David Harold Middleton

David Harold Middleton, 75, of Bridgenorth, Ontario, passed peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre after complications from a series of strokes.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Harold William Middleton and Helen Bernice Middleton (née Gorrill), David grew up in Scarborough, Ontario. A star hockey player in his youth, he was offered a pro contract with the Chicago Blackhawks as a teenager but chose to pursue his musical passion with his band “New Religion” instead because “you can get more girls with a guitar than you can with a hockey stick.”

David spent his early adulthood playing gigs and working his way up through Sears from a Production Assistant to the Advertising Manager for Women’s Apparel, eventually becoming an advertising executive in Montreal.

After his time with Sears, David moved to Director of Marketing at M Stores (formerly Miracle Mart), where he met his future wife and mother of his children Diana Hatzepetros. He subsequently became the Advertising Director and General Marketing Manager for Zellers, leveraging his sons’ cute faces to spearhead successful campaigns. He finished his career in advertising with Speedy Auto Service as Vice President of Marketing before retiring in 2007.

While his career was important, David was not all about his job. Throughout his life, David kept active by running and working out daily, enjoying Saturday morning runs the most as his boys biked beside him. Although he picked up squash in his later years, his determination to dominate the court propelled him to be ranked 30th in Quebec at 42 years old and, after joining the Oakville Club team, won the Ontario B Championships. He continued to skate circles around other dads every Sunday morning playing in his hockey rec league, even as one of the oldest players on the ice. As a sports enthusiast, he brought his expertise as the coach of his sons’ soccer and hockey teams.

One of David’s proudest achievements was being inducted into the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, an exclusive fraternity of Burgundy wine connoisseurs, during a trip to France.

During his retirement David was happiest on the golf course, where he spent much of his time. He also enjoyed reading Tom Clancy novels or watching crime procedurals with a glass of Chardonnay, a bowl of pretzels, and a spicy Calabrese sausage.

David is survived by his younger sister Diane Kent, his three sons, John-David, Christopher (Brandon), Matthew (Marissa), and his grandson, Giannis — as well as a host of other family members and friends.

There will be a celebration of life held at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario on Sunday, August 11th, from 11 am until 4 pm. Refreshments will be served along with drinks, including David’s favourite, Chardonnay, in abundance.