It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden yet peaceful passing of David James Briggs on January 5th, 2025, at the age of 82.
David will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Barbara Wackid; his devoted daughters, Stephanie Briggs Crawford (Ford) and Shelley Young (Daniel); and Barbara's children, Emilie Caines-Scott (Kris) and Matthew Caines. He was the proud grandfather to Samantha (Kole), Kaylie (Marshall), Christopher, Meghan, and Nicholas, and a loving great-grandfather to four cherished toddlers: Ford, Lucy, Maisy, and Margot.
He is mourned by his siblings in New York, Ralph Smith (late Sherry), Linda Terwilliger (Jerry), and Wendy Ledrich (Stephen). Also, he will be greatly missed by Barbara’s sister, Joanne (Robert), brother Allen (Donna), and their families in Ottawa, as well as relatives in the United States and England.
David was predeceased by his mother, Peggy Irene, his stepfather, Albert Stanley, and his father, Fred William, who died at the young age of 24 in World War II.
Born in Cleethorpes, England, on August 2, 1942, David immigrated to Canada in 1956 with his mother and siblings to join his stepfather in Scarborough, Ontario. He realized his dream of becoming a pilot and served his adopted country with pride and dignity. His distinguished career spanned over 40 years, retiring as a Major from the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1989 and as Chief Pilot at Transport Canada in 2003. Throughout his military service, he was stationed in Winnipeg, Greenwood, Borden, Portage la Prairie, North Bay, and Ottawa, where he concluded his career as the Deputy Commanding Officer of 412 Squadron, dedicated to VIP Transport.
In retirement, David reconnected with his family in England, toured Europe, and visited loved ones and friends in the United States. He thoroughly enjoyed his trips to Pelee to visit his family on the Island. He cherished his time at the cottage, a place where he found immense joy and peace. As Shelley fondly recalls, it was his “happy place”. There, he delighted in swimming, boating, and taking the kids tubing; enjoying the company of his family and friends. He loved sitting by the campfire, cooking spectacular steaks, savoring a wee dram of Scotch or wine, reading a good book, and relishing in the serenity and beauty of his surroundings.
David's legacy of kindness and dedication will forever be remembered. His laugh echoes forever in our hearts.
We will all miss him so very much.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life with family and friends will be held at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa in the Spring. In honour of David’s memory, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Amanda Smith
Val & Randy Maze
We will miss you. We know you were not happy or feeling good the last time we visited. Our thoughts are with Barb at this time.
Michel Y Comtois
Comme Saint-Exupéry l’a écrit dans Le Petit Prince : “On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.” Mon ami Dave était de ceux qui voyaient avec le cœur. Pilote, rêveur, et aventurier des cieux, il incarnait l’esprit même de ceux qui osent s’élever, non seulement dans les airs, mais aussi dans leur quête de sens et de beauté. Aujourd’hui, il s’est envolé pour un dernier voyage, et bien que son absence nous pèse, je veux croire qu’il a retrouvé cette étoile qui lui appartenait, là-haut, parmi celles qu’il aimait tant contempler. Adieu, mon ami.
Bob&Helen DeMaeyer
Barb, Steph Shelley and family we know your hearts are heavy right now but as times goes on you will remember all the good memories you had together. It is a blessing he went peacefully as he was having a hard time. Are thoughts are with you all. Treasure your memories, as he will be missed. Take care. Bob& Helen
Gavin Corbeil
Mr. "B"..... Rest in peace.
You will be remembered for your service, and forever honored by the great daughters you raised.
RIP Uncle David. Wish we had more time to talk and visit. Rest easy.