David Arthur DeCoste

David was born in Halifax, NS, and spent his life building a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering love for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice DeCoste, his children Jonathan (Kelly), Danielle (Nathan), and Jeff, his cherished grandchildren Madeline, Owen, Gabriella, Charlotte, Isla, and Lincoln, and his siblings Beryl (Austin), Dianne (late Tom), Lynda (Ron), Sylvia (Don), Mike (Nancy), Cathy, and Yemane (Abby).

David built his career at Nova Scotia Power and Emera in Treasury and Finance. He led a team and earned a reputation as a talented practitioner of his trade and a fair and steady leader. He took great pride in his work and his team, and he instilled his strong work ethic in his children.

In retirement, David poured his time and energy into the things he loved. He traveled with Janice, kept fit, worked in the garden, and always had a project on the go at home, at the cottage, or helping his kids. Most passionately, he taught himself to play the guitar. Starting from scratch, he practiced every evening, playing music he loved with focus and feeling. He would get lost in it, singing along, and without even realizing it, often filled the house with sound. Janice will deeply miss hearing his guitar from down the hall. Over time, and with a bit of coaxing, he began to share a song or two at family gatherings.

The cottage on Sherbrooke Lake was his oasis, a labor of love, and a place of vision. He and Janice spent much of the year there, and he loved sharing it with his family. Whether he was building a garden shed, splitting wood, thinning the trees, or laying out a new plan, there was always something in progress. His favorite moments were taking the grandchildren out on the boat.

David was always active. In his younger years, he ran regularly, including the 10K commute home from work. He participated in the Rum Runners Relay to Lunenburg many times, and more recently took to cycling with Janice and friends. When Janice upgraded to an e-bike, he had his work cut out for him keeping up.

David and Janice recently returned from a tour of Italy, where they travelled the country from north to south. David especially loved the historical sites. An unexpected and meaningful moment came when they happened upon the Pope’s funeral procession, an experience that moved him deeply and made him reflect on how elated his parents would have been to witness it.

David approached everything he did with strong personal drive and determination. He held himself to high standards and met them with focus and persistence. With others, he was supportive and encouraging, always ready to help without judgment. Whether he was on the bunny hill with his grandchildren, talking through career paths with his kids, or lending a hand with a renovation project, David showed up with thoughtful questions that helped guide the process.

More than anything, David deeply loved his family. His devotion to Janice, his pride in his children, and his joy in being Boppy to his grandchildren were at the heart of everything he did.

Predeceased by his parents, Harold and Dorothy DeCoste, and his brother, Harold DeCoste.

A funeral service followed by a reception will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society (Breast Cancer Research).

David’s presence will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.