David Sterling Mackenzie

Sorry to part, happy to meet again brother.

A part of you left us but, your spirit stays within us all as we are all apart of the same cohort and your values being ours, you shall live long after your vehicle is dust as the residue of memories and those we've all had the pleasure to know continues on.

You, nor any of us shall ever be alone in spirit my elder Brother.

Thank you for your service and especially, Your personal and your family's Sacrifice ...

RIP Dave you will be missed. I know that you are now dancing with the angels and that the way I will think of you ... Adieu mon ami

I met Dave via Dan, I needed some support through a volunteer op I committed to (I was struggling due to injuries)-- so Dan brought Dave on to it. Dave was in the process of releasing from service, so it's cool how he re-mustered himself into new areas of service.

Last time I saw Dave was a chance encounter in the tunnels at the Civic, 2016. My mom had an extended ICU-stay (VT-storm + required more comprehensive assessment-- we also used services from the Bruyere-they are top-notch, gold standard in excellence in care). Meanwhile Dave was also returning from a scare, brief observation, but Dave, being the sweet soul that he is, offered his support and invite to reach out to him, but I'm glad I didn't, because that was a handful and required 24/7, prolonged duty, long multiple months/years intervention. I'm glad he got to share of himself with others-- it's a comfort to hear that he got to spread his good among others here.

Dave was very skilled at delivering flashback-first aid-- almost effortlessly, he just knew what to do-- and he was naturally imbued with non-judgmental empathy and compassion; the rare ability for deep-listening and to be fully present to others-- e.g. on the receiving end, got trig'd watching a movie together-- new ones are hard to navigate and access the part of the brain that remembers the first-aid, but he knew what to do and got me back into the present moment, so I suffered much less. He was very gifted.

Dave was not without his own struggles, but his empathy also grew from them. Wounded-Warrior-Healer-- I have no doubt that his contributions in groups and to members were helpful. He's a good soul.

The other thing about Dave is that he was hilarious. I've been awashed with some waves of grief, but then Dave also implanted in me sources of 'happy flashbacks'.
I'm crying, see his picture, remembering how he loved to sport a good suit and tie, always dance-ready (we danced like mad at The Guess Who-- that was blast too). As I'm hit with grief and the words release from me "Poor Dave", but then an echo of Dave comes to join me, "Pouvre Dave"-- it was a character-skit he used to do, "Pouvre-Dave" in this funny voice, and head would go down-- and we'd break out into laughter.

We used to pick up some 'Timmies' and go down the Bay, sit in the car. He had some spanking new dental work, new smile-- and he'd play with that too. He'd check himself out in the rearview mirror, smile with his new chops, and he'd turn to me with his "Honest Dave", "used-car salesman character"-- it's how he said it, it was so funny. Dan knows, we both shared how we appreciated his twistedness, spontaneous humour.

Our assist was requested from a Bosnian-Vet for a b-day party for her son-- they decided on a pirate-theme, dress-up, treasure-hunt in the park by the beach. Dave and I were doing the map, and planting the clues and the treasure, when he commandeered my red 5x3' sarong, part of the costume-fun. He lifted it up above his head, letting the breeze catch it and then he broke out into Shania Twain's, "Man, I Feel Like a Woman", lol. I'm filled with these ridiculously silly 'happy flashbacks' courtesy of what Dave left with me.

I am sad that he is gone, but he also left me with me with some very beautiful (and hilarious) memories. He loved all his kids and all his grandkids-- he had deep respect, pride, admiration for all. Occasionally at the Bay, he'd bring his fishing kit and cast a few-- and I recognize the thoughtfulness of some Joey's gifts in support of that pleasure. He loved music, dance, movies, nature, getting dressed up, caring for others, and being a bit of a ham, making us so laugh hard, -- it's nice to see that photo of a new suit, looking sharp.

God Bless Dave, May he Rest in Peace.
Thank you for the memories.
My Best Wishes to the Family, Friends and Comrades-- he loved you all, hold on to the good stuff.

(P.S. I know this is really late, but I just found out-- I dropped out away from everything, on to another leg in my journey, but I just wanted to express some love and gratitude for this kind soul I was graced to know. . .)
Bruyere, PTSD-support and Tree Planting are all very useful and noble causes and a good way to honour our dear friend.

I just read about David. I'm shocked. I have been trying to reach him but I was unable. This is so sad. I'm so very sorry for our loss for he was such an amazing man. He was a great friend to me and was there when I needed a friend. RIP I will miss you