David Sims Collingwood, Ontario Obituary

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, 202003/11/193710/15/2020
Share Obituary:

Share a memory

Add to your memory
Photos/Video
Candle
Mementos

Tribute wall

Plant a tree in memory of David

An environmentally friendly option
1 tree planted in memory of David Sims.
C
Chuck Scott
November 28, 2020
My name is Chuck Scott. I am a close friend of Tom Deacon. I had the pleasure of attending Trinity College at the same time as David many years ago and I was fortunate to run into him from time to time after that usually by way of Tom Deacon. I was very sad to learn of... Continue Reading
R
Rudy Chernecki
October 26, 2020
Having known David from our days working on together on the Parkwood Estate Board (Oshawa) to our time together on the GTLLI Board, I can truly say I shall miss his insights, perceptiveness and ability to cut through to the root of any matter before us, and was always do... Continue Reading
P
Percy Kissoon
October 21, 2020
Our deepest condolences to Jacquie and family.
Rosalind and Percy Kissoon
J
Jim Corrigan
October 21, 2020
My deepest heartfelt sympathies are going out to you Jacquie, Leslie, Bill and Rob. We are with you in your sorrow at the loss of David, one of the most humble, welcoming, caring and engaging individuals I have ever had the privilege of getting to know. Know that you a... Continue Reading
J
Jennifer Christie
October 21, 2020
Leslie, Bill, Rob and Jacquie, we send you our heartfelt condolences. David had a special way of connecting with people. He and Jacquie welcomed me into their chalet as a youngster and then later to the ski club, Craigleith. I am thankful for this. We will miss bumpi... Continue Reading
R
Rob Moore Ede
October 20, 2020
Welcoming. Witty. Engaging. Jovial. I always enjoyed any and all opportunities to share in David’s company (Mr. Sims to me – always seemed appropriately respectful). A great conversationalist, he was always interested in what was happening with me and the family. He ... Continue Reading
M
Mwrebl@telus.net
October 20, 2020
TO THE SIMS FAMILY.
You have our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers at this time from our family to yours. As a friend growing up with Leslie, Mr and Mrs Sims always welcomed us "Yahoos" into their home even if we were loud and boisterous. We saw her parents as a...
Continue Reading
G
Glorianne Stromberg
October 20, 2020
David, your memory is and always will be a blessing. Rest easy my good and gentle friend. Glori
R
Ruth Plant
October 20, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the whole Sims Family. We met David through his wonderful support of sponsoring and settling Syrian families. He was an important and caring member of the Collingwood Syrian Sponsorship Committee and always offered his sage advice when needed i... Continue Reading
G
Gareth White
October 20, 2020
Our Heartfelt sympathies to Jacquie, Leslie, Bill and Rob and their extended families.
David was a scholar and a gentleman, he will be sorely missed. It is unfortunate that we cannot be there in person but we stand with you in spirit on this day.

Yours,
Gareth, Mont...
Continue Reading