David Edward Franklin

Born in London, ON on October 19th, 1948; Dave passed away, after a brief illness, on April 26, 2017 peacefully at home in Aurora ON with his wife Dale at his side.

Dave is survived by his wife Dale (nee Lyons), mother Madeline Ruth Franklin of London , Ontario, daughter Jennifer (Shane) Hubley and grandchildren Azlan and Reece, son Jeff (Sophie) Franklin and grandchildren Teagan and Tanner, daughter Trisha ( Brent) and grandchildren Abby and Zoe. Sister Carol Toffelmire and nieces Jenna and Lisa and great niece Isla. Dave is predeceased by his father Edward William Franklin of London ON.

Dave graduated from the RCMP Training Academy in Regina at 19 years of age on Jan. 19th, 1969 as part of Troop 19 and was assigned badge # 26988. Dave made a long career of serving others and retired from the RCMP in 2003 after 34 1/2 years of service in many areas of the organization. Dave retired as Section Commander of the Customs & Excise Section Central Ontario Region, Newmarket RCMP Regional Office but had a wide range of duties and experiences with the force over his career, including; four years as an instructor at the National Training Academy in Regina, working in Protective Services where he provided security for various diplomats and VIP’s including Prime Minister Mulroney. Dave oversaw the security detail involved with the Pope John Paul II visit at Strawberry Island in 2002. He traveled the globe involved with Canadian Peace Keeping forces in Egypt and was the RCMP Task Force Coordinator for the Namibia Africa UN Contingent. This was the first time in the history of the RCMP where they participated in a United Nations Operation. In 2002, Dave also received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to his country, to the RCMP and to the communities he served throughout his career.

Following his retirement from the force in 2003, Dave continued to educate others with knowledge gained over his many years of policing, focusing on the areas of domestic violence, sexual abuse, intervention and the roles which community policing plays. Dave traveled across Canada, the USA and into Europe providing lectures and training for many police forces and colleges as a private consultant until 2013.

Besides his love and pride for the RCMP, Dave had a passion for golf and the comradery around the sport. He combined his love for Dale and golf and married Dale on June 10, 2006 at the Base Borden Golf Club. He marshalled at the local Magna GC and assisted with security arrangements when such great golfers as Tiger Woods visited for tournaments. Dave’s most recent contributions to the community has been as President of the local Royal Canadian Legion # 385 in Aurora. Both Dave and his wife Dale were dedicated to the cause and operations of the Legion and had a great interest in securing the future of this organization.

Dave’s love and interest in family were front and foremost in his mind. His children, grandchildren and nieces brought especially great pleasure and joy to his life.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the first responders that assisted Dave and his wife Dale on April 26th, especially the first on site, Corp. Patrick Sprigg of York Regional Police Dept. who went the extra mile during such difficult times.

In lieu of flowers please direct any donations in Dave’s name to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #385 at 105 Industrial Pkwy N., Aurora, ON L4G 4C4

The family would like to thank Dave and Dale’s many friends for their support and generosity during these times. We know that Dave will be watching over his family and friends while continuing his passion for golf, seeking that illusive “Hole-In-One”.

Service arrangements: Provided by Aurora Branch #385 of the Royal Canadian Legion and Thompson Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life will take place at the Legion Hall on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11:00 am followed by a lunch and tea.

The on-line book of condolences can be signed by going to the following website at WWW.THOMPSONFH-AURORA.COM