David Hall

David Nelson Hall went peacefully to be with his Heavenly Father on May 14, 2020. David was born in Montreal on Sept 5, 1948, to Ruth Blennerhassett (b 1923) and Albert Hall (1920-1998). His siblings Rosemary, Karen, Stephen,Timothy (married to Beatriz Rollins), and John (married to Heather Ross) looked up to him as the big brother. David’s calm nature and practicality provided comfort and wisdom in a busy household. He was the first in the family to own a car, which rarely left the driveway because it seemed to be in constant need of repairs. He was cherished by his mother who is still living and was able to offer him words of encouragement only a few weeks ago.

On June 19, 1971, David impressed everyone by marrying his beautiful sweetheart Jean, (daughter of Ken & Elsie Wills) a registered nurse. For nearly 49 years, David and Jean cultivated a marriage marked by tenderness, romance, friendship, and teamwork - built on the foundation of Christian faith they received from their parents. David and Jean welcomed three children: Christopher (married to Rebekah Robinson), Stephanie (married to Michael Jantzen) and Heather (married to Wajdi Al-Hawari). As a dad, David was ahead of his time. Hands-on in caring for the kids and household, he raised his kids with plenty of goofy dad jokes, firmness, and affection.

After graduating from Malcolm Campbell High School in 1965, David pursued his love of science, earning a Bachelor of Science from Sir George Williams University, then a PhD in Chemistry from Concordia University, conferred in 1976.

In 1973, David joined the Chemistry Department at Vanier College in Saint-Laurent and dedicated himself to teaching the subject he loved. Over the course of a 35-year career, he enjoyed mutual respect and camaraderie with colleagues and students alike.

David was a man of deep, quiet faith in his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He enjoyed lifelong fellowship with the Brethren assembly gathered at Newman Place Gospel Hall, where he volunteered faithfully behind the scenes. Shy by nature, David didn’t enjoy public preaching, but offered welcome spiritual encouragement in conversation. David also had a particular interest in helping people understand the intersection of science and creationism, which he saw as fully consistent with each other.

One of David’s favourite places was the cottage he built on Lake Macdonald, where he spent happy times alongside neighbours on Little Lake and Big Lake - swimming, boating, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The cottage guest book is a testament to the many gatherings he and Jean hosted for friends and extended family. He happily put up with the chaos of his siblings, nieces (Lauryn, Emilie, Isabelle, Caroline, Tasha, Taina) nephews (Julian, Cristian, Rowland, Oliver), and grandchildren (Merrin, Gabe, Seth, Caleb, Ben, Isaac, Matthew, Lucas, and Lilah).

David was an explorer with a love for travel, long walks, and bike rides. He had a keen interest in family history, completing a massive genealogy project. His flair for organization and handy-man skills are legendary. We already miss his steady wisdom, dry humour, and unassuming, caring nature.

We watched sadly as dementia and cancer took David from us far too soon. But we celebrate that David is in the presence of his Saviour and that we will be reunited with him in glory.

A funeral for immediate family will take place on May 20 at noon. Loved ones are warmly invited to view the service via livestream or recording. Please contact the family for details.