Obituary of David Whiting

Dave suddenly passed away at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton on Sunday, June 22, 2014. Born in Halifax he was the son of the late William and Virginia (McIntosh) Whiting. He is predeceased by his brothers Billy and John Whiting and his granddaughter, Victoria Arsovski. David is survived by his soul mate, Sonja (Aylward) Lifford whom he first met when he was ten years old. His sudden passing has devastated Sonja along with family and friends in Yarmouth, Prince Edward Island, Halifax, New Brunswick and Ontario. Sonja and Dave had a special love that will go on until they meet again. David also leaves behind his daughter, Leigh (Ivan Arsovski), son Mark, step-children Nicole Parker, whom he considered his second daughter, Jim, Derek, Dale and Joe Parker. Grandchildren are Olivia Whiting, Hannah Arsovski and Rachel Arsovski, Arielle, Choloe and Gabe Whiting, Jenna and Gavin Parker. Dave not only left behind his first and last love Sonja, but his chosen family, Troy Lifford (wife Janice), Chad Lifford and his chosen grandchildren, Tyler, Claire, Abby, Brett and Wynn. He also left behind his best friends that were his sister-in-law, Nancy and brother-in-law Steve Henneberry. David was a brilliant man that everyone referred to as “Mr. Wikipedia”. He will always be remembered for this and his passion for knowledge and reading. David loved cooking for his family and friends no matter the location or occasion. The grandkids loved to cook with him and made chocolate creations, one even being a checker board made out of different colored chocolates. What a blast that was and a mess too that all took place in the Lifford’s big kitchen. There were fun hikes in the woods, visits to the park next door where we shared so many wonderful conversations and memories. We enjoyed swimming in beautiful Lake Ellenwood and going out on the boat. David loved our chocolate Labrador, Casey. Dave even carried him up the steep hill from the lake in his arms after a swim in the lake Casey loved. This was no easy task considering Casey weighted in at about 90 pounds. Casey was Dave’s backseat driver where ever Sonja and Dave went in Canada and the U.S. David had a great passion for politics along with Sonja and have life long friends in this big circle. He was a quiet man that asked little from anyone but gave much of himself to family and friends. When my dad passed away, he was the one that remembered that a coin is given to a sailor to pay for the ferry the last time he leaves the ship. His last position was as the Executive Director of the Regional Service Commission 12 in Woodstock, N.B. David was happy working here with his fabulous team plus Jim Kennedy, the Board Chair and all the board members. He would be saying, if he could, “thank you for the honor of being part of this outstanding group”. He had great plans for District 12 and the confidence of his team to make it happen. David was also CEO of the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission, General Manager of the Yarmouth Area Industrial Commission, Port Manager of the Town of Yarmouth, General Manager of the Yarmouth Development Corporation, Consultant - Divesture of the Port of Yarmouth from Transport Canada. He was part of the Municipal Government of Halton Hills, Ontario, Town Counsillor, Regional Councillor, School Trustee, Board of Commissioners of the Niagara Escarpment Commission and a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. David served on numerous volunteer boards and gave freely of his time to help anywhere needed. He was appointed as the first Canadian to become President of the North Atlantic Port Association. This appointment brought great recognition to Canada. David loved and received joy from all the people that have walked through his life. There will be a celebration of David’s life on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, N.B. at 2 pm with reception to follow. David lost his special friend, Bill Aylward – Sonja’s and Nancy’s father two weeks before David left Sonja and the family. They are together in heaven smiling down on us. We mourn for BOTH of YOU. Donations can be made to the Lung Association, I.W.K. and the S.P.C.A. of your choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com ‘To love someone and to have someone love you in return is the greatest gift one can ask from our Lord. ‘