David Morley Stiller
June 14, 2024
David Morley Stiller, in his 87th year, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, June 14, 2024, in London, On.
David was predeceased by his parents Carl Hilmer Stiller and Mildred Ruth Stiller (née Parsons), his children Jillian and Brent (Karen), and great-grandson Eli Cameron Stiller. David was survived by his wife of 65 years, Evelyn (née Peters); his children, Rod Stiller (Michele); grandchildren: Kayla Lofgren (Brendan), Matthew Stiller (Maia McClintock), Tyler Stiller (Julia), Benjamin Stiller (Melissa), Erik Stiller (Nicoli), Holly Stiller, and Thomas Stiller; as well as nine great-grandchildren. David was also survived by siblings Ruth Rogers, Calvin Stiller (Angie), Brian Stiller (Lily), and Joan Patterson (Dale), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
David studied at Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and completed a master’s degree in hospital administration at the University of Ottawa. After serving as Executive Director of Civic Hospital in Peterborough, David transitioned into senior care residences and entrepreneurial ventures.
When David and Evelyn’s 18-year-old daughter, Jill, died in October of 1987, life’s trajectory forever changed. “We became drawn to the pain of other people like never before,” wrote David in his 2019 book Circle of Opportunity. The couple channeled their grief into helping others.
Soon after Jill’s death, David founded Opportunity International Canada. “David and the team went on to become one of the leading microfinance organizations in Canada and North America,” said Dennis Ripley, Chief Program Officer of Opportunity International Network.
Often accompanied by Evelyn, David travelled the world, living for months at a time in places like Russia and Bali. He loved adventure and helping other people. Some of the final guidance he offered to his grandchildren was to lead lives of generosity.
As the moral compass of the Stiller family, David checked in frequently with his sons, his seven grandchildren, and his siblings and their children. As a family patriarch, he offered wisdom, encouragement, and advice that helped the people he loved grow and excel. “He was one I could turn to with any problem or question and I trusted him implicitly,” said one sibling.
David loved cottage life, boating, and fishing, and spent hours with his grandchildren in that setting. He was creative, and in his later years explored painting and writing. David believed life presents us with multiple opportunities to share God’s love, and David watched for those moments daily. He was always on a mission.
“A life of love is expressed in goodness,” David wrote. “Tapping into what’s good gives purpose to all that we do. Having a relationship with God puts us in the position of being His hands and feet to carry out that goodness. And as we do, we find that He is not on the outside looking in, but is bound up in the totality of life. He is in the struggles, the pain, and the joys. Jesus, God’s gift to us, makes our relationship with God personal and unique.”
Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 1:00 – 3:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted at North Park Community Church, 1510 Fanshawe Park Road East, London, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception and private interment to follow. A live stream has been set up for those unable to attend the funeral service. Click on Remembering David below.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Opportunity International Canada.
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My thoughts and prayers have been with the Stiller family during this time. It was an honour and a joy to work with David through Opportunity International Canada and we celebrate the impact that David had on so many of us around the world. When I think about David, the verse from Matthew 25:21 - "Well done, good and faithful servant …" comes to mind. Many Blessings,
May that biblical Peace “That passeth all understanding” be with you, our cherished cousin Evelyn, and the entire Stiller family. What a blessed hope we have knowing that in God’s timing we will reunite with Dave, numerous family members, friends and acquaintances in the presence of our Lord in our heavenly home. It was always a pleasurable time when you, Evelyn and Dave, would travel out west to join our, Walter & Winifred Peters family reunions. A casual sit-down discussion with Dave could often lead to interesting thought-provoking discussions. Dave had a strong Faith and a persuasion on sundry subjects that was not easily deterred. I (Phil) recall when your family visited our farm home many years ago. Rod and Brent were very young. I don’t know who had more hilarious fun, rollicking rambunctiously, on our living room floor, Dave or the boys. That devout love and pride of family flourished throughout his entire life. Our prayer is that the presence of the Lord will be with you throughout this challenging time of adjustment. Rosella & Phil Peters & family (your Alberta cousins)
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Michelle and Rod Stiller, as you say good bye to your dad on this earth, may you find peace and comfort in knowing that those who love and serve God will have an everlasting life. Mira Blyzchyk
God’s grace and peace to all of the Stiller family. “Jesus said…“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,” John 11:25
Some 26 years ago when David founded OI Canada, I had the privilege of watching him in action. David would meet Wayne Johnson (OIC's first president) halfway between Windsor and Toronto at our office off the highway in Ayr, ON. During that time and the other few times we met, I was impacted by his strong and steady faith to see & believe in something that did not yet exist and bring it into being by God’s grace. I am very thankful for that example. It stands out among a few important interactions in my life.
My message is for Rod and Michelle and your kids and their kids and I know that this is going to be a difficult time for all of you and our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time
I was so blessed to know Dave and Evelyn here at CrystalLake in Naples Fl. Where they spent winters for yrs. They were always so encouraging to me especially when I was going through some struggles with a husband with Dementia. The love they had for the Lord Jesus was evident and that spread to all those around them. I know Dave was welcomed home with a big well done from our Saviour.
A highly respected and well loved man. There was no doubt how much Dave loved his family. He was an incredible example of what we should all strive to be. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the family. With love, Miriam amd Arthur
It was one of my greatest privileges to know David. From meeting him in Honduras where I first learned about microfinance, to then working for the organization he founded in Canada. Every opportunity to see him and talk to him was a joy. He was a a humble man that cared so deeply and would take the time to really listen and talk to you. Then to spend time working with him on his book where he told his story has been something I'll treasure forever.
My thoughts and prayers are with your families Much love
What a beautiful tribute to a man that loved the Lord and his family. Praying for you all. Much love.
It's been one of my greatest pleasures to know David Stiller and call him my friend. He was a tremendous encouragement to me on several occasions and I have seen his passion and compassion for others first hand. His obituary is an apt description of the man. Just today I read in Psalms 71 vs. 20 "You caused me to experience many troubles and misfortunes, but you will revive me again, you will bring me up again, even from the depths of the earth". I think this verse and indeed the entire chapter is fitting of David Stiller, in fact he could well have written it. The Psalmist was looking forward to heaven and his own resurrection and I know that David Stiller has joined him in glory, even now though we grieve we too await that day. Our prayers and blessings be on Evelyn, Rod & Michele, Karen and the extended Stiller family.
Services for David Morley Stiller
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
June 18, 2024 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
June 18, 2024 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
North Park Community Church
1510 Fanshawe Park Road East,
London, Ontario
June 19, 2024 11:00 am
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Paul just gave me the news of the passing of this wonderful man. I had the privilege of knowing Dave Stiller when I worked for National Truck League. We didn’t cross path to too often, but I do remember some of the times that we talked. I didn’t know much about his life and I can honestly say when we did speak he came across as one of the most kindest, genuine man I ever met. My heart is saddened to hear of his passing. God’s kingdom has a great one now. To Rod Stiller and all the families please accept our deepest condolences. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless.
~ Paul and Diane Nicholson