David Edwin Read

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Catherine Anne (McLeod); children, Rachael (David Sweeney), Andrew (Kimberley), Anne (Jay Robinson), Mary (Marc Chisholm), grandchildren; Catherine, Alexander, Victoria, Elizabeth, Lila, Ruby, Jack, Sarah, John-David, Daniel, and Annabelle; brother John (Cheryl); sister Sandra (Gordon Michael); and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He will be remembered for his tremendous optimism, fairness, generosity, and love for life.

David was an enthusiastic learner, leader, and person. His interests were wide and his knowledge was deep. He spent every summer of his childhood at Kennington Cove near Louisburg, Nova Scotia with his very large extended family. It was at Kennington Cove where he launched the first of his many businesses at the age of 19. He never lost his love of the ocean, waves, and old growth forests.

David studied Commerce at Mount Allison University. While at Mount Allison he was a member of the varsity swim team and served in the University Naval Training Division of the Royal Canadian Navy. His time at Mt Allison was transformative to him and he always held it close. He later served on its Board of Regents from 1980-1999.

Following his graduation in 1963, he founded Harbour Oils home heating company at a time when Cape Breton homes were converting home heating from coal to oil. He also took over the Coca Cola Bottling plant in Sydney where he was proud to make Atlantic Canada’s only Kosher Coke.

David married the love of his life, Catherine Anne, June 8, 1967. For David it was never all work; he was among the co-founders of the Ben Eoin Ski Hill where he and his new bride spent many hours with friends and family. Working in partnership with others and finding the best in everyone were among his greatest talents.

David was an entrepreneur at heart and was never satisfied with standing still. In 1971 he sold his Cape Breton business, and purchased the McDonalds restaurant licensee first in Sarnia, Ontario and later in Halifax. David was a McDonald’s licensee for 30 years. He grew from 1 restaurant to 18 restaurants and was the second largest franchisor in Canada with over 1000 employees. The team approach he developed is still widely used by McDonalds Canada. He won numerous awards within the global organization. It was under his leadership that Ronald McDonald house was opened in Halifax.

David enjoyed life and was so committed to his family, in particular his wife Catherine Anne. The most special times with his wife and family were exploring parts of Nova Scotia or the World with his keen sense of curiosity and adventure. His great story telling and experiences were so well enjoyed by all friends and family, he relished in “holding the floor” at countless family gatherings and time with friends. He had a keen interest in Rockwood pottery, exotic orchids, bee keeping, and gardening.

David was committed and passionate about Canadian politics. He was a life-long Tory and during Brian Mulroney’s second term, David was the head of fundraising for the Progressive Conservative Party for Canada. David was committed to a number of boards, charity work, and Saint David’s Presbyterian Church. He served as longtime member on Board of Mount Allison University, Board of Petro Canada, Board of Highliner Seafoods, Board of Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, Board of United Way and Board of University College of Cape Breton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald MacDonald House or Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation.

Visitation will be at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home on Monday, November 9th from 2-4 pm or 7-9pm, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, N.S. Memorial Service will be held at St. David Presbyterian Church at 11am on Tuesday, November 10th, reception to follow at the Waegwolitc Club.