David John Donaldson

David John Donaldson, age 87, of Vancouver, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

David was born on July 5, 1938, in Peterborough, Ontario, to the late Kay and John Donaldson. From an early age, he developed a deep love of music, studying piano to Royal Conservatory Grade 12 and performing in local dance bands during high school—a passion that remained with him throughout his life.

After completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics at the University of Toronto and earning his Ph.D. at Stanford University, David joined the University of British Columbia, where he served as a Professor of Economics for 34 years. His teaching ranged from first-year engineering classes of over 200 students to seminar courses in Marxist economics, as well as two years in Arts One—an interdisciplinary program exploring foundational works of literature, history, and philosophy, often at the pace of a major text each week. The program’s creative component helped inspire his own journey into musical composition.

David was also an accomplished scholar who collaborated extensively with colleagues, producing a substantial body of peer-reviewed articles and research papers. His work includes the book Population Issues in Social Choice Theory, Welfare Economics, and Ethics (2005).

David attended Stanford University during the 1960s, a decade shaped by the Civil Rights and peace movements. This period influenced his lifelong commitment to social justice and to a world that prioritizes peace over war.

He had wide-ranging interests, including detective fiction, science, philosophy, technology, and cooking. He stayed active throughout his life—running, cycling, swimming, and later walking—and enjoyed thoughtful political discussion whenever the opportunity arose. A longstanding member of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, David sang in the choir and spent time at Naramata and Seabeck summer camps.

Music was central to his life. He was an enthusiastic listener and performer, playing several instruments including piano, synthesizer, recorder, and penny whistle. He performed with local early and folk music ensembles and composed original music for special occasions.

At home, he cherished weekly Sunday family dinners, a tradition we maintained over many years.

David is lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Diane; his children, Jesse, his wife Shelley, and Tobias; and his step-granddaughter, Ashlyn. He is also survived by his brother Brian and his wife Rosemary, his cousins Sheila and Roberta, and many extended family members and cherished friends.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Broadway Lodge and the medical team at Vancouver General Hospital for their compassionate care. David will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his egalitarian spirit, quiet generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

A celebration of David’s life will be announced at a later date.

More photos of david can be found at: https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://photos.app.goo.gl/AxoYqAuGxxSjmffi7__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!LiwCusv6F_fwzdoho1_O5f3RxWi32-0b1CEpw2njrihCd_lh1Lc_yPuAIC2JH83G3sCeiNtWaj4gA2CRR_ZOLimjAV4IwNSPzYym2Q$