Tribute

Born December 14, 1940 in Pembroke, Ontario, died July 28, 2025, in Victoria, BC.

Beloved husband of Mary Ames for 57 years.  Dearly loved and survived by his children, Jennifer and Michael, and their partners Jason and Terilyn.  Cherished by his grandchildren, Mikayla, Brayden, and Graisyn Ames, Edmonton, AB. David was predeceased by his parents Eldon and Marie Ames, and his sister Maureen Armstrong.  He is survived by his by his sister Carol Greene (Garry), and his brothers, Michael (Louise) and Joseph (Paula), and brother-in-law David (Sheila). Dave lived in Pembroke, Camp Petawawa, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver before retiring to the Cowichan Valley.

His early passion for railways became a career with Canadian Pacific Railway for 25 years, VIA Rail for 10 years, and the BC Safety Authority Railway Division for 11 years with whom he travelled all around the province.  

He loved model railroading and spent much time building an extensive and detailed railway layout at home in his basement.  He very much enjoyed volunteering at the BC Forest Discovery Centre in Duncan, where he delighted in operating the engines and sharing his extensive knowledge.  He built, with his model railroading pals, a model logging railway for the BC Forest Discovery Centre, and a coal dock diorama for the Ladysmith Maritime Museum.  

Dave and Mary enjoyed many years of dragon boating and racing with the Jolly Dragons team.  He steered for the Jolly Dragons and at times for the Sea Sisters and Divas teams in Cowichan Bay.  

Mary and Dave loved travelling to many places in the world and had a lot of fine adventures in destinations including Australia, New Zealand, S. Pacific, Hawaii, UK, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. 

David was devoted to his family and known to all as a selfless, kind, generous, and gentle man.  He will be sorely missed by his loved ones who take comfort in, and cherish their fond memories of him.  

Rest in Peace our dearest Dave.