David Piers

Christopher Stanley David Piers born September 7,1934, in Moncton, N.B. the son of John F. Piers and Ada Z (Davidson). He was the second child of 3 boys and one daughter. The family moved to Truro, N.S. when he was two years old where he resided until he was 19. He completed high school and then graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (now Dalhousie University) with the first two years of a BSc. degree. He commenced employment with The Department of National Defence in Shearwater, N.S. and was later employed at Canada Post, Prudential Insurance, Caribonum Ltd., Johnson and Johnson Ltd. Trans Canada Credit, Clifton Finance and C.I.B.C. where he retired after 26 years of service. David moved for employment purposes many times, residing in Truro, Halifax-Dartmouth (eight times), Windsor, Middleton and Sydney in N.S. Oromocto, Moncton and New Maryland in New Brunswick and Charlottetown Alberton and Summerside in P.E.I. Including address changes within communities David moved a total of 24 times.

David met the love of his life, Pauline Leger in Oromocto in late 1976 and it didn't take long for the two of them to decide to marry on May 6,1977. Together they hosted wonderful gatherings of friends and family and traveled extensively. He is survived by his wife Pauline, brother Bob (Carol) and three children Judy Piers-Kavanaugh (Wayne), Angela Purcell (Mike) and Nick Piers. He and Pauline have been blessed with 4 cherished grandchildren-Melinda (Kavanaugh), T.J. (Kavanaugh) and wife Severine, Victoria (Purcell) and Amelia (Purcell). David was known as Grampy, Gramps and the one he loved most (Bumpy) first Melinda and from the time she could talk by his youngest granddaughter, Amelia. He will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, first wife Marion (Dooley) sister Dora and brother Jack.

Wherever he moved he became involved in the tennis community serving as President of clubs in Summerside, P.E.I., St. George’s Club in Dartmouth, N.S. Moncton, N.B. and Cromarty Club Sydney, N.S. He was instrumental in forming clubs in Oromocto, Moncton, and reestablishing the club in Sydney in a takeover from the city. In all these communities club memberships improved as did the level of plan which was a direct result of his coaching expertise and encouragement for individuals. In all these areas he was also the Chairman of the clubs’ Tournament Committee.

He was inarguably the greatest player in tennis in the Maritime Provinces. He was most proud of his 100 Nova Scotia Championships in Open, Junior, Masters and Father and Son Events and his 92 Provincial titles in the Open division. There were 27 in N.S. 7 Men's singles 10 Men's doubles and 10 Mixed doubles, 43 in N.B. 9 Men's singles, 17 Men's doubles and 17 Mixed doubles, 22 in P.E.I. 4 Men's singles 11 Men's Doubles and 7 Mixed doubles. He was undefeated in singles by a player from the Maritime Provinces for 15 years (1950-1965) and then only twice afterwards. Nationally he was ranked #1 in the under 18 division in 1952 and in the top 10 in the Open division in 1957 and 1958. He competed in the Nationals twice in the Masters division winning the Men's over 65 Singles in 2000 and the Men's over 65 Doubles with Steve Thompson in 2003. Dad played competitive tennis until he was 85!

He has been inducted in 8 Sport Halls of Fame; N.S. Sports Hall of Fame-1988, Fredericton Wall of Fame-2006, Truro Sport Honor Roll-2006, Oromocto Sports Wall of Fame-2006, N.B. Tennis Hall of Fame-2010, Province of N.S. Merit Award-2009, St. Georges Tennis Club (first inductee)-2019 and the Nova Scotia Tennis Hall of Fame Alumni. He was also awarded a Merit Award by the Village of New Maryland in 2009 and a Lifetime Membership by The Cromarty Tennis Club in Sydney N.S. in 1990.

On Saturday August 9, 2025, at 2PM a Celebration of Life will take place at Snow’s Funeral Home (339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax). As per Dad’s wishes this will be followed by a reception at his daughter’s home.

In lieu of flowers it was David's sincere wish that donations be made in his memory to his favourite tennis club St. Georges Tennis Club in Dartmouth, https://www.stgeorgestennisclub.com/donations

His family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to his brother Bob and sister-in-law Carol, as well as dear friends Donnie Ehler, Slavko Negulic, Bill Buckland and Linda Lee whose regular visits meant so much. He also deeply appreciated the calls from those who could not be there in person.

Dad cherished every opportunity to laugh and reminisce.

To the incredible Palliative Care team on 7A – thank you for your extraordinary care and compassion. You are truly a remarkable team.