David Fenwick Wilson

He is predeceased by his former wives, Elneta McAlister, Barbara Thompson Berryman, and Susan Miller Lee. He is survived by step-children Valerie (Gregory) Tanner of Conquerall Mills NS, Tony (Juanita) Berryman of Invermere, BC, Brian (Annette) Berryman of Braunschweig, Germany, John Lee of Halifax, Mark (Darlene) Lee, Victoria, BC, Simon (Linda), Halifax, 13 step-grandchildren, and three step great grandchildren.

A lifelong musician and music educator, he held degrees from 3 distinguished US universities, moving to Canada in 1957. In 1963, he began work at Dalhousie University, and in 1968, became the founding chairman of the Dalhousie Department of Music. He taught music history and choral conducting, directing the university’s vocal and instrumental early music groups, producing with them annual performances of baroque opera. He was co-founder of the Early Music Society of NS in 1980, and founding President of the summer music festival Musique Royale in 1985. He wrote and published 2 books. The first, in 1990 “Music in the Middle Ages, Style and Structure was accompanied by 2 eminent early music groups from England giving voice to his musical selections. His second book, “English Notation of the Thirteenth and early Fourteenth Centuries came out in 2007. After retirement, he became Music Director and Organist at St. James Anglican Church in Halifax, director, violinist, and friend of the Halifax Baroque Ensemble. He was active on boards of several musical organizations. He received several awards for his work in developing music in Nova Scotia. They included Cultural Federations of N.S. 1993, for his distinguished contributions to the arts, Mainland North Champion Award 2011, tremendous contribution to the lives of others through music, and in 2015, a commemorative concert by the Early Music Society and Dalhousie. In 2018, at 89 he retired from his position at St. James Anglican Church,, 26 years from his retirement from Dalhousie. As per his instructions, he has been cremated. Ashes to be interred at another time.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 2668 Joseph Howe Dr, Halifax, NS on Friday July 25, 2025 at 11:00am.