Mr. David Michael Ablett

1941 - 2010

Mr. David Michael Ablett obituary, 1941-2010

BORN

1941

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

COMSTOCK-KAYE Life Celebration Centre

356 Rubidge Street

Peterborough, Ontario

David Ablett Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 26, 2010.

David Michael Ablett

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son and friend, at home in Peterborough, Ontario, on July 24, 2010. Beloved husband of Colleen (nee Connell), his children: Jonathan (Ann), Elizabeth (Ken), their mother Joan; Krista (Mark), Kelly (Brett) and Kevin (Cheryl). Loving Papi and Grampa D to twelve grandchildren. Brother to June (Les) and Richard (Kathy). Predeceased by his father, Jack, his mother, Hazel, and his brother, Frank. Nephew of Ruth Marshall, Anne Carson and Fern Aldred. Brother-in-law to Michael Connell, Susan (Jim Witiuk), Anne (Larry Yatkowsky), Mary Raper, Ellen (Peter Johnson). David will also be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews and their families along with his extended family and wide network of friends. David was born on February 4th, 1941, in Gibson's Landing, B.C.. David's career as a journalist began at the New Westminster Columbian, where as a high school student; he initially covered the high school basketball and then wrote the bowling column. Later, at the University of British Columbia, he was the Editorial Page Editor of the student newspaper, the Ubisey. The Vancouver Sun sent him to Columbia University School of Journalism, where he graduated in 1967, with the top history award and the Pulitzer Travelling Fellowship, a prize that allowed him to spend the next two years abroad -first in Japan, then Europe, where he covered the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia for Radio Free Europe. He returned to the Sun in 1969 and became the Washington, and then Ottawa Bureau Chief. He returned to Vancouver as the Sun's editorial page editor. He won Canada's National Newspaper Award for Editorial Writing in 1977. Later, he joined the Office of the Privy Council under Pierre Elliot Trudeau. On departure from the Privy Council, Prime Minister Trudeau created a special cabinet record of David's contributions to Canada, including his role as strategist for bringing the constitution home to Canada. More recently, he was the Vice President of Public and Corporate Affairs at the Toronto Stock Exchange until his retirement in 2007. We would like to thank the nurses and staff at PRHC 4A North. A special thank you to Dr. John Vlaschard; nurses Tina and Debbie. Visitations will be held on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, Ontario, (705) 745-4683. A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home on Thursday, 29 July, at 11:00 am. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by David's family. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com

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Memories and Condolences
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35 Entries

January 20, 2011

With sincere sympathy

Bonnie MacDonald.....old school mate from Edmonds and U>B>C>

January 20, 2011

You certainly accomplished a lot in a relatively short space of time.....I knew success would be a mandate in your career

August 13, 2010

Dear Colleen and family
I want to express deep sympathy for the loss to you and all the family. I met him only a few times. A very warm and caring man. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayer.
Love, Gloria Wilkinson

August 13, 2010

Patrick Corrigan

David was the rare journo/editor that appreciated the value of a memorable political cartoon. Hence his friendship with the great Roy Peterson.
Wistfully, I think he appreciated the value of my wine expertise more than some things...
Will miss him immensely...the sage, the wag, the man of many appetites.
Condolences to Colleen and all his family.

August 6, 2010

Kevin Roman

One never knows what to write at times like these. It's a reflection of a life passed and lives left. As I knew David, I saw joy, laughter, a quiet strength, peace and very good food! We'll miss David very much but we understand that his life was only the start and sample of something greater for him. I'm so happy that we had the opportunity to visit with David back in June. I woke on that Thursday morning on the Oregon Coast and not surprisingly, the Sun came shining through the fog at just the right time. Thank you David, for bringing the sun into our lives and for loving us all. Deepest sympathies to Elizabeth and Jonathan and of course, my dear mom. Love from Kevin & Cheryl and kids

August 5, 2010

Justin Raper

I have many fond memories about the time I spent with David. From our weekend visits to the golf course to our conversations over a wide array of topics while enjoying a glass of scotch. But most of all I will remember David's kindness and his gift of knowledge. I learned as much about life and what it means to be a good person as I did about academics. For this I am truly grateful. David will be truly missed.

August 3, 2010

Jodi Ferguson

Dear Colleen and family,

I was very sorry to hear about David passing away. I had the honor and the pleasure of working with him at TSX. He was such a wonderful man, his generous nature and sharing his remarkable stories with his great sense of humor always made working with him a true joy. I have great memoires of the time we golfed together and when I last saw David at the BBQ you both so graciously held at your home. My thoughts are with you and the Ablett family at this very difficult time.

With my deepest sympathy,
Jodi

August 1, 2010

Colleen, Jonathan and Elizabeth,

David combined a great analytical mind with equally great creative imagination. We met in Washington in 1970 when I was trying to get an environmental impact analysis for the Alaska Pipeline proposal. We got to know one another well over the next four years. It was David who suggested I embark on the lawsuit that eventually achieved that goal. In any event, he wrote about the issue at least once a month, the Sun published his stories, sometimes on the front page, and it became a major issue in US Canadian relations. Ultimately it took a resolution of the United States Congress to overturn the favourable ruling of the US federal courts. A four year saga of activist journalism with David at the center of it from beginning to end.

You have lost a truly wonderful person.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

David and Sandra Anderson, Victoria.

August 1, 2010

David Anderson

Colleen, Jonathan and Elizabeth,

David combined a great analytical mind with equally great creative imagination. We met in Washington in 1970 when I was trying to get an environmental impact analysis for the Alaska Pipeline proposal. We got to know one another well over the next four years. It was David who suggested I embark on the lawsuit that eventually achieved that goal. In any event, he wrote about the issue at least once a month, the Sun published his stories, sometimes on the front page, and it became a major issue in US Canadian relations. Ultimately it took a resolution of the United States Congress to overturn the favourable ruling of the US federal courts. A four year saga of activist journalism with David at the center of it from beginning to end.

You have lost a truly wonderful person.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

David and Sandra Anderson, Victoria.

July 31, 2010

Sterling Newman

Colleen and family:
It was truly a privilege to know David, and to have spent time with him. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. With sincerest sympathy.

July 30, 2010

Kelly Prentice

Dear Aunt Colleen and family, we are thinking of you all. Love Kelly, Andrew, Daniel, & Connor .

July 30, 2010

Colleen and Family Our thoughts and prays are with you. We only met David a couple of times at Kathy's. He was a great man and will be sady missed Janice & Bob Matthews Sault Ste. Marie

July 30, 2010

Lori and Bob Reilly

Dear Colleen and family:

We wish to send you our sympathy over the loss of dear David. May fond memories keep you comforted at this difficult time.

July 30, 2010

My Heartfelt condolences to David's family. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with David when he was at the Toronto Stock Exchange. We shared many a laugh. He will be missed.

Linda Fraser, Toronto

July 30, 2010

Dear Ablett family,
My sincere sympathies on your loss.
In the early 1970s, as a young, rookie member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, I had the good fortune of sitting next to Dave and his friend and colleague, the late Marjorie Nichols, every day during Question Period. I could not have asked for a more warm, funny and perceptive pair of colleagues. It was a pleasure to reminisce about those bygone days years later when I came across Dave at the TSX. He was a terrific journalist and a fine person. Long live his memory! -- Sheldon Gordon, Toronto

July 29, 2010

My thoughts were with you as all of you gathered today to say goodbye to David. All of us will miss his warmth, his keen intellect, his joie de vivre ... and his mischievous sense of humour. David had a real impact wherever he chose to apply his considerable talents: journalism, public service, big business -- you name it. My sincere sympathies to Colleen, Jonathan, Elizabeth and the rest of David's family. We'll miss him. Brian Smith, Toronto

July 29, 2010

Leonard Petrillo

Dear Family....I worked with David at the Toronto Stock Exchange for a short time before I retired in 2003. I remember him fondly as a gracious, generous and knowledgeable gentleman. My condolences to the Ablett family for your loss. His life has left a memorable and admirable footprint.

July 29, 2010

Dear Colleen [and Family],
My thoughts are with you [always], so sorry for your loss.
Liz R.

July 29, 2010

Dear Colleen and family - wanted to let you know that you are being thought of at this difficult time. Just watching the gallery photos I know that you will all share wonderful memories in the days/years ahead.
Sincere Condolences
Janice and Frank Carr (Saint John)

July 29, 2010

Suzanne & Jim Maker

Dear Colleen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.David will be sadly missed.May you feel comfort in the memories you hold close to your heart. God Bless.

July 29, 2010

Robert Taylor

Dear Colleen,
When Louise and I read David's obituary we wanted to add "...and much much more" including priceless work as the (tradition challenging) first CMPA publicist, chef, raconteur extraordinaire and all round nice guy. Despite the distance of time and place we felt great loss which can only hint at your's.
Rob Taylor & Louise Carreau

July 29, 2010

Robert Taylor

Colleen,
When Louise and I read David's obituary, we wanted to add "...and much, much more" including priceless work as the first (tradition breaking) CMPA publicist, chef, raconteur extrordinaire and all round nice guy.
Despite the distance of time and place, we feel a great sense of loss which can only hint at your's.
Our deepest sympathies.
Rob Taylor and Louise Carreau, Ottawa

July 28, 2010

Kieran Johnson

Dear Auntie Colleen, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

July 28, 2010

Peter Johnson

To Colleen, Jonathan, Elizabeth, and to all family and friends who have gathered to remember David and to celebrate his life - my thoughts are with you.

July 28, 2010

To Colleen and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your family at this difficult time. David was such an accomplished man and will be always be remembered with respect and love. Special hugs for Dick and Kathy.
Irwin and Judy (Ottawa).

July 28, 2010

My wife and I were saddened to learn of David's passing. I enjoyed my relationship with David when I served at the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC. He was a fine correspondent for the Vancouver Sun and his reporting showed him to be an intelligent and caring Canadian, characteristics which were well demonstrated in his later assignments.
Sincerely, Ted and Jennie Johnston (Ottawa)

July 28, 2010

Suzanne O'Malley

Uncle Dave you are loved and will be dearly missed. Words cannot express...
Love to all my family,
Suzanne

July 27, 2010

Corey Copeland

Dear Colleen, Jonathan, Elizabeth and family,

David was a wonderful friend and colleague whose humour, warmth and wit always made him great fun to be with. He was also a gifted teacher who helped many young people along and gave generously of his time and advice. Although we lost touch after our move to Montreal, his zest for life and endless curiousity will always stand out in my memories. Betsy and I send our sincere condolences and wish you peace in this difficult time.

With sympathy,
Corey Copeland

July 27, 2010

Dear Jonathan, Elizabeth & Family - our sincerest condolences on the passing of Uncle David. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Chris, Lana, William and Chloe (Merritt)

July 27, 2010

Brigitte Cole

Dear Elizabeth, Jonathan and Family: Our deepest sympathies are with you all at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.. Remember we are here for you . We love you
Brigitte, John and Logan

July 27, 2010

Derek Tam

Dear Mr. Ablett's family, please accept my condolences for Mr. Ablett's passing. I worked with him during his tenure at the Toronto Stock Exchange and he was a great mentor to me. His guidance and advice was especially helpful for someone that just recently graduated from school. Most importantly, he was always approachable and always have a good sense of humour. I will always treasure these memories. Please take care as I am sure Mr. Ablett will want everyone he cares for to be happy!

Derek Tam

July 27, 2010

Cecil and I would like to give our sincere condolences to the Ablett family and especially Jonathan and Elizabeth. We have fond memories of both of you and as you may recall David and I worked together at the PCO. I had tremendous respect for David. He made a very important contribution as a thinker and strategist both to the government and the people of Canada. We will miss him. Robert and Cecil

July 27, 2010

Brigitte Cole

Elizabeth, Jonathan and Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very trying time.. Just remember we are there for you always..love Brigitte, John and Logan

July 27, 2010

Susan Reisler

Dear Colleen and family - It's very hard to say goodbye to someone as talented, charming, kind, loveable - I could go on- as David. I first met David in the National Press Gallery, where he was a writer for the Vancouver Sun. Smart, friendly, helpful - he was a good mentor to a very junior female reporter. David always had time and a great turn of phrase. Our paths crossed frequently in Toronto, and we shared a client for a while. It didn't matter the challenge, David took it on with good spirit and did a wonderful job. He was simply the best,his presence will be much missed but I for one will think hard on all that I learned from him.
My deepest sympathy goes out to you Colleen and your family,
Susan Reisler

July 26, 2010

Colleen and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. We will all be with you over the next few difficult days. Take comfort in his last week at home. You fulfilled his final wish. Love to all, Wayne & Judy; Richard & Myrna; Janice & Frank; Jean; David & Darelynn and our families.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

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COMSTOCK-KAYE Life Celebration Centre

356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough, ON K9H4C7

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