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David Anthony Pestell

September 10, 1937 - February 28, 2022

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of David Anthony Pestell in his 85th year. Beloved husband of Ursula Magdalene (nee Möller) for over 62 years. Cherished father of Linda Webber of Chatham, Debbie Pestell of Halifax, and Barbara (Angelo) Currado of London. Adoring grandfather to Matthew Webber (Adeline), Kyle (Angie) Webber, Kira (Josh) Fitzwater, Paige Currado (Brett), Quinn Currado (Miray), Connor Currado, Lukas Sawatzky and Emeline Sawatzky; loving great-grandfather to Emery, Lily, Abigail and ‘baby bean Norah’ due in April. David, born in Boston, Lincolnshire in England on the cusp of WWII is predeceased by his parents William Henry and Hilda Marion, and his beloved brother Michael (Denmark). He is survived by brother Nigel (Texas) and sister Ann (England), as well as niece Fie and nephew Poul and their families in Denmark, and nephew Andrew and his family in Texas.

Arriving in Montreal, Canada in 1957 at just 19 years of age after already having served for over 3 years in the British Merchant Navy, and with only 100 English pounds in his pocket, David got his first job in just two days and never looked back. Almost 65 years later, he had built a remarkable life in his adopted homeland. Gracious, caring, dignified, filled with gratitude and possessing a wonderful sense of humour, David lead a life well-lived with his love for his family at the core of his being. Working in marketing and sales for BP Canada and later Petro-Canada, he always said there wasn’t a single day that he didn’t enjoy his work and the countless colleagues and friends he made along the way, many of whom he remained friends with for the rest of their lives. After retirement, David and Ursula cherished 25 more years together at their much-loved home on Wynfield Lane in London where he honed his gardening skills and golf game and built a beautiful replica English pub and games’ room to enjoy with friends and family. They also thoroughly enjoyed 25 winters in Florida at their precious TGO (The Great Outdoors) in Titusville where David’s golf game reached its pinnacle in Jan 2018 when he hit his first and only hole-in-one, an achievement that he was very proud of! Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be held immediately after the funeral at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in London. For those unable to attend in person, the funeral service will be live-streamed; to register to view the live stream, please click here: Registration page for the live stream of David’s service

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in David’s honour to the Palliative Care Unit through the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation in Halifax, Nova Scotia or the International Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund for Ukraine.

 

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To my darling Husband. I will always only love you for the rest of my life. I am heartbroken. You tried to hang on even though you were in agony. I hope to see you in Heaven. Love you forever. Ursel.

~ Ursel Pestell

I will always love you till the end of time Urs.

~ Ursula Pestell

Belated condolences. I worked for BP Canada in Montreal from 1960 until 1980 when we transferred to Toronto. As a staff member in the marketing department for some years I was acquainted with Dave; he was a pleasure to work with. It was a great to read the details of what a wonderful family he had, and the many years of good life he enjoyed, both at work and during his retirement.

~ Joanne Frew

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I first met Dave when I was transferred to London in 1985 and I believe the last time I saw him was when he attended my retirement farewell in Burlington in 2006. I will always think of Dave as a friend and everyone will remember him as a knowledgeable, soft-spoken gentleman who had time for everyone. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with Ursula and family. Evelyn and Keith Sylvia

~ Keith Sylvia

A donation has been made to Canadian Red Cross - Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal. Message from the donator: So sorry for your loss. I remember Dave as being such a kind gentleman (at BP/Petro-Canada) and a pleasure to work with. He often shared gardening tips and even clematis cuttings with colleagues. Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Brigitte

~ Brigitte John-Chuan

We were blessed to have Dave as our neighbor for the past 13 years. We will miss the many stories he shared with us about his life, his love for his family and his love for the outdoors and golf. We will miss the friendly waves from the riding lawn mower, the many conversations he had with the kids at the fence as he watched them play and the phone calls and grapefruit from Florida. We will always remember Dave's kindness and overall love for people. Rest in peace. Love Mark, Kim, Landon, Cameron and Addison de Nijs

~ de Nijs Family

A donation has been made to QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation - Palliative Care Unit. Message from the donator: Always loved, never forgotten, always missed! Much love from all of us in Denmark.

~ Family Pestell

It was with great sadness my husband, Dennis and myself, said our final farewell to David, my brother, by Zoom on Friday 25 February. It was the last of many Zoom calls we had done during his illness and the family ranged from the USA, England, Denmark and Canada, sometimes all together and sometimes just a small group. You may think they were sad Zoom calls but with old photographs, recent photographs and our joint interest in the wildlife of each country, they were very enjoyable and lifted David’s spirits enormously. He even asked us to set up an owl box in his memory with a photograph of himself inside watching the owl family. We will be with you for the service via the link on Thursday 10 March and remembering David was once a choir boy at St. Botolph’s, Boston Stump Church, surplice and all. Ann and Dennis Hammant

~ Dennis and Ann Hammant

We were very saddened to hear of Dave's passing. We knew Dave through our many years at West Haven. I can still hear the pride in his voice whenever he would talk of his girls. We will miss our many conversations at the "Starters shack". We will cherish our memories Dave, now rest in peace. Spence and Stacey

~ Stacey & Spence Palmer

I have so much sadness in my heart today. I also have many fond memories, and countless funny memories of years working with Dave at BP and Petro-Canada. I know I am speaking for our former department, everyone worked hard, but also played hard, this was back in the 1980's. Such a wonderful work environment. Fast forward, my family and I moved to the Orlando, Florida area in 1990. Dave and Ursula visited my husband and I on occasions, by then they had purchased a winter home in Titusville. I've remained in contact with Dave over the years, however, I have been aware of his health issues and had a feeling Ursula and Dave may not be returning to Florida. The last time I spent time with David and Ursula was 10 years ago this month when they showed up at a surprise birthday party (in Orlando) my husband and daughter threw for me. I could not believe it when my eyes spotted the two of them in the room. Dave, we will never forget you, just so many wonderful memories of you. Sending love and my thoughts to Ursula and the Pestell family. Doris & Vaughn

~ Doris Harrison

Dave and Ursula, friends for many years at The Great Outdoors, were also "neighbors" across the river. After crossing the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, MI, Dave would tell Ursula that they were passing Ed and Loretta's house. Through the years, we were fortunate to also become acquainted with Debbie and family. The love they exhibited as a family shone brightly. Until we meet again, we will hold onto the wonderful memories. God bless and comfort the family and all who are saddened by Dave's passing.

~ Loretta and Edward Anne'


Picture #4 - Petro-Canada Event

~ Kathleen Dalton


Picture #3 - Petro-Canada Event

~ Kathleen Dalton


Picture #2 - Titusville

~ Kathleen Dalton


Doris Harrison and I worked with Dave at Petro-Canada. He was a gentleman and very proud of his family. My sympathy to Ursula and family. Doris and I visited Dave and Ursula in Titusville in 1997 and I am sending a couple of pictures. I am also including some pictures of Dave at Petro-Canada company events.

~ Kathleen Dalton

Sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of working with Dave at BP & Petro-Canada. My condolences to Ursula & family.

~ Robyne Brown

Ursula and family: So many great memories! Carolyn

~ Carolyn Waddick and family

Our hearts ache for your loss, Ursula, Linda, Debbie, and Barb…praying that you sense God’s comfort through the love and support of friends and family.

~ Gary and Ruby Charron

A donation has been made to Red Cross for Ukraine. Message from the donator: Sending our love & condolences <3

~ John & Brenda Vouvalidis

Services for David Anthony Pestell

Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

March 9, 2022 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

March 10, 2022 1:00 pm

Make a donation

If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation - Palliative Care Unit

International Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund for Ukraine

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