David Arnold Sproule

He was born and raised in Port Credit, Ontario, moved to Vancouver when he was 16, graduating from Lord Byng High School. At UBC he met Jean, the love of his life and wife of 55 years. On graduation, he began a seventeen-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving with various regiments across the country, including the Royal Canadian Dragoons as a Peacekeeper in the UN Emergency Force in the Sinai, the Lord Strathcona’s Horse, and in the reserves with the BC Regiment (DCO), retiring as Lieutenant-Colonel. Dave and Jean raised their two daughters, finally making Yellowknife, NWT their home. Following his Army career, Dave went on to a staff training role for the Gov. of the NWT. In 1985, he and Jean returned to Vancouver where he was the Safety and Training Manager for SkyTrain, then consulting for Canada Line prior to the 2010 Winter Olympics. In retirement he remained involved with his regimental associations, writing and publishing his military stories in their newsletters.

Dave sang in choirs all his life, notably the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir and Victoria’s Starlight Pops. He was an avid collector, traveller, art enthusiast, and theatre-lover. Wherever he lived, even after Jean was gone, Dave made it home, embracing all the community offered and making lasting friendships. He was always the first to volunteer, was steadfast to his commitments, and left things better for being there. While his family and those who knew him are heartbroken that he is gone, we gain comfort from knowing he lived his life fully, with always a kind word and love in his heart. Dave was predeceased by the love of his life, Jean (2016), daughter Robin (2020), and brothers Noble and Hugh. He is survived by daughter, Sidney, daughter-in-law, Traci Mercer, Traci’s children, Jared and Jaycee, Inuk daughter, Mary Olibuk Tatty, and nieces and nephews across Canada.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 1pm on June 19, 2024, at the BC Regiment Beatty Street Drill Hall, 620 Beatty St, Vancouver. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, or the Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation, Yellowknife.

A graveside service for David will be held in Yellowknife at a future date.