David "Dave" Upham
February 23, 2023
UPHAM, David “Dave” - Passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Chapman House, after a year long battle with cancer. Dave was born in Ottawa on June 15, 1958 and spent most of his life in Toronto before moving to Mount Forest eight years ago – he loved it here. He worked as a photographer at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) for many years where he met Liz. He loved his dogs and their daily walks. He had a great love for music, and over the years attended many concerts with his best friend and fellow music lover, Allan Whitley. He liked to grocery shop, cook and was an avid photographer, and was very good at it. He spent a lot of time on the computer, and was very technical and electronics oriented – he had a gift. He also enjoyed gardening, and was a certified scuba diver. He was a quiet, kind, soul, willing to help anyone in need. In his younger years he had a motorcycle, and he, and his friend Mark, travelled through many parts of Canada and the United States, camping along the way.
He will be missed by his wife Liz; his precious dogs; sister-in-law Susan Nevills; nephew Matthew Upham, and many others.
Special thank you to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Louise Marshall Hospital, Oncology Unit, Cancer Patient Services, Grand River Hospital, Groves Hospital, Chapman House, Bayshore Health Care and Cancer Care. Also a special thanks for the incredible loyalty and assistance from neighbours and regular contact with family and friends. Also, special thank you to Kirk and Holly Jordan of the England Funeral Home.
Cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service will be held in the summer at Mount Forest Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dave are asked to consider the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation, or a Pet Charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home.
Condolences
So sorry to learn of Dave's passing, and my condolences for your loss. I met Dave in the 70s when I worked at Eaton's Warehouse store and he was a kind and gentle person.
— Julie, October 28, 2023Hi Liz
Awfully sorry to hear about Dave, he was a great person, quiet, calm, confident and always came up with the best ideas for the Photoshoots we did. Look after yourself .
Adrian
Liz, I'm so very sorry to hear about Dave. He was such a lovely and kind colleague. Sending you lots of love.
— Susan Vercruysse, March 8, 2023My deepest condolences Liz. Way too quick and way too soon. Dave (as you well know) was just one of those really nice guys who didn't command a lot of attention and went about his kind ways without expecting anything in return. He will truly be missed by all.
Glad I was able to have a visit with you two along with Jim and Anne. I'll have a glass or two of Chianti in his honor. Take care.
I can still hear Dave and see his lovely smile. The calm in our event storms. He touched so many lives in such a positive and impactful way. He will be missed but leaves a trail of happy memories behind. Condolences to you, Liz and family
— Julie Brown, March 1, 2023So sad to hear of Dave passing he was such a kind helpful fellow and such a help to me at events when I joined MTU in 1985. He had suggestions and was patient with the many images I had to request at convocation. I know he was so happy when he and Liz married and looking forward to the future when they moved out of Toronto. I hope all the laughter and happiness give you some comfort now.
— Lise Payne, March 1, 2023My deep condolences to Dave’s family. Dave and I worked on many Ryerson projects years ago…he was always so good natured, conscientious, and courteous.
RIP.
My deepest condolences to you and your family Liz. Dave was a warm soul. He always brought a cheerful presence to the events he photographed and always had a smile for me at his breaks outside Jorgenson.
— Olga Payne, February 28, 2023Liz I am sorry to read of your loss. I worked with Dave many years ago and appreciated what a kind and thoughtful man he was. My condolences to everyone who knew him.
— Nancy Snow, February 28, 2023Gone way too soon!
I first met Dave soon after moving to Toronto from Kitchener in my late teens. We lived in a town house in Rexdale during our college years with a few other guys. What crazy fun times we all had and Dave was always the life of the party. I'm still smiling at some of the many antics we pulled off back then.
And yes, in our early 20's and, over a few beers, Dave and I began discussing a motorcycle trip to California. This was one of my most memorable experiences. What a trip we had travelling across the mid west all the way to San Diego, up the coast to BC and then across Canada back home. We were very much like the odd couple. Dave was very much a night hawk and I was the exact opposite. After 5 weeks on the road, believe it or not, we were still good friends when we got home. The next year we travelled to Canada's east coast. So many memories. Dave and I both worked at Ryerson University for many years. In recent years my wife Lynn and myself travelled to Mount Forest a couple times to have picnics with Liz and Dave at a local park. So great to keep in touch.
I am so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I still can't believe he is gone. I will miss him very much.
My deepest sympathy to you Liz and your entire family.
Dave; you've been taken from us much too soon. You were such a sweet and thoughtful guy. I can never thank you enough for getting those floors for the four of us to see Paul for the many laughs as you schemed ways to catapult me into his arms during the show, and the good sense not to do it lest we miss the rest of thy concert after being arrested! You sent me so many CDs, DVDs and USBs of rare Paul and Beatles songs and interviews you recorded for me that I treasure. You were always doing things and helping others; your beloved Liz, family from both sides, friends and neighbors and your many dogs and cats. You'll be sorely missed by us all, but be in our hearts and memories forever.
— Cheryl Maine, February 26, 2023My sincerest sympathy. Liz, always remember that those we love never go away. They are beside us every day. Never seen or heard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.
— Margaret Gourlie, February 26, 2023To Liz and family, so sorry for your great loss! It saddens me deeply to learn of Dave’s passing.
Dave, we have been friends and work colleagues since 1985. During that time we shared our passion for music, entertainment, travel and laughter. We had some fun times in Florida while both visiting our parents and then travelling together in the keys afterward. I’ve attached a sunset photo of you in Key West. I had sent it to you along with others last week not knowing you would not receive them. Enjoy paradise buddy! I’m sure our friend Linda and many others will be there to greet you! We’re gonna miss! Rest in peace old friend.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Liz. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Wayne and Sandra
— Wayne and Sandra Lytle, February 25, 2023Sending my condolences Liz at this sad time on the passing of Dave. May he rest in Peace.
— Jo-Anne Machan, February 25, 2023Liz, I am so very sorry for your loss of Dave. He was a wonderful person and you two were wonderful together. He is still with you and always will be.
— Theresa Martin, February 25, 2023I am so sorry for your loss, Liz & family, Dave was a most affable & kind-spirited person. He will be missed.
It's with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our close and dear friend...Dave. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Liz at this time and we are always there to support you. Words cannot describe how much Dave's and my love of music and how we shared the joy it brought to us. Your new journey awaits and our thoughts and prayers go with you ....for you are never truly gone while you are in our hearts...Laudato si'
— Alan & Theresa Whitley, February 25, 2023I was so saddened to hear about Dave. I worked with him at Ryerson and remember his quiet confidence and his profound knowledge of computers and software. He helped me out on many occasions. My deepest sympathies to Liz and family.
— Linda Kincaid, February 25, 2023Such a beautiful soul and kind person. This is such sad news. My deepest condolences to Liz, family and friends.
— Richard English, February 24, 2023I am so heartbroken over the loss of such a great man. Thank you for being such a great Uncle to Matthew. Your suffering is over and you are now with your Dad and brother. Sincere condolences to you Liz . Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
— Ruth Warner, February 24, 2023