David Allen Zayonc

It is with profound sadness that the family of David Allen Zayonc announces his passing. After a valiant battle with Glioblastoma our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend passed away on October 8, 2025 at 3:15 AM - 21 months and 12 days post diagnosis.

He is survived by and deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, Kelly; sons Lucas (Liz); Joshua (Jessica) and daughter Lauren (Ryan). He is also survived by his mother Olga and brothers Rick (Anne) and Bob (Sharon); Mother in law Noreen Cooper; sister in law Cheryl MacFadyen (Ken); brother in law Jim Cooper and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is predeceased by his father Louis Zayonc and father in law Glen Cooper.

Dave was born on October 31, 1962 in New Westminster, BC, the third and youngest son of Olga and Louis Zayonc. He was raised in Surrey attending MJ Shannon, Len Shepherd, and Queen Elizabeth schools. His work ethic and enthusiasm made him an excellent student and athlete. He spent many hours in his youth lifeguarding for the City of Surrey, playing water polo and soccer.

After high school he attended UBC where he achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in 1984. He then took a year to travel spending several months coaching water polo in Australia and travelling the South Pacific.

In 1985 he began his studies at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, graduating in 1989 with distinction. During his years in Toronto he made many friends in his church community and beyond. Most significantly this is where he met the love of his life, Kelly. They were married in March 1992.

By August of 1992 Dave and Kelly relocated back to Dave’s beloved West Coast. He set up a chiropractic practice in the Newton area of Surrey in early 1993. This is where he worked until he returned to UBC after being accepted into Medical School in 2005 at the age of 43. This was a big sacrifice for the whole family for a greater goal. He started his family practice in White Rock in July 2011 and eventually added working as a hospitalist at Peace Arch and Surrey hospitals to his schedule. Dave loved caring for his patients and was loved and respected in return by both his patients and his colleagues.

As much as he loved his work, his first and greatest love was his family. He and Kelly have 3 wonderful children Lucas, Joshua and Lauren. He enjoyed a busy and active family life involving many sports, activities and vacations. Recently as his health challenges diminished his energy, he enjoyed times at home in White Rock and in their vacation home in Sechelt having more relaxed time with family and friends.

Dave was a man of faith. He strove to embody the Christian principles of loving God and loving others - he was happiest when helping. He had endless energy and was a seemingly tireless worker both professionally and at home. He worked hard at keeping his body strong and healthy. As an adult he was part of a masters swim club for many years and an avid cyclist. He completed several triathlons over the years including the escape from Alcatraz in 2013.

Dave loved to laugh and be with his people - going for walks, watching sunsets, golfing, puzzling, enjoying good food watching the Canucks win or lose - all were made better with family and friends. He loved to learn. He put many hours into learning Spanish and watching Master classes on cooking. Sadly - neither of these ever worked out very well, but he enjoyed the process.

When Dave was diagnosed with brain cancer in December of 2023 it came as a huge shock. Determined to be an outlier of a disease that usually claims lives quickly, he and Kelly spent the next 21 months rallying to improve treatment options for GBM patients in Canada. Much thanks to the Dr. Roy’s Cancer Journey team who are leading the way. He embraced the teachings of Eckhart Tolle’s book “The Power of Now” and strove to be present and appreciate each new day. This time allowed him to deepen his family relationships, rekindle old relationships and build new ones. Thanks to all of you who showed up to walk this journey with us.

Friends, family and colleagues who are close to Dave, Kelly, Lucas, Joshua and Lauren are invited to celebrate his life with us at Victory Memorial Funeral Center. The service will also be live streamed and available for viewing during and after the event.

Dave’s request is please don’t wear black. He was known for his love of colourful shirts and fun socks. Please wear a colour that makes you think of him.

Please no flowers or gifts but consider instead of making a donation to Baraka Community Partnerships or The Peace Arch Hospice Society

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/baraka-community-partnerships-canada-society/

https://www.peacearchhospice.org/ways-to-donate/