It is with sadness we share the passing of David Neil Primeau on May 7, 2024.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland on December 14, 1944, David first and foremost found happiness as a husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Sheila would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on May 23rd, 2024. He leaves his wife to mourn him and his dear daughters Sarah Thivierge (Marc) and Elizabeth Primeau LeBlanc (James), as well as his beloved grandchildren, Mason, Andrew, Shelby and Kiersten, and Howie the granddog.
David will be missed by his siblings Mitchell (Alice), William (Rose), Robert and Jane (Terry), his brother-in-law Michael in Australia and his nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Quebec High School, David completed a B.A. (History) in 1967 at Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario followed by completing an MBA at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
David served as a Naval Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy for 22 years, followed by a successful career as an executive in the Federal Public Service. David was a recipient of the Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals in recognition of worthy and devoted service and reflected the esteem in which they were held by their associates.
From a young age, David was a keen model railroader and train enthusiast. He had long lasting and special friendships with those who shared this interest, as well as from his time at RMC and in the RCN.
The family would like to thank our friends who provided invaluable support to David and his family over the last 3 months as well as the many doctors and nurses who provided care during David’s illness. A special thank you to Christina, Henry, Avry and Gwen, the dedicated doctors of his palliative care team and the many others who provided care throughout his illness.
Family and friends are invited to the interment on Saturday, June 22nd in the National Military Cemetery of Canada (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) at 1pm. Friends are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to the interment and to report to the main building. A reception will follow from 1:30 to 3:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Sandy Sutherland
Ken Summers
Dave will be missed by his classmates, shipmates, and his many friends and family. He leaves us all with so many memories of better days. A gentleman naval officer always. Fair winds and following seas .
André Branchaud
I'm profoundly saddened by Dave's passing. He was a real friend to me.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family.
Ian Duncan
Fair winds and following seas to a fellow Navy pusser. It was a pleasure to serve and work with Dave.
Lynn Caple
My condolences to his family. Though I only knew him as a classmate at college and not afterwards as I moved to the US after I left the navy, he was a steadfast, honest, hard working college mate and officer cadet for whom I had immense respect. May God give his family a peace that truly passes all understanding.
Colin Angus
I remember David well from my days in Quebec City and QHS. I kept in touch with him periodically, especially as it related to my sister's (Phyllis) overall battle with MS. David will be missed by many of his old friends in Quebec City. Please give my best to his family and especially Mitchell - an old friend.
Earle Morris
A great classmate who was always upbeat and whose quick wit was always appreciated. Rest in peace David.
Ken Birch
I remember Dave very well from our years together at RMC and it is good to see sincere condolences from many of Dave's classmates, to which Elisabeth and I add ours. I just recently reconnected with Dave and regret not knowing him better. May he rest in peace.
Maribeth Ryan
My sincere condolences Sarah and family …I hope that the next coming days is surrounded by memories and stories about your Dad 🙏🏻 thinking of you
André Branchaud
Dave's passing profoundly saddens me; he was a true friend to me.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family.
Dave was a great RMC classmate and source of information on the ins and outs of naval logistics over the years since. He will be missed.