It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David (Dave) Stanley Colbeck. Born in Surrey, BC, on May 16, 1963, to Bernard Robert (Bob) Colbeck of North Bay, ON, and Audrey Lorraine Colbeck (Popp) of Winnipeg, MB. Dave passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in Ottawa on November 5, 2024.
A graduate of Langley Secondary School (1981) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Dave achieved a diploma in Computer Programming. In 1983, Dave worked as a Customs Inspector with Canada Customs and Excise before transitioning to a career in IT. He was an independent consultant for many years before joining Microsoft as a Principal Consultant in 2008.
Dave met Sharalyn (Shari) Johnson at a Canada Day celebration in Ottawa in 2006. It was love at first sight, and they have been inseparable ever since, marrying on July 11, 2015. Dave became a devoted Stepdad to Shari’s three children, and they united as a family with his daughter and granddaughter.
Dave was hard working, thoughtful, kind, and a gentle soul. He was universally described as “a great guy.” He cherished the annual family camping week at Mont Tremblant and the road trip camping adventures with Shari. Dave loved to travel and scuba dive in new places, but his true passion was golf. He enjoyed many road trips to Myrtle Beach, but his golfing adventures in Scotland were certainly a highlight. Locally, Dave was a member of Grey Hawk Golf Club, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of golfing with his friends.
Predeceased by his parents, Bob and Audrey, Dave leaves behind his beloved wife, Shari; his daughter, Jaime; his stepchildren, Jessica (Jake), Conor, and Kaleigh; his granddaughter, Hailey; his siblings, Coleen (Larrie), Michael (Carol), and Dawn (Steve); and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Visitation and funeral will be held at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, at 5:00 to 7:00 PM and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 16, at 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Those unable to attend in person are invited to watch the funeral ceremony via live stream or replay by registering here .
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, Gift in Memory of Dave Colbeck.
The family extends special thanks to the staff at the Ottawa General Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.
Digital Guestbook
Ivor Evans
Richard Carr
My deepest condolences. Dave was a wonderful colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Raymond Leury
I remember the day we hired Dave at Microsoft back in 2008. It was clear he would fit right in to the team atmosphere we were nourishing and he didn't disappoint. I've had the pleasure of working with Dave on several projects where he could always be counted on to get things done well. On the personal side, Dave was always a joy to have around and we shared many laughs each time we were able to chat.
William Fields & Jill Durant
Dave was truly a great person, and will be missed by his many friends. To Shari and Dave's family and extended family, our heart filled condolences on such a great loss. Remember the good times.
Serge Rimok
My sincere condolences to the family. I really enjoyed working with Dave at Microsoft. He will be dearly missed!
Sam Drey
Dave, as I wrote you recently, I will always think of you as one of the kindest, nicest, most helpful guy I have ever met, as a colleague as well as person. God bless you, my friend. All my condolences to the family 🙏🏻🩷
Gary & Aurelia Johnson
We are so sorry for your loss. Dave was a wonderful person and we have good memories. We send our sincere sympathy and condolences to all and wish you courage, peace, and comfort at this time of sorrow. Our heart goes out to all of you and we send our love. Sincerely, Gary & Aurelia
Kevin Ireland
As much as we will miss Dave, we will all remember that smile, his upbeat attitude and his ability to do an outstanding job. Look at that smile - it makes you smile just looking at it and remembering him. He was one of the people that looked you in the eyes and really wanted to know "how are you doing?" when he asked - it wasn't just something to say in passing when you walked past him in the office. He would stop walking and listen to you. I will miss that, and the halls and cubicles won't be the same; but all I need to do is think of that smile and I'll smile too. He will be with everyone that knew him, despite him taking on this new permanent engagement. Thank you Dave, your work family will always remember you.
Rich Parrish
I enjoyed playing golf with Dave in Myrtle Beach. He was a great person, always upbeat and fun to be with! Dave will be missed immensely!
Robin Langille
My condolences goes out to Dave’s family. Had many good times with him on the golf course.
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