David Ernest Hibbard

HIBBARD - David Ernest, born Feb 11, 1920, passed away 4 days before his 94th birthday at the Annex Retirement Home in Toronto. David Hibbard was born in Toronto February 11, 1920. Eldest son of Canadian missionaries to West China with the United Church Mission Board, Ernest and Jane Hibbard. David had fond memories of growing up in Chengdu,Szechuan province. He returned to Ontario for high school and went on to graduate in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1943. His first job took him to the jungles of Ecuador surveying for Imperial Oil. Georgian Bay was next, surveying the 30,000 Islands (60,000 according to David). It was here in Midland Ontario that he met and married Helen Jeffery. A job with the H.J. Heinz company took the couple to Leamington where they raised their 3 daughters Joan, Nancy and Mary.He finished his working life teaching at St. Clair College in Windsor. After Helen's death, David met the second love of his life, Laurel Watson (nee Cridland), on a trip to China. With their marriage in 1986 his family grew with the addition of Janet, Andy and Bette and 4 grandchildren. Truly interested in everything and everyone, David's hobbies included sailing, travel, tennis, camping, curling, hunting, birds and dogs to name a few. David is survived by his wife Laurel, children Joan Comrie, Nancy Bell (Terry), Mary Lapos (Ron), Janet Kerman (Michael), Andy Watson (Susan), Bette Borg (Phil), grandchildren Elise, Ron, David, Max, Naomi, Pamela, Emily, Tim, Anita, Ian, Annika and 12 great grandchildren ranging in age from 2 weeks to 11 years. Special thanks to The Annex, SRT and CCAC staff for their loving care. Funeral service will be held at the Jerrett Funeral Home at 1141 St. Clair W., Toronto (East of Dufferin St.) at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 11, 2014. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Charity of Your Choice.