David James Tyrrel

TYRREL, David James - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of David James Tyrrel on Sunday, November 1, 2026 after a long illness with Pulmonary Fibrosis, which he fought with courage and dignity.

David leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 50 years, Penny, with whom he had two precious daughters, Sarah Bince (Ryan) and Rachel Bouchard (Dustin). His pride and joy were his beloved grandchildren, Molly, Charlotte and Russell Bince and Chelsey and Brooklyn Bouchard.

David was born on April 9, 1944 in the village of Kirton, Lincolnshire, England. His parents were the late Molly and Jim Tyrrel. David came to Sault Ste. Marie in May 1945 with his war bride English mother and his Canadian father. Following his father's death in an Ontario Provincial Air Service plane crash in 1950, David was raised and educated in England along with his brothers, late Geoffrey (Leila) and late Peter (Lyndis).

His parents-in-law were the late Linda and Russell Craggs. David also leaves behind Penny's brother, Peter Craggs and sister-in-law Carole Craggs, as well as nephews James Tyrrel (Sophie) and Stephen Craggs (Caroline) and niece Hannah Oakes (Jonathan).

David started his teaching career in Crawley, Sussex, England and returned to Sault Ste. Marie, where he had previously lived from 1945 to 1950. A dedicated teacher, he taught grades 6 to 8 in several elementary schools for the Algoma District School Board before retiring in 2005 after 40 years of teaching.

Over the years he enjoyed, most of all, spending time with family but also travelling abroad, golf, curling, Greyhounds hockey, song lyrics, all genres of music and church. David was involved in the life of St. Luke's Cathedral for 50 years.

David once said the arc of his life was one of very few regrets. (Calm is my feeling, at rest is my soul, the tears are all wiped from my eyes - Bob Dylan, The Lone Pilgrim).

The family sends heartfelt thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the Algoma Residential Community Hospice (A.R.C.H.) and Dr. Karen Booth who filled his final months with exceptional care, compassion and dignity. We will never forget you. You are all angels on earth.

Friends and family are invited to gather for a Memorial Service at St. Luke's Cathedral (160 Brock Street) on Saturday, November 7th at 11 am, Rev. Elizabeth Sipos officiating, with interment in the Columbarium following the service. All are invited to gather following the service at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East) immediately following the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments.

Memorial contributions made payable online or by cheque to St. Luke's Cathedral or A.R.C.H. would be greatly appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Tyrrel family.