David Sidney Jenkins, P.Eng. M.U.R.P.

It is with a profound sense of a loss that we announce the passage of our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather David Sidney Jenkins on January 6, 2026 at Dartmouth General. David is survived by his steadfast and loving wife of 37 years June Donald, daughter Danna Donald (Ian Nichol), and beloved granddaughters Lennox Sydney and Alexandra Augusta. He is also survived by his older brother James and his sister-in-law Judy (Dartmouth, NS) and his sister Marie (Fred Hallas) (Connecticut) and their respective families.

David was born on April 4, 1942 to Sid and Eileen (Smith) Jenkins. He was their third child and the “baby” of the family weighing in at 13 lbs.

David grew up on Pleasant Street in Dartmouth attending St. Peters School and upon graduation enrolled at St. Francis Xavier earning first a diploma in engineering and then a Bachelor of Science. His continued academics led him to TUNS where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1964. Upon completion of this degree he headed to the University of Santa Clara in California to study for a master’s degree. His studies went on to include a Masters of Urban and Rural Planning (1988). In 2007, he was awarded a Life Member status in the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia.

After working as an engineer for the City of Dartmouth, and for Montreal Engineering Company, he made a decision to start his own company. His entrepreneurship and interest in municipal and federal politics led him to meet and work with many politicians and community leaders. A lifelong mentor, he gave many hours to coaching young people in their profession, many of whom still kept in touch with him. Owning his own business allowed David to engage in a wide variety of civil and mechanical engineering projects. His intellectual engagement in his work knew no boundaries and he was always innovating and thinking of ways to do better. While many chose to retire, David continued to pursue his life’s passion and never officially retired.

David was an accomplished Trap and Skeet Shooter, who started shooting in the 1950’s, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. He pursued his interest for over 30 years and participated in the 1976 tryouts for the Canadian Olympic team. His love of music was evident from an early age when he started to play the violin and later taught himself guitar which ensured an entrée to many parties where he entertained with his wonderful singing voice. He was often known to answer a question with a song and then provide a history of the little known band he was singing. He sang when he was happy, and he was never so happy as when he returned to Nova Scotia and to his home following a 12 month marathon of surgeries, setbacks and recovery. His grace in handling what life threw at him was noted by all and he lived his life by modelling acceptance of life’s challenges.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday January 13, at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. Peter’s location, 10 Maple St, Dartmouth) with a reception to follow at Brightwood Golf and Country Club from 2:30-4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dartmouth General Hospital or Northwood Homecare in David’s name.