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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles ‘David’ Ramsay in his 99th year, on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Ed’s House, Cobourg. David was the beloved and devoted husband of Eileen for 72+ years, loving father of Paul (Marci), Joan (Ron), Peter (Rosemary), Colleen (Wayne), Michael (Peggie), Theresa (Doug), Bill (Nancy), Chris, and Mark (Karianne). Proud Grandpa to 14 grandsons and 7 granddaughters, and proud Great Grandpa of 14 great grandsons and 7 great granddaughters.
David and Eileen loved to dance and in his final days, Eileen filled the room with beautiful music they enjoyed dancing to in their younger years.
David touched many lives and will be remembered for his outgoing and humourous personality. He loved paddling his canoe on Buckskin lake where he spent endless hours teaching his kids and grandkids how to play cards, how to paddle a canoe and how to make loon calls. Buckskin Lake continues to bring happiness and joy to David’s family. In recent years, he loved touring the Cobourg harbour on his scooter ‘The Red Ferrari’ and telling jokes to anyone who would listen.
David was a hero – a World War II Veteran. He was one of many Canadian soldiers who helped to liberate Holland from German occupation. In May of this year, David’s grandson Ian McKelvey organized a parade to honour and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the contribution his Grandpa made to the freedom of the very grateful nation.
David leaves us all with an abundance of memories, love and inspiration. He made the world a better place in so many ways. You will be dearly missed but your humour, love and positive spirit will live forever.
Thank you to the amazing caregivers, Dr. Mule and Ed’s House staff for providing David with comfort in his final days.
A complete memorial mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church, Cobourg, on Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend must register at www.MacCoubrey.com.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation can do so to Ed’s House Hospice or St. Vincent de Paul Society.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Mr. Ramsay was a fixture among our parents' friends - jovial and fun-loving and always time for everyone - young and old. I watched many stimulating hands of bridge (the dummy got the drinks) and learned about deep friendships. All the Ramsay 'kids' were our friends as well and fun was always on the agenda when we were together. When I married, Dave and Eileen gifted us with a honeymoon at the cottage on Buckskin Lake where my parents (Helen and Vince) spend many wonderful weekend holidays. Once the Ramsays moved to Cobourg, I had the pleasure of visiting with my Mother and seeing the red ferrari in action. We were always welcomed with open arms - even on the occasions when we were driving through unexpectedly. The bar always open and snacks on board. Thanks for many years of wonderful friendship and many, many laughs. We will miss David dearly - so few of the old bridge club are left - but hope to see you, Eileen, as soon as we are permitted. Love from Gina and Helen Lamping
Dear Joan and Ron, We were saddened to hear about Joan’s Dad’s passing. We cherish the book that Ron wrote based on the letters that David sent home to his family during World War II. We are aware of the love and affection that he had for his family and they for him. His trip with Ian to the Netherlands and the drive-by this past May are a testimony to his contribution to the life we live today. Love, Beth & Barry
I only ever met Mr. Ramsay once down at Victoria Beach. My mentally disabled grandson had his big RC and was driving it around. Mr. Ramsay stopped and had a 15 minute conversation about my grandson's RC and his "Red Ferrari". He definitely came across as a man who lived kids and I am glad I got just a slim glimpse of what an amazing father, grandfather and great-grandfather he must have been for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
To Aunt Eileen, the entire Ramsay family, and all who loved and were loved by Dave and touched by this loss, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you. So much has been said over the past few days about the wonderful gifts of personal connection that made Uncle Dave legendary with everyone he met. I think it is fair to say that he never met a stranger! I personally feel so blessed to have had the privilege of being a niece and godchild of a truly remarkable and beloved man. Every accolade I’ve heard and read has resonated with me. The anecdotes and tributes posted by all have been remarkably consistent. A few months ago, as I read 'Dear Mother: Heaps of Love, Your Loving Son X David X', I was struck by the authenticity and resilience of this man, even in wartime, and the deeply held values that defined him throughout his entire life: his courage in the face of fear, his faith in God (with awareness of his own mortality and limitations), his dedication to family and friends, his loyalty to his country, and his service to all of mankind. He recognized the humanity even in his enemy combatants and, because he loved people as he did, I think the atrocities of war left him with the heart of a wounded healer. His innate positivity and sense of humour served him well through some very difficult and traumatic experiences. These very same qualities also added exuberance, joy, levity and entertainment in the good times. Uncle Dave always amazed me with his ability to endure suffering when it came, to find the silver lining when one could be found, and always to express gratitude for “a great life!”. I think these are some of the most important gifts and life lessons he tried to teach— lessons I will continue to try to apply in my own life. Aunt Eileen, I want to acknowledge your very personal loss of a husband and lifelong partner. You knew him best and longest, and in some ways this will be a solitary journey, for no-one can ever completely know the depths of another’s grief. You and Uncle Dave embarked on a journey over 7 decades ago. It began with love for each other, with faith that God would guide your lives, and ultimately with hope for a family and a life of freedom, peace, happiness, and abundance—a life that had been worth fighting for. Your commitment was sincere and full of hope as you began this adventure, but you probably could not have imagined how profound, far-reaching and long-lasting its impact would be! Together you raised 9 very talented, skilled and resourceful children who have passed that legacy on to their own families. I will always remember the pride in Uncle Dave’s voice as he would report news and updates on all of his children. He was so proud of each one! You two did life together with all of its ups and downs. Then, in the final leg of this journey, you fought to honour Uncle Dave’s wishes to live at home as long as possible. At the very end, you were there by his side to walk him as far as you could go. At the gates of Heaven he had to let go of your hand to walk the rest of the way alone, into the arms of his loving creator. As you enter a new and uncertain chapter of your life, please know that so many are here for you. You don’t have to do this alone. You are loved! Jane
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I have many very lovely memories of Dave doing his loon calls on Buckskin Lake and telling me war stories at his and Eileen's home in Coburg. I will remember Dave always as such a positive and brave soul. My heart is with you, Eileen and the whole Ramsay family xxx 110%!!!!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I'm very sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to you all. I wish I could have gotten to the service but with things as they are it was not possible. Big hugs
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Rest In Peace Grandad you have always been a hero to me. You will be missed dearly it’s been a blessing to be your life love always Ryan
Our deepest condolences and prayers for the Ramsay family
Our prayers and condolences our with the Charles Davud Ramsay family. God bless.
Dave was a truly loving, caring non-judgemental person who loved every day of living. He was one of the few adults I could enjoy talking to as a troubled teen. I have always admired Dave's outlook on life, and his love for his family. A true role model for us all to follow. He has touched our lives in so many ways directly and indirectly. Love and hugs to a great family.
My heart felt condolence to you Eileen & the whole family.
Eileen and Family, Heartfelt condolences on the great loss of David. He will be forever remembered by the Smith clan as a friend who had a never ending smile, story or joke. He will be missed by all. Love Anne Smith and George & Denise Blakidis.
We will miss Dave for so many reasons - his humour, his stories, his joyfulness and his generosity. He always made us feel so welcome and it was a pleasure to be in his company. We will remember him for having the best qualities any human being could have - positivity and gratitude for a life well lived. Rest in peace dear friend.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Bill and Nancy and the the entire Ramsay family, our sincere condolences to all of you.
To Eileen and all the Ramsay family, I was saddened to hear of David's passing. Dave and Eileen were such great friends of my parents, Ann and Lloyd Smith. I have so many memories of visits and cards games at our house and of course, the jokes. Dave could always spread joy through his great sense of humor! Wishing you all strength in this sad time but comfort in knowing he touched so many lives in such a positive way. Sincerely, Michele
Eileen and family, my visits to Dave over the past few years have been a gift I will treasure. Your feistiness and love for each other is truly an inspiration. Not a visit went by that I did not leave full of gratitude for all the veterans around the world. I feel honoured to have listened to Dave's stories of his experiences (sometimes repeats) but better than any high school history lesson. May we all be blessed to be 110% in our 99th year! I will keep in touch, thank you for sharing Dave with us. His smile and laughs telling me about the bathtub adventures captures on camera warm my heart. RIP Dave. Nancy
Eileen and family I am so sorry to hear of your sorrow. My late husband, Eric and I had the pleasure of spending time visiting with David when we brought him Holy Eucharist. We looked so forward to our visits. He could always make me laugh with his latest jokes and he loved to talk about his military history and his wonderful family. He was a kind and happy man who always said he was 110% when asked how he was doing. He was a true a joy to my life and I thank God for giving me the opportunity of spending time with him. My prayers are with all of you.
A wonderful man to chat to at the harbor a good sense of humor .God bliss.
Dear Eileen and family We are so sorry to hear of your great loss. We met David before meeting you Eileen. We were staying at the town campground and started talking to this very interesting and funny gentleman riding his scooter . He entertained us with his war stories. Ever time we would return to the campground we would look for him. Once we met Eileen and made the wonderful connection to David. 72 years of marriage and such a large family is a wonderful testament to your love. May you find comfort in all your memories. Francine and Brian Birket
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
It was an honour to have David as my father-in-law for 48+ years. His zest for life, love of his family and positive outlook on life were always reflected in his actions. During his final days, with a smile and a chuckle he said to me ‘it’s not bad dying’. These were the words of a man who lived a happy and fulfilling life. Even though David had a huge family, he took time for everyone. David was proud of his kids and their achievements in life whether they were climbing hydro poles, installing electrical outlets, serving wine in business class, designing curtains for a mansion or teaching school. During her time at Toronto Teachers’ College, Joan became overwhelmed with assignments, lesson planning and practice teaching – she was in tears and ready to drop out. David went to the liquour cabinet poured Joan a stiff whiskey and gave her some words of encouragement. Joan stuck with it and not only went on to become a successful educator but she also met her future husband. Joan & I were honoured to read and transcribe 91 letters David wrote to his mother during his time in WW II. Those letters were filled with love, humour, survival and dedication to his country. An essay our daughter Megan wrote sums up so much about David’s life: ‘Of all the people I know in this world, my grandfather is one of the most interesting, the story he has recounted to me, isn’t one of great heroism, but rather one of quiet enlightenment. My grandfather loves life and everything it has to offer. He lives each day to its fullest.’ Thank you, David, for all that you brought to the McKelvey family. Heaps of love -Joan & Ron
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I have many fond memories of our parent's get togethers (LLoyd and Anna Smith) where they played bridge, sang songs by the piano, and just had a good time. Dave was truly a special man...he always had a joke to tell you and a laugh that you could not forget. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
To everyone in the Ramsey family are hearts are with you during Uncle Daves passing. (Dad) to me. Special love to Aunt Ilene (Mom) and my beloved Theresa. So many happy times at the house and cottage with the family. Thank you for being such a big part of my life. Love to everyone. Much love Kathryn and Bart.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Dear Bill +Nancy our deepest condolences to you and your family God Bless on behalf of the Dale family
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Ramsay family occupies a large part of my childhood memories. How lucky were were to have our cousins living one street away. With your bursting household and the five kids in our home, it made for a lot of fun! Dad could never tell stories without laughing about the escapades he had with Uncle Dave. A couple come to mind. One took place in the mid'50's, in the days when St. Vincent de Paul use to make home visits and bring food to homes of the needy, often new arrivals from Europe following the war. As my dad told the story, one visit they made was to an Italian family who were short on food, but apparently not on wine, which they were happy to share. When our fathers finally left the home they were a little off kilter. It was pouring rain and they stopped at the Wedgewood Grill on Yonge St. to buy cigarettes. Your dad ran in and when he came out, my dad doubled over in laughter as he watched yours jump into someone else's car and carry on the conversation. Apparently it took a minute before he realized he was in the wrong car! Or another time when our mom and dad were considering some kind of renovation in our kitchen on Goulding. Mom was out and our fathers were discussing the solution when your dad said they just need to take out the wall between the kitchen and the master bedroom (which you may recall from your home on Homewood, it was next to the kitchen in the front of the house). Your dad got a sledgehammer and by the time mom got home we were missing one wall! I can't remember the end result but, after the shock, I'm sure it all ended well. I remember well going to use the bathroom at your home and your dad calling from the next room, "Two squares!" (Good advice for our present Covid situation.) And I remember his faith, and the way he engaged us. Like the times we would be in a station wagon stuffed with kids. When passing a Catholic Church he would lead us in "Praised by the name of Jesus!" What a beautiful faith and a beautiful attitude to life; always 110% We are so grateful to have had him in our lives. Love and prayers, Cathie and Bob
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
A visit with Grandpa. Grandpa, ‘Did I ever tell you about the guy dragging the chain down the 401?’ Me, ‘no I don’t think so Grandpa’ (Probably heard it a 100 times) Grandpa, ‘there was this guy dragging a chain down the 401 and the OPP stopped him and said ‘hey why are you dragging that chain down the highway’ and the guy said ‘have you seen someone push a chain!?’ And we would both laugh our heads off, he knew this was my favourite joke and told me almost every visit. Thanks for the memories Grandpa, I’ll carry on telling your jokes.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
So saddened to hear about the loss of your Dad. I have so many wonderful memories of my time with your family. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsay were always so kind and welcoming to me as a teenager hanging around the house and the cottage and probably fed me a million meals. My sincere condolences - your Dad was a fine man who will be truly missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
What a beautiful and heartfelt eulogy. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time Joan, Ron and family. With love.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
It is with sadness we heard about “Mr Ramsay’s” passing this week but what great memories we have of him paddling his canoe stopping at every dock to have a conversation with whoever might be within earshot whether he knew them well or not. And always talking about his kids. And of course never refusing a beer, no matter what time of day?? He was Buckskin Lake icon! We missed Dave the summer of 2019 at the Buckskin Lake 50th Anniversary Party but were so honoured Eileen was able to be there! This past summer my son had an unbelievable chance encounter in the middle of nowhere in the bush with Dave’s grandson Ian..turns out both had grandfather’s that were WW2 Vets at such a young age. Just wanted to let you know the “Ramsay Clan” we are thinking of you❤️ Karen & Joanne Watson
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
My deepest sympathy to the family. My thoughts are with you he would be deeply missed. He touched many hearts.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Eileen and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathies. Dave was a lovely man, upbeat and happy. He had a positive attitude to life, a people person. Dave was able to start conversations with all he met and leave them feeling good afterwards. He will be missed!
Joan, Ron and family, I'm so sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to you and your extended family. It sounds like David was a very special man. Take good care.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Ramsay family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My sincere condolences. He will be missed but for almost 100 years his family and friends had this happy loving special person who people loved being around. He was always smiling or laughing and made people feel so comfortable. When I was was young and dumped off at the Ramsay's, he would always joke or do something to entertain me but most of all he would mesmerize and intrigued me with his war stories that I could listen to forever. As well, at weddings, he absolutely amazed everyone, especially my wife Merle, with his flamboyant dancing. In my eyes and I am sure in many others, he was a very special human being. I had many intentions to visit with him that never materialize and this will be my loss. Johnny O
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Joan, Ron and Family - please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. I enjoyed reading his obituary, he was a very special man. Warm regards, Pat & Kevin (Vale) Dougherty
To the family of David, my condolences. David was a remarkable individual whom I had the honour of taking communion to once a month. The 110% man was all ways uplifting and one felt so much more positive about life after a visit with David. I will miss his remarkable outlook on everything in life. May he rest in peace.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sheri, Katelyn, Kyle and Harry Sn.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
My deepes condolences to Eileen and family as you mourn Dave's passing. May fond memories of times shared bring peace and comfort during this sad time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
Dear Eileen and family. We were very sorry to hear of Dave’s passing; our sincere condolences. Our Water Street family continues to change, but Dave will always be remembered as we picture him racing by in his scooter (Canadian flag flying in the air) and recall his stories of days gone by (and of course his funny jokes he loved to tell)! Wishing you all peace in the days to come.
David was a great man. I only knew him in recent years, but I loved my visits with him. Eileen, I am thinking of you and your great loss
Very sorry to hear this news Ron. My condolences to you and your family. David Bussell
My condolences to you,Joan and your whole family. Such a special man.You will all cherish some very wonderful memories.
Dear Ron and family, I am so sorry for your loss. What a special man who lived a remarkable life. My deepest condolences to you.
Dear friends and family i am the youngest of David C Ramsay i appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. Rev 21:3-4 brings me much comfort and we will see dad again shortly. Thank you for supporting the family in this time of great sorrow but joy knowing he is just sleeping. John 5:28-29 Love Mark and Karianne
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
On behave of the Balfour family, we would like to pass our condolences to Eileen and the Ramsay family! David lived a great and full life and our memories shared with him will not be forgotten. As much as I so much wish to be there to offer my condolences personally during this sad time, I must decline to visit at this time. Best wishes. Love Paul and the Balfour family.
Dear Eileen, Joan and Family ~ It was a great joy and honour to be able to get to know and love David. He was a truly amazing man whose smile, positive attitude and grateful spirit was contagious and always welcomed. As an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister at St. Michael's Church, I had the priviledge of visiting David many times. He appreciated this time of prayer and conversation and was always 110% when we asked him how he was. Please accept my deepest condolences as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful, wonderful man. I will remember him in my prayers and memories and will pray for consolation as you grieve this great loss. Sincerely, Trish
My deepest condolences to the family. Dave you certainly were a bright light in my life. You were a true teacher about life, love and humour. I will cherish the visits we had and will miss reading those books with you. Your beautiful light and Spirit will always be here. ❤️
Eileen and family, I knew it was inevitable, but I was so sad to hear of David’s passing. At the same time, I know he’ll now be enjoying new life, 110%. With my late husband, John, and later with others I had the awesome privilege of visiting David on Fridays to bring him Jesus in holy communion, and he always gave us so much joy with his stories and his humour, but also with his deep devotion. And we often encountered him on the waterfront, where he drove his Ferrari regularly to inspect his assets. Because John was Dutch, David loved to regale us with his stories of his time in Holland during the war, and he never failed to leave us with the declaration, “I’ve had a wonderful life!” My Friday visits to David are over, but the memories will live on. Thank you David, for the blessing you were to me.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I was very saddened to hear of David's death. I felt very privileged to have known him for the past 15 years and enjoyed his sense of humour , pride in his family and above all his positive attitude. What a remarkable life he had lived. He was proud to be a WW II veteran and to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Eileen and the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre