Obituary of David Raymond Semple

David Raymond Semple died peacefully on Friday April 17, 2026, at the age of 91. Dave, or Ray, or Dad, or Grandpa Ray, lived his life on his own terms with quiet dignity and resolve. Known for his dry sense of humor, analytical mind, and never-ending handiness around the house, he was still doing Sudoku and crossword puzzles—in pen mind you—the week of his death.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Dave lived in and traveled to many places, spending the last 50+ years of his life in the Ottawa area. He was a proud Canadian and a proud Royal Canadian Navy Petty Officer veteran who built his career upon training from H.M.C. Electrical School in radio/electrical equipment. He worked for the Canadian Marconi Company in Montreal, Varian data systems and microcomputers (ahead of the curve, no less) in Toronto, eventually retiring from the Bank of Canada in Ottawa as an Electronic Systems Specialist.  Dave was even busier after retirement, keeping current on all things electronics and computers, woodworking and winemaking, through detailed research and disciplined tinkering in any one of his many workshops.

Fond memories abound: red Dentyne gum, YOW baggage tags and airplane peanuts, Texas Instruments calculators, a serious lead foot, “Clerbals” and “Slumgullian”. And, while slowing down is never easy, he did so with a true sense of duty and was so very appreciative of the love, care and kindness shown by those near and dear to him, no one more than his beloved wife of over 60 years, Florence, who would not have been anywhere else but by his side as a full life wound down.

Predeceased by his parents, Mary and David and his stepmother, Betty, he is survived by his wife, Florence, his brothers, Leonard and Philip, his wife Yvonne, his daughter Maureen and her husband Douglas, his son David, his daughter Angie and her husband Robert, and his grandsons Karl and Geoffrey.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. For those wishing to do so, please join us in celebrating Dave’s life by visiting his memorial page.

Rest now Dad, we’ve got the “watch”, we’ll take good care of Mom. You will be missed.

Cheers Mate.

Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

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