David Anthony Currie

CURRIE, David Anthony — 59, died suddenly on March 3, 2011, at his residence on South Street. Born in Halifax, he was a son of Derek and Yvonne Currie. He received his education at St. Thomas Aquinas School and St. Mary's University, where he graduated in 1971 with a BSc in Mathematics. Immediately after graduation he accepted an offer from Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO) to go to Sierra Leone, West Africa as a project coordinator and a teacher. He thus began a career with various humanitarian organizations including CPAR and CARE which took him to Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola, the Sudan and Kenya. David had also worked for organizations including Oxfam, the Canadian Mental Health Association and MISA. His most recent position was with the United Nations in Sierra Leone as a Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer until 2002, at which point he moved back to Halifax where he remained until his death. Since early childhood, David showed concern for the plight of people in the Third World countries and hoped to be able to alleviate some of the problems when he finished his education. This he did admirably and his parents are so very proud of his accomplishments in this area. David was an avid reader, especially in the area of quantum physics, metaphysics and astronomy. He was also a music lover. The Beatles held a special place in his heart; he spent many happy hours playing his guitar along with their music. David was a loving big brother to his three brothers and one sister. He loved his children dearly and was very proud of their achievements. He will be greatly missed by his parents, siblings, children and grandchildren. David is survived by his parents; brothers, Steve (Brenda), Don (Lynn), Halifax; Tom (Stacey), Sydney; sister, Margaret (Phil), Ottawa; and children, Jacqueline Gates (Murray), John (Lindsay), Julie, Halifax; as well as Brianna and Yvonne, Africa; and grandsons, Harrison and Owen, Halifax. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J. A. Snow Funeral Home. Visitation will be today, March 7th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated by Father Roberto Donato Tuesday, March 8th at 11 a.m. in St. Theresa's Church on Seaforth Street. Burial following the ceremony will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to UNICEF or charity of choice.