David Michael Cunningham

Dave will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Joan (née Bissonnette), his cherished daughter Jennifer “Tuts” Figueira, son-in-law Alan Figueira, and his three adored grandchildren—Andrew, Ethan, and Emily. He is also survived by his sister Luella Jacobs, brothers Ken (Linda) and Glenn (Annette), as well as many close brothers- and sisters-in-law, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Clarence “Pie” Joseph (2010) and Cleo Geneva (née David) Cunningham (1985), both born in Cobalt, Ontario; his brother-in-law George “Jake” Jacobs (2007) of Sylvan Lake, Alberta; and his brother Terry Cunningham (2006) of Oshawa, Ontario.

Born on August 21, 1940, in Belleterre, Quebec—a small mining town—Dave moved with his family to Kirkland Lake in the early 1950s. There, he honed his hockey skills and formed friendships that would last a lifetime. The family later relocated to Toronto, where Dave lived for the rest of his life.

While working at the Toronto Stock Exchange on Bay Street, Dave met Joan, who worked at the pharmacy next door. They married in September 1967 in Joan’s hometown of Woodslee, Ontario. Much of Dave’s career was spent running Meadowvale Printing, a business he co-owned with two friends.

After he married Joan, he was fortunate to bring into this world “Tuts” who would bring much joy and pride to his life.

Dave had a lifelong love of sports, with hockey and golf being his true passions. Though small in stature, he was quick on the ice and full of personality. After moving to Etobicoke in 1957, he played for the Dixie Beehives Junior A Hockey League. One of the highlights of his hockey life was playing with the XKL Oldtimers—a talented team made up of friends from his Kirkland Lake days. Together, they competed in hundreds of tournaments across Canada and abroad, including in Scotland, Switzerland, and California. Wherever they went, laughter and camaraderie followed—and Dave was usually at the heart of it.

In later years, golf became his primary sport, and he played weekly with friends until he was no longer able. Hanging up his clubs was a difficult day.

Dave was truly one of a kind—always a leader, never a follower. He spoke his mind, loved a good party, and cherished time spent with his many friends and family. He lived an exceptional life, enriched by the people who surrounded him.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the incredible PSWs and nurses on the 3rd floor at Humber Valley Long Term Care Home, as well as to Dr. Katarina Lakovic and the home’s management team, for their outstanding care and compassion.

In accordance with his wishes, Dave will be cremated, and a celebration of life will take place this summer. In his memory, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Peel would be greatly appreciated.