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
Fran wright
Bonnie J Teet
My sincere condolences on the passing of Dave. He was always so cheerful and kind whenever I saw him. Love to you Sheila and your family.
Lyette Babin-MacKay
My very sincere sympathies to all of Dave's family. May the good memories see you through the difficult times.
Claude R LeClerc
It is with deep sadness that I have just learned of David's passing. My sincere condolences to the family. Over the years our path crossed many times. If fact David and I took the last Naval Supply Officer's course in Borden. When I was SO of Preserver, we had an opportunity to sail together once again. He was a good friend and could be counted on. Once again sincere condolences to the family.
Catherine MacRae
I worked with David in the privatization of the Air Traffic Controllers in the formation of Nav Canada. I was the actuary, working at KPMG, determining the actuarial value of the assets to be transferred to the new pension plan etc. Great guy to work with.
Ches Brown
Smart , witty and exceptionally articulate Dave was my debating partner , fellow RMC cadet , fellow naval officer and my very dear friend of 60 years . Many fond memories especially of a cruise of the Baltic countries that Marilyn and I took with Dave and Shiela . Sincere condolences to Sheila and to Dave’s children and grandchildren from Marilyn and I .
Special memories of a man with so much enthusiasm for life and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 💞