Jan 9, 2017

David McPhail died on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the age of 72. David was married to his beloved wife Sharon for 42 years. Loving father of Michael (Deidra) McPhail, Glenn (Kelli) McPhail and Cherished grandfather of Caleb, Corrine, Breezy and Stacey. Dear brother of the late Jane Dalton (2016) & her husband Bill, Peter (Jennie) McPhail, and brother-in-law of Fred Filjeski. Special uncle to Ron (Linda) Dalton, Patricia (Maurice) Deschenes, Maureen Parking (Al Stephenson), Derek (Donna) Dalton, Susan (Steve) Kielt, Elizabeth (Dave) Messeroll and Glen (Amy) Hawley. Predeceased by his parents Helen & Glenn McPhail and an infant brother Ronald. David enjoyed travelling, boating and being actively involved in Community Life. 

David had a tremendous impact on family members and friends with his marvelous sense of humour that brightened all of their lives. He was always sharing jokes and funny stories with everyone he met. He accomplished many things in his 72 years. 

As an educator, he started the first breakfast program in Lambton County for elementary students, the first Saturday floor hockey for kids, he served as President of the Ontario Association for Mathematics Education, wrote several text books, hosted a Japanese visiting Teacher group, and established an Anti- Bullying Program entitled, “Gotcha”, a member of the Sarnia Parks Board, President of the St. Clair Child and Youth Centre, a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church Board of Directors, Chair of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce. He also made contributions beyond his local area as he became involved in the marine industry as a member of the board of directors for the Ontario Marine Operator’s Association and President of the Ontario Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and Chair of the National (RAC) answering and making recommendations to the Minister of Transportation and enjoyed the experience of being the Liberal Candidate in the recent Federal election. 

His many accomplishments were recognized and he was honoured to have received: the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, the Gord Blake Innovation Award from OMOA and being placed on the Mayor’s Honours List. In all that he did David’s motivation was never for personal recognition. It was always to make things better for students, for teachers, for the community and for Canadians. David your family, your friends, and your colleagues will always carry your memory in our hearts! 

Visitation was held at the McKENZIE& BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Friday, January 6, 2017 with a Celebration of Life for David held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 429 Indian Rd. North, Sarnia on Saturday, January 7th. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com