David Alexander Wilson

David was born on June 24, 1941, in Toronto, Ontario, the son of John R. M. and Lois Girvan Wilson. He is survived by his wife, Jane (Merriman); his son, Sean, and his wife, Erin (Downs); and his grandchildren, Briggs and Maggie. He is also survived by his brother Ross and his wife, Mickey, and their son, Alex; as well as his sister, Catherine Richardson, and her partner, Rory Kidd. He leaves behind cousins and a plethora of MRPs (Merriman-Related-Persons), who “showed up” in force and were instrumental in keeping David’s spirits up all the way to the end.

Education was central to David’s life. He earned degrees from Queen’s University (B.Com, 1964), the University of California, Berkeley (MBA, 1965), and the University of Illinois (Ph.D. in Finance, Accounting, and Economics, 1972).

His academic journey shaped his four different careers, a tenured faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin, a visiting professor at the Harvard Business School; a managing partner at Ernst & Young; CEO of Graduate Management Admission Council; and a director of multiple public companies and nonprofit organizations.

David’s professional life reflected his passion for education, mentorship, and leadership. He had deep, meaningful relationships that stood the test of time; and his friends, former students and colleagues were important to him. Throughout the years, he kept in touch with former students, via emails, cards, and visits.

After retiring in 2013, David and Jane left McLean, VA, and settled in Naples, Florida, where they had been “snowbirds” for the previous nine years. Their love of theater led them to Gulfshore Playhouse, where David served for many years on the board and as chairman of the finance committee. He was named Director Emeritus just months before his passing, an honor that meant a great deal to him.

For nearly five decades, he was a dedicated member and past Bailli Délégué of the Confrerie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the world’s oldest and largest international food and wine society.

Through the Chaîne, he and Jane made many more like-minded friends and travelled throughout Europe, South America and California visiting wineries. And drinking wine. Lots of wine.

Through his work with the Chaîne Education Foundation which helps fund the studies of aspiring hospitality and culinary students, he received an Honorary Doctorate of Oenology from Johnson & Wales University for his role in developing the next generation of culinary professionals.

David’s zest for life was immense. He was an avid reader of the Wall Street Journal, biographies, and spy novels. He delighted in simple pleasures like Bombay Sapphire, a Jimmy P’s rib eye, and mint chocolate chip ice cream. The daily WORDLE was the family’s way of checking in every day.

He loved running (until he couldn’t), golf, and cycling, both for the sport and the camaraderie. On his 70th birthday, he rode 70 miles and raised more than $70,000 for cancer research. He and Jane also enjoyed the many cycling vacations they took with Butterfield and Robinson.

Above all, David’s greatest love was his family. He adored Jane, his “girlfriend” and the love of his life. He treasured time with his son Sean, his best friend, especially on the golf course; was deeply grateful for his doting, medically savvy, daughter-in-law, Erin, and he enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Briggs and Maggie, thrive and become outstanding examples of empathy and decency while still being hilarious and fun-loving. He showed them, by example, the value of integrity, hard work, and community service.

He will be remembered for his intelligence, humor, leadership, unfailing kindness, and mentoring.

A celebration of David’s life will be held in the new year for his friends and family.

The family would like to thank AVOW Hospice for their compassionate care and support, especially Bridget, who became a friend. Also, to Omar and Sheila from Life Home Health, thank you for being the angels he and Jane needed those last hours.

No goodbyes for us - just “Bye for Now.”