David Strachan Bethune

David was born on February 25, 1957, in Montreal, Canada. His parents are the late Strachan Godfrey Bethune and Marjorie Jean Hanson. David lived most of his younger life in Canada learning the business of real estate from his accomplished father. Later, he built and operated his own business called Green Spaces Landscaping in Canada. He later became a certified elementary school teacher through Athabasca University in Canada. Followed by his master's in education at University of Wollongong in Australia. David enjoyed teaching children. He taught the young children of Vision International in Qatar, United Arab Emirates, American Creativity Academy in the Middle East, MT Zaagkam International School, Diocese of Wilcania Forbes, and Minnamurra & Keirraville Public Schools. David was a life-long motorcyclist. He enjoyed taking many spontaneous "road trips". David was also a voracious reader of many subjects. He enjoyed history, especially religious and political history. Of late, David pursued his gifts in painting in acrylics and watercolors. He enjoyed learning to paint like Bob Ross. He enjoyed this so much he researched "how to" painting lessons online and read numerous books about painting. David became a wonderful painter. David Bethune loved God, Trinity United Methodist Church in Deland, Florida, and his church family. He immensely enjoyed helping anyone who needed his help. He enjoyed leading the Men's Bible Study at Trinity. He also enjoyed using his gifts in landscaping to landscape his new 6-acre home with his new wife, in Eustis, Florida. He is survived by his wife of almost two years (married March 20, 2024), Dr. Patricia Engelhardt; one brother, Stephen Bethune, a sister, Joan Kelly, one niece, Robin Kelly; two nephews, Adam Stephen Christopher Bethune, and, Shawn Kelly, all of Canada. David Bethune's Celebration of Life will be held on March 20, 2026, at 2pm at Trinity United Methodist church in Deland (1401 New York Ave., West, Deland, FL 32720). All who knew and loved David are welcome.