David Herbert Hambleton

David is survived by his wife, Alix Campbell, his daughters Karen, Claire (Scott), Louise (Marco), Christina and Celeste (Richard), his grandchildren Brendan, Michael, Sam, Jennifer, David, Jessica, Alyshia, Ben, Madison, Noah, Tessa, Keeley, Tiffany and Taryn, his twelve great-grandchildren, and the mother of his children, Marian. He is predeceased by his father (Fred), mother (Florence), and brother (Brian). David was a man of many talents who made everlasting contributions to his profession, his community, and his family.

David was a prominent architect who trained at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London where he was awarded the Sir Bannister Fletcher Scholarship. In London, he worked on the restoration and reconstruction of war-damaged historic buildings. After immigrating to Victoria in 1958, David joined the Birley & Wagg partnership. In 1966, the practice became Wagg & Hambleton Architects until David’s retirement and closure of the practice in the early 2000s. David’s prolific architectural legacy includes an array of projects such as hospitals, recreation centers, schools, banks, office buildings, private homes, and residential buildings. As a major contributor to Victoria’s urban landscape, some of his most memorable projects include the Crystal Gardens restoration, the Royal Theatre restoration and additions, The Salvation Army building, the Oak Bay Marina, the Oak Bay Library and Seniors Centre, and several buildings at the University of Victoria. David was president of the Architectural Institute of BC in 1975 and of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) in 1980. In 1976, he was awarded a Fellowship by the RAIC, a rare honour bestowed for professional eminence and distinguished service.

David was an active community volunteer who served as chair of the Victoria Heritage Advisory Committee, Victoria Advisory Design Panel, Craigdarroch Castle Historical Museum Society, and Norfolk House School Board, and as president of the Rotary Club.

David’s artistic talent was not limited to his architectural designs. He was a remarkable painter, sketcher, sculptor, wood carver, and a beautiful flute player. Each year, friends and family looked forward to receiving David’s hand-painted Christmas card. He had a wonder and fascination for nature which was reflected in his beautiful watercolour paintings of flowers. Throughout his life, David enjoyed being active by running, motorcycling, golfing, cycling, walking, and kayaking. As an accomplished competitive runner at the Masters level, his wins included the LGRR Marathon in 1974 and the BC Cross Country race in 1976. David was a fashion aficionado who never left the house unless meticulously put together, and he once modeled for British Importers.

David’s daughters’ cherished memories of their dad include visiting relatives in England which featured traveling country roads in search of antique flat irons, vacationing in the station wagon to see family in California and Colorado, fishing at Oak Bay Marina, gardening together, riding on his motorcycle, listening to his oral fantasy stories, going on nature walks and bike rides, searching for frogs, laughing at hand-drawn cartoons, wearing incredible Halloween costumes that he made from scratch, eating ice cream at the Beacon Hill Drive-In, collecting pebbles and sea glass, carving kelp into little men, playing flute/piano duets at the big family Christmas gatherings, and reading his favourite book, Wind in the Willows. David will be forever remembered for his adventurous, loving and playful nature. May he rest in peace.

I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark or even eagle flew.

(John Gillespie Magee Jr.)

David’s family would like to extend a heart-felt thanks to the staff at Mount St. Mary Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made in David’s memory to Nature Conservancy Canada.