Obituary for David Sims
David James Denne Sims
March 11, 1937 - October 15, 2020
David has taken his final breath - and our world is now an emptier place.
Those who knew David, know what a kind, knowledgeable and generous person we have lost. A community builder. A husband. A father. A friend.
Born and raised in Kitchener, ON. Graduated from Ridley College, University of Toronto, and Osgoode Hall Law School. Earned his Masters in Constitutional Law. Ministerial assistant in Ottawa. School trustee for Durham Region. Lawyer in Toronto and Whitby. Retired in Collingwood.
So many have benefitted from his generosity, compassion and community spirit - whether freely given advice to family and friends, legal services to those who couldn’t afford, or participation on boards and committees. He never wanted praise for himself or recognition of his efforts - only to help others.
David loved skiing with his family particularly at Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood – a core part of our family. David and Jacquie’s first date was skiing at Craigleith. Joining in 1963, Craigleith quickly became a winter weekend getaway, a social hub and a family place for David and Jacquie. He became President of the Club after serving on the Board of Directors twice. His children Leslie, Bill and Rob grew up skiing as did his grandchildren Kathleen and Ryan.
One of his proudest achievements was to establish Colborne Community Services and open Colborne House to provide a safe home and services for those with mental health issues. He guided and proudly watched as this not-for-profit organization grew in size and scope, now operating as Durham Mental Health Services.
He was instrumental in establishing the All Saints’ Foundation. He served on the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation, and was President of Georgian Triangle Life Long Learning in Collingwood. He assisted and advised on the purchase of the site for Campbell House, Collingwood’s hospice facility. He helped coordinate the sponsorship and settling of Syrian refugee families in Collingwood.
Left to miss him every day - wife of 58 years, Jacquie; his children - Leslie, Bill (Natalie) and Rob (Karen); his grandchildren - Kathleen and Ryan; his friends - too numerous to name.
Thank you to our friends (old and new) who helped us during his final days. He got his wish to die peacefully at home.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 20th, at 2 pm. You may join us to celebrate his life by following the link under the Photos & Videos tab.
We leave you with his favourite blessing - ‘For this, for us, God bless’.
The family kindly requests no flowers, please consider a donation to: All Saints Anglican Church Foundation, Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation or Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House.
March 11, 1937 - October 15, 2020
David has taken his final breath - and our world is now an emptier place.
Those who knew David, know what a kind, knowledgeable and generous person we have lost. A community builder. A husband. A father. A friend.
Born and raised in Kitchener, ON. Graduated from Ridley College, University of Toronto, and Osgoode Hall Law School. Earned his Masters in Constitutional Law. Ministerial assistant in Ottawa. School trustee for Durham Region. Lawyer in Toronto and Whitby. Retired in Collingwood.
So many have benefitted from his generosity, compassion and community spirit - whether freely given advice to family and friends, legal services to those who couldn’t afford, or participation on boards and committees. He never wanted praise for himself or recognition of his efforts - only to help others.
David loved skiing with his family particularly at Craigleith Ski Club in Collingwood – a core part of our family. David and Jacquie’s first date was skiing at Craigleith. Joining in 1963, Craigleith quickly became a winter weekend getaway, a social hub and a family place for David and Jacquie. He became President of the Club after serving on the Board of Directors twice. His children Leslie, Bill and Rob grew up skiing as did his grandchildren Kathleen and Ryan.
One of his proudest achievements was to establish Colborne Community Services and open Colborne House to provide a safe home and services for those with mental health issues. He guided and proudly watched as this not-for-profit organization grew in size and scope, now operating as Durham Mental Health Services.
He was instrumental in establishing the All Saints’ Foundation. He served on the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation, and was President of Georgian Triangle Life Long Learning in Collingwood. He assisted and advised on the purchase of the site for Campbell House, Collingwood’s hospice facility. He helped coordinate the sponsorship and settling of Syrian refugee families in Collingwood.
Left to miss him every day - wife of 58 years, Jacquie; his children - Leslie, Bill (Natalie) and Rob (Karen); his grandchildren - Kathleen and Ryan; his friends - too numerous to name.
Thank you to our friends (old and new) who helped us during his final days. He got his wish to die peacefully at home.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 20th, at 2 pm. You may join us to celebrate his life by following the link under the Photos & Videos tab.
We leave you with his favourite blessing - ‘For this, for us, God bless’.
The family kindly requests no flowers, please consider a donation to: All Saints Anglican Church Foundation, Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation or Hospice Georgian Triangle - Campbell House.