Louis James David

On Sunday August 1, 2021 Louis James David, known by most as Lou, passed away on his 83rd birthday. The day was no mistake, he was a numbers guy, and wanted to leave this world, balanced, not a day here or there. Our family finds comfort in knowing he did it his way, and that he was able to visit with family in the last few months either in person, by phone, video chats and messages.

Lou’s life was characterized by hard work, starting from the young age of 14 driving his first oil truck for Shell Oil. Years of trucking followed, he owned his own businesses and had many opportunities to share his love of trucks and hauling, up until his retirement at almost 70. As a young man he left truck driving for a short time and moved to Courtenay to work at the Royal Bank, the love of numbers being what carried him as a successful business owner. In 1959 he met and married the beautiful girl from the Scotiabank across the street and Lou and Lucile (Lu) were married on October 3, 1959. Trucking was in his blood and it was not long before he left banking to go back to hauling fuel in the north. The family moved around, Rick, Colleen and Gary were all born in different places, but in 1962, Port Hardy and the North Island was the place Lou and Lu settled down to raise their family.

Many friends to this day make up the fondest of memories of a life on Airport Road. In 1987 Lou and Lu moved back to Courtenay and a new path as the life of a farmer. He loved showing cattle and meeting people in the cattle industry. Farming was second to building the beautiful house and gardens that many have come to enjoy over the years and where we all find comfort in the oasis, beauty and peace of both parents' hard work. The farm has been the place where grandkids and great grandkids could come and play without worries and where memories of tractor rides, the most amazing HO scale train room, and the pride he had for what was built by hand, evident in how he told the stories.

He never messed around with having things he enjoyed, and he filled his time with fixing machines, Louis Amour pocketbooks, lawn mowing, trains, Blue Jays baseball, scratch and win tickets, camping with old friends, a good halibut and fries, a beer and the dogs.

Lou is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Lucile, their children, Rick, Colleen and Gary and families, his brother Bill, two sisters, Diana, Eleanor and in addition to, his best friend of over 75 years Jim Gordon. His legacy of hard work and love of farming lives on through his three kids, ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

Our family is thankful for the many nurses at Cumberland Dialysis clinic, Dr Crowe, and Dr Carson for their patient and dignified care of him. To the many that have sent cards, texts, emails, etc. we appreciate your kind words. There will be no service by request, flowers are gratefully declined, any donations if you so wish can be made to the Canadian Kidney Foundation in his honor.

A man is a success...

When the sentiments shared tell of respect, honor,

of helping others,

being stubborn enough to be called strong,

and the infinite love for his wife, children and family.

Of one who enjoyed simple moments like mowing lawns,

appreciation for a home grown strawberry,

And the anticipation of the dogs welcoming him home.

A good Blue Jays game, or a visit from his kids, grands, and greats.

A man that gave and gave the best he had.

Success is no accident, it is hard work, and sacrifice.

Thanks Dad, we got this...