Obituary of David Spear
Spear, David Ross
July 9, 1941 – September 12, 2023
After a valiant battle with cancer, David passed away into the arms of the Lord on September 12, 2023, at Gilmore Lodge, Fort Erie.
Loving husband of Elsie Spear (nee Bean), with whom they just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary together. Dedicated father to David Spear, Ellen Whittingham (Dean) and Heather Chambers Spear (Yvon). Proud grandfather of Jennifer Morales Spear (Roberto), Amanda Spear, Alex Chambers (Taylor), Hunter Chambers, MacKenzie Chambers, Kyle Whittingham, Bethany Whittingham, and Great-Grandfather to his precious Lucas Morales. Pre-deceased by his sister Marilyn Rennie (John), his half-brother Marvin Spear (Geraldine), half-sisterThelma Chapman (George) and by his in-laws Ellen and Walter Bean. Will be sadly missed by his niece Laurie Aitken and her children Taylor and Jordan Aitken, as well as many close friends.
Together with his wife and son, Dave owned and operated the family automotive business, Dave Spear Ltd., for 44 years. Additionally, and consecutively, Dave was a Professor of Motive Power Trades at Niagara College and was also the Manager of Apprenticeship and Skills Training at the college. Dave was fundamental in establishing the curriculum for apprenticeships across Ontario. Dave’s strong Christian faith guided him to becoming the Deacon at Faith Reformed Church in Stevensville. Dave also served as the Director of the Economic Development Corporation in Fort Erie. In his personal time, he could be found outdoors. Fishing, RVing, and Boating. Dave always enjoyed being outside and on the go.
We want to extend a special thank you to Dr. Dargavel for his many years of exceptional care, Dr Hallock at the Walker Cancer Centre, the medical staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, and especially Dr. Scher and his medical team. A very big thank you to the entire staff and care team at Gilmore Lodge for making Dave’s time comfortable and dignified.
Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation being held at Benner Funeral Services, 1105 Benner Ave., Fort Erie, on Friday September 15, 2023, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:30 AM at Faith Reformed Church, 3605 Black Creek Rd., Stevensville. Private family interment to be held at a later time. If desired, donations in Dave’s memory can be made to the Faith Reformed Men’s Group, Gilmore Lodge Hospice Fund via Hospice Niagara, or Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.bennerfuneralservices.ca
