David Bain

Born in Salmo, BC, David grew up in Edmonton, Port Coquitlam, Ottawa and Vancouver. He and his wife Diane were married 44 years, living in Sooke, Haida Gwaii, Port McNeill, China, Port Hardy, and finally Nanaimo. He was a loving father to Mali, Sarah, and Peter, and took great joy in time spent with his children, their partners, and five grandchildren.

As a young man, David made a personal commitment to Christ. Throughout his years he grew in his experience of faith, engaging in daily prayer and Bible reading, and committing himself to a local church wherever he lived. His was a life spent with Jesus.

David spent his career working in Pacific coastal rainforests as a silviculture forester. For him, forestry was more than a career; it was a way of life, a recognition of “the participation of the human being in relation to the balances of nature found in the forest.” From his youth he had always had an interest in Chinese culture and language. At the age of 50, he left his role in forestry to pursue volunteer work in China, where he and Diane lived for seven years. Upon returning to BC, David worked in the forests of Holberg, the Fraser Valley and Haida Gwaii before settling in Nanaimo and retiring from forestry work. In Nanaimo he was a committed, active member of First Baptist Church. An avid cyclist, he enjoyed exploring local trails and beaches, rain or shine.

David passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by his family and community. Due to Covid-19 a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Island Crisis Care Society or Canadian Baptist Ministries.

As he put it, “prayer has been the starting and finishing posture of the adventures of my life.”