bennett & Family

Sending you my deepest condolences. I had the privilege of meeting Dave a few times & his kindness was immediately apparent. He has left a beautiful legacy behind with the establishment of Brigadoon. 

You're in my thoughts & prayers.

Sincerely,

Brendan Prince

Dear Dave,
I can't imagine what your family and friends are feeling right now. It hurts my heart. My sincere condolences for the loss they are feeling, my thoughts are with Krista and Bennett and to the McKeage family, friends and the Brigadoon community. I met Dave while going to University. We worked on a small team (Mikey, Ashlea, Amy and I) at the Trail Shop, to assist Dave when he was starting the Brigadoon office at its modest beginnings. This is where I learned about his passion for life, the music, the laughs, the kids, and most importantly the camp. Will never forget all that he taught us, especially about being mindful of what I say, read the room, know whom you're speaking to and that words have incredible power; with great power comes great responsibility. He truly was Super Dave! gone Irish. Although it was a brief time spent in the one year, it is a lifetime of memories to carry. Thank you. So many more reasons I'm thankful and I wish I could mention them all and share them with you. Before we finished our program, Dave asked us, Mikey, Ashlea, Amy and I, to take a photo giving him the finger?! After he explained the reasoning behind this request we all got on board and posed accordingly, well that's until I ruined the first attempt by posing in a rather incognito, well in my mind at least, and certainly inappropriate way; so we had to do it again. I can still hear him laughing at me after taking the photo and suddenly realizing what it was that I had done to require a retake. When I needed help with my academics, Dave helped me. Thank you. When we were nearing the end of our program with Dave and Brigadoon he gave us a parting gift. A Golden compass. As he so eloquently put it, this was for us to always find our way back to Camp Brigadoon and, I feel, to him. Emily Dickinson has a beautiful quote, "Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality." Dave, simply put you were a big bucket of win! You will be missed. Sláinte Agad-Sa

Our most sincere condolences from the Moore family. Your memory will live on strong through Brigadoon, where two of our children attend camp each summer. Knowing Mike, I enjoyed very much hearing the exciting updates on the building of Brigadoon and now, years later, the camp is and will continue to be, a legacy that represents the caring that Dave and the entire McKeage family have offered to all Brigadoon families. With gratitude and warm hugs to all. Jean, Craig, Griffen, Dylan & Rose

I was so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I have known Dave for as long as I can remember.  I will always remember his warm smile and genuine nature anytime I saw him when I came home to Halifax to visit. He is truly someone to be admired for his strength and determination.  

I have not been fortunate to have met his wife or son, but my heart goes out to you. We are all better people for having him  in our life. 

My sincere condolences. 

Brent

Dear Family,  sorry to hear about Dave.  I met Dave in high school and he was a great guy. 
Back in the day I used to enjoy seeing Dave and his father come into my work for their favourite bottle.   They would always have a chat about 'what's going on' sometimes causing a line up in my cash lane if they had a lot to say.  
They looked like they were good pals.

Rob G.

Heartbroken!  Our love, our thoughts and our prayers  are with you all. As each update came in from John our hopes were high. 
Patti, Mary, Jamie and Lainey are laughing and crying. They have memories of their times with Davey that Eddy amd I love listening to. Thank God for such wonderful memories. He brought a great deal of happiness and laughter into our lives.
Your auntie and uncle are thinking constantly of you all. You are forever in our thoughts  and prayers. 
Special love and thanks to Krista and Benny for bringing such love and joy to our boy.
Uncle, Auntie and the cousins


Dear Krista, Bennett and Family

David was truly a remarkable man.  Under the weight of a prolonged and  debilitating disease he accomplished more in his short lifetime than any human being could possibly hope for.  David never gave up in his personal battle and didn't know the word impossible when it came to founding Brigadoon.
Brigadoon will live on as David's legacy and demonstrate  profoundly to countless chronically ill children that you can make a difference regardless of how many road blocks life has thrown at you. 

Rest in Peace David, our lives have been immensely enriched by having known you.

Dear McKeage Family,

Our deepest sympathies on Dave's passing. He was truly a remarkable individual and certainly impacted so many peoples' lives through his Brigadoon vision.  I have known Dave since grade primary through junior high, high school and college and can't think of many people as positive and strong as he was.  

He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,
Jon Rankin & Family
Chapel Hill, NC


My deepest sympathy to the McKeage family. Dave was a wonderful man and I will never forget his smile and all that he has accomplished.

To Krista, Curtis and I are truly sorry to hear of Dave's passing. We only met you two a  few times but I'll never forget the first time! The doorbell rang at the Merry's  and all I heard was Dave singing at the top of his lungs. He had written a personalized song for John's birthday, His joy was infectious! We always felt like we knew you so well because John and Terry would talk about you like you were part of the family.  We are thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending our love Xo 

To Krista, Bennett and other Family members:

Phyllis and I offer our deep heartfelt condolences. It may help to know that we, like many others, I'm sure, who knew Dave,  share your grief intensely.

Dave was indeed  a visionary, but, even more than that, he had the passion, the determination and the persuasion to make his vision a reality. He was an inspiration  to many people.

Dave fought a very hard and courageous battle with a dreadful disease for most of his far-too-short life. Yet, he was able to build a legacy that in our estimation, is unequaled, in our lifetime.


A Super Human Being taken out far too soon.


We will miss him but, even in abstention, he will continue to be an inspiration.

Wally & Phyllis (Jarvis) 

Krista, Bennett and McKeage family:

I first met Dave when I was an IWK volunteer in 1998 writing an article about the IWK Pet Program. We shared a passion of letting kids be kids, even when in hospital. I was thrilled in 2001 when I started a job at the IWK and I got to work with Dave. I knew within a few minutes of meeting him in 1998 that he was a very special human. Wise beyond his years with a smile and a sense of humour that pulled you along without you even knowing it. 

I can’t even begin to imagine what the last days have been like for any of you. Dave was one of those humans I thought would live forever because what could possibly shorten a life with so much purpose, positivity, hope and love. 

I am so grateful that he:
- got to meet the love of his life
- got to be an awesome Dad
- got to realize his dream of opening Brigadoon

He may no longer physicially be with you, but make no mistake about it, he is everywhere around you. If you listen, you will hear his signature smile and laugher, If you look around, you will see all that he is still apart of.  If you take a quiet moment to stop and just be, you will feel his love surround you. Because of the positivity, love, laughter, enthusiasm and hope that oozed from every morsal of Dave, he will be with you every step of your journey. 

I have always believed that one should never pass up the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of one or the lives of many. This is how Dave lived his life. I feel privileged to have known such an amazing human being. His love will provide you an amazing invisible Super Dave cape to help you tackle the days, weeks, months and years ahead. 

Sincerely,
Kim Haughn



Dear McKeage family,

Sharing in your sadness as we remember Davie. Please accept our most healthful sympathies for your  loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Diane and Lew Thrasher ( McNally)

It is with great sadness Krista to say I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Thinking about you and your family. 

Dear Family,
I am deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. I met David a number of years ago when he shared his dream of Brigadoon with a group that I belong to "Around The Bend" . David's inspiration will live among every soul who was blessed to have met him.
May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
Sincere condolences,
Annette Wagner

Dear Krista, Bennett and the McKeage Family,
I was devastated to learn of Dave’s passing.  What more can I say that has not already been said about Dave in his beautifully written obituary; such a fitting tribute; multiple media interviews and innumerable, touching social media posts written by a wide circle of friends.
I first met Dave in 1996 when I took a new job at the IWK where we collaborated on a number of projects.  When I moved on to CCS our friendship continued through Dave’s leadership of Camp Goodtime and I then had the distinct honour and pleasure of serving as a founding board member of Brigadoon.  With three young children, a full time job and other volunteer commitments, juggling everything was a challenge.  With Dave’s support and understanding I sometimes brought my “gruesome threesome” along to Brigadoon meetings.  While this facilitated my engagement, it also enabled my children to witness and gain an understanding of Dave’s passion, selfless commitment, kindness and joyous outlook on life.  I am eternally grateful to Dave for sharing his many gifts with them.
Dave and I shared the honour and challenge of serving as caregivers to our elderly parents.  Throughout this experience we became a support group of two, navigating uncharted waters with as much grace as we could muster.
At a time when very little is making sense, we did the only thing that could make sense – making a contribution to Brigadoon – one of Dave’s many enduring legacies.  As I said during his tribute at the Art Gallery a few years ago – few in life dream big, even fewer realize those dreams – Dave did both.  I believe the finest tribute to Dave would be for all of us to be more like Dave, because this world of ours needs a whole lot more of Dave.
May your many treasured memories bring you some measure of comfort during this most difficult time of profound loss.
With our deepest sympathy,
Meg, Darrell, Emily, Cara and Neil McCallum


OBITUARY

David Mathew McKeage

3 May, 1969 – 30 December, 2018

JA Snow Funeral Home

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