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
Bob Lee
ROBERT POTVIN
Je n'ai pas très bien connu Dave au Collège, mais dans les occasions où je l'ai rencontré, il m'a toujours impressionné par sa droiture, sa dignité et sa rigueur. Un fier gentilhomme qui manquera beaucoup à sa famille et ses amis.
jim Simons
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember David from my years at QHS, he was a little older than me but provided a great roll model. Mitch and I were more of the same cohort.
Russ Moore
A great classmate and accomplished naval officer.
My condolences to his family
Terry McEvoy
Dave was an admirable and `inspiring class secretary who caused so many of his classmates to reconnect, if only virtually. Sheila we know you and your family will dearly miss Dave, as will all of us, but we hope you will be comforted by fond memories of a most wonderful man. We will keep Dave in our prayers, just to stay in touch, as he would have wanted.
Patrick Turner
Sorry for your loss. It was not yesterday but I recall fond memories of seeing his railway layout in Dartmouth.
Dave Blaney
A good man - and always good company. Smart, witty and calm - a steady hand in all things. I'll give you a heartfelt and well-deserved naval salute on the 22nd, Dave, for sure!
So very sorry, Sheila and family.
Carol &John Packer
It was with great sadness that we heard of David's passing . His cousins and their wives in Scotland send their deepest condolences. May God bless you all in this sad time.
Barry Keeler
Dave’s wit and many good works leave an indelible mark on all those who had the good fortune to know him.
Condolences to Sheila and family.
Russell Ingram
Dave was an inspirational leader with the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund and a highly respected naval logistics officer. His wisdom and guidance will be missed. It has been a privilege to have served with him. My condolences to his family.
I knew Dave at RMC but got to know him much better later in Ottawa during my 5 year tour in NDHQ, and later when he was secretary of our class. He was hard not to like. A true gentleman. I will miss him at our next class reunion if I ever get back East to attend.