Obituary of David Gordon Martindale

To view the livestreamed eulogy, please CLICK HERE

Passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024 at home, at the age of 85.

Survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (nee Daniel), children, Scott, Karen Martindale-Sliz (Greg Sliz), and Kevin (Chelle); grandchildren, Claire, Grace, Kayla, Teagan, Jack and Justin; brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Lea Daniel, sisters-in-law Nancy (late Evan) and Pat Daniel (late Denis Browne); and nieces and nephews Timolin (Steve), Melissa, Jeff (Carolynn), Peter (Karen), and Kristi (Andrew) and their children.

Predeceased by parents, Cecil and Dorothy Martindale, brother, Evan, and niece, Tracey.

Dave was born November 23, 1938, in Toronto, and grew up in the Leaside area. He spent many summers on the shores of Skeleton Lake at Camp Kwasind, where he first met his wife of 63 years, Carolyn (nee Daniel). Since the early 1960’s, the entire Martindale and Daniel families have enjoyed cottaging on Skeleton Lake’s crystal-clear waters – their favourite place to be together.

Dave graduated from McMaster University in 1960 with a BSc in Physics and later from University of Toronto with B.Ed. and M. Ed degrees. Dave influenced thousands of students in the Waterloo Region District School Board from 1961 to 1996 as a Science and Physics teacher at KCI, and Eastwood, Vice-Principal at KCI and Southwood, and Principal at Southwood and Cameron Heights. Dave was an accomplished science writer, authoring six different high school physics textbooks over the span of three decades.

Dave taught in Uganda where he and Carolyn lived with their young son, Scott, and newborn, Karen, from 1964-1967. This adventure sparked their lifelong passion for travel which would take them on trips to six of the seven continents. The African experience inspired Dave and Carolyn to commit to countless humanitarian and community support projects in K-W, and internationally, with The Global Community Centre, Miles for Millions, Out-of-the-Cold, Waterloo Region Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and Kitchener Rotary Club, among others.

David was a confident and kind leader in schools, within his family and in the community. He was an avid reader, industrious handyman, sports fan, bridge player, classical music aficionado and passionate cook. He was generous with his time, support and wisdom with friends and family, and he did it all with love, and a laugh that came easily. He will be missed forever.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to share their memories during a celebration of life reception to be held at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S., Waterloo on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 10:30am to 1:30pm (eulogy at 11:00am).

In lieu of flowers donations to Kitchener Rotary Club Charitable Foundation are welcome and may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.