David Arthur Blackmore – Age 80, died May 14 at Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax. David was born on April 15, 1944, in Sydney to the late Arthur and Eileen (Mercer) Blackmore.
David was a proud Cape Bretoner who often recalled his fun summers in Mira Gut with his extended family. Because he was intellectually disabled, he was institutionalized twice in his youth. Both times, he was “rescued” by family who recognized the harm of such places and knew that David would only thrive with those who loved him.
David moved to Halifax and lived with his sister Carole and her daughter Kathryn for a few years. He took up running with Special Olympics and proudly won several medals at an international competition in New York. In 1990 he became a resident of group homes operated by Regional Residential Services Society (RRSS). He enjoyed walks with his housemates, summer camping, dance parties with residents from other homes (including certain gals named Ila, Diane, Faye, and Julia), and outings for ice cream—lots of ice cream! He did contract work at a sheltered workshop at Prescott Group.
David was a charmer. He was lovable and funny with a great laugh, and undeniably loyal to his family—whether that be Sunday dinners with Dougie, church with Carole, or singing with Ronnie on guitar. Because David needed more care as he aged, he moved to Parkstone. His charm went along: he quickly became a popular resident, known throughout the entire building. When there was music, David was there, often singing with tears running down his face as the ol’ tunes evoked memories of singalongs with his mom on the piano.
David is survived by his brother and best friend, Douglas (Valerie Mansour), Halifax; three adored nieces: Kathryn (Barrett Khan, Linden, and Martha), Dartmouth; Jesse (Shannon Davidson, Caeden), Vancouver; Jillian (Marty Mork, Sophia [Luciano Lavoie], and Olivia), Montreal; sister-in-law Jan Blackmore, Kingston, Ontario; and special cousin Donna Wakefield, Toronto. Besides his parents, David was predeceased by his youngest brother Ron (2002); his sister Carole (2018); and two long-time friends and housemates, Michael Levy (2017) and Roger Murphy (2021).
Cremation has taken place under the care of Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax. A celebration of David’s life will be held there on Monday, June 3, at 11 a.m. Reception to follow.
Donations in David’s memory may be made to RRSS (rrss.ns.ca). Thank you to RRSS staff for David’s many happy years in group homes. Heartfelt thanks also to the staff of Point Pleasant Way, Parkstone, who, for the last 10 years, not only cared for but respected, appreciated, and loved David.
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