David (Dave) Franklin McCracken

It is with great sadness that the family of David Franklin McCracken, Commander (E), CD1, RCN (ret’d) announce his passing on July 2, 2022, at home, in the arms of his wife and true love Jane (née Morrison). With him in his final moments were his children, Stephanie, Heather, Andrew and Sarah, to whom he was the most incredible father, mentor and friend. Also by his side was his brother Paul. Dave was content with a life well lived and was so proud of and loved by his children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Dave is predeceased by his parents, Sadie and Jim, his brother Tony (Rose) and sister Karen (Cam), and survived by his brothers Danny (Evelyn) and Paul (Verna). He was a loving Grampy to Lauren, Jenna, Hayden, Charlie, Ava and Caleigh and father-in-law to Kevin, Ryan and Adele.

Dave was born in Welsford NB and raised in McAdam NB from the age of 2. He was an avid supporter and frequent visitor to his home town throughout his life. He attained the award of Queen Scout in 1962 and continued his involvement with scouting when his children were young. After graduating from McAdam High School in 1964, he enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy as part of the Regular Officers Training Program (ROTP). Dave attended the University of New Brunswick where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. It was at UNB that he met Jane. After graduation in 1969, Dave began his full time naval service aboard HMCS MACKENZIE in Esquimalt and, on June 5, 1971, he and Jane were married. Together they enjoyed 51 wonderful years of marriage. In addition to several Navy moves coast to coast, he traveled with Jane to Plymouth, England to attend the Royal Naval Engineering College. Following completion of this training, he returned to HMCS MACKENZIE to complete his Head of Department training prior to being posted to HMCS ATHABASKAN in Halifax as Main Propulsion Officer. This was followed by a return to Esquimalt to become the Engineer Officer of HMCS MACKENZIE which, in turn, led to his next posting as Marine Engineering Section Head at the Naval Officer Training Centre. In 1981 it was back to the East Coast as Engineering Officer of HMCS PROTECTEUR. In 1983 he attended the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto prior to another move to the West Coast for two consecutive postings to HMC Dockyard (Ship Repair Unit Pacific-Planning Officer and Production Officer) in Esquimalt. Then came a posting to Ottawa in 1989 where he completed his 31 year naval career in 1996, serving in senior staff and leadership positions in the Directorate of Marine and Electrical Engineering. After a short ‘holiday’, he joined Fleetway Technical Services Inc. as Contract manager and ultimately became the General manager of the Ottawa office. Retiring from this position in 2001, he took on part-time work for a couple of years as a senior engineer with the Naval Engineering Test Establishment. Once in full retirement, he remained active in the naval community, including as Honorary Secretary for the Royal Naval Engineers' Quart Club until his passing.

Despite a busy naval career, Dave’s real purpose in life was his partnership with Jane to raise their children to responsible and successful adulthood. He considered his mission accomplished and of that he was extremely proud! In addition to supporting various sporting and school activities, Dave was keen on creating special moments and experiences, including outings which were occasionally referred to as ‘forced marches’. Central to these experiences was their 1973 VW Camper which gave the family 16 years of tremendous memories. As a keen golfer and long-time amateur train conductor, he started a golf tournament in 1999 called ‘Ride the Rails’ that continued until 2018. The tournament, including many of his engineering colleagues, involved travel by train (and later mini-bus) to and from Alexandria, ON. Camaraderie was equal to, if not more important than the golf. A skilled craftsman and artist with many talents, his principal hobby was working with stained glass and he enjoyed creating beautiful gifts for family and friends. David made meaningful connections with those he loved. He enjoyed helping others and went out of his way to make people feel welcome. He demonstrated compassion and understanding beyond measure.

Not many did life as well as you; you taught us well - Bravo Zulu. 

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa), on Monday, August 15, 2022  at 11 a.m., a Celebration of Life will take place at 1 p.m., followed by an interment with military honours in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre, Terry Fox Foundation or a charity of your choosing. The family wishes to express their sincere and heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for their skill, care, compassion and support.