David Maxwell Thom

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of David Maxwell Thom, on October 13th, peacefully and surrounded by family.

David was born the second of five children, to parents Murray and Joanne, in Kitchener, Ontario in the year 1950. His architecture journey began in 1975 at the University of Toronto, which included an apprenticeship with Richard Rogers and the opportunity to work on Paris’ Centre Pompidou.

In 1975, David joined the Toronto-based firm IBI, where he ascended quickly up the ranks–first as an associate in the firm’s Edmonton office and then onto Vancouver, where he steered the company through exponential growth and seismic changes in technology.

Colleagues recognized David’s supernatural ability to intuit trends in urban planning and construction. Though a consummate designer, his true gift was connecting with clients and understanding their needs.

Beyond his professional laurels, David will be remembered for his indefatigable support of his colleagues and an ability to recognize and cultivate talent with patience and wisdom.

He leaves behind his wife, Juli, and their six children–Jennifer, Benjamin, Devon, Adrienne, Julian and Eliza. As well, he’s survived by his eight grandchildren–Delilah-Rose, Arthur, Moira, Harry, Penny, Nina, Beau and Rex. As well, he is survived by his four siblings, Heather, James, Keith and Hilary, and former wife Vivian.

Mourners may pay tribute to David’s life on Wednesday, October 25th, 2:30 p.m., at the following location:

611 Alexander Street (Suite 118), Vancouver

Please be advised parking at the venue is extremely limited and guests are encouraged to arrive via taxi.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks instead for donations to the Vancouver General Hospital ICU, which took great care of David in his final days.