Colonel David Gruer

With saddened but grateful hearts for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Colonel David H. Gruer, promoted to glory on March 26, 2025, in Toronto, ON.

David was born on May 9, 1934, in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Salvation Army officers, his father from Norway and his mother from Spain. As a young boy he gave his life to Jesus and from then on lived longing for others to know the depth of God’s love. He migrated to Welland, ON to prepare for training as a Salvation Army Officer. He loved Canada. Little did he know that after only 11 months of ministry in Peterborough, ON he would be called to international service for the next 28 years, starting in Cuba. There, after 5 ½ years of courtship by mail, Renee Magnenat, joined him and thus begun their marriage and team ministry which would last for 31 years. Due to the Revolution, the Gruers had to leave Cuba with their young daughter Florence. They served in Panama where Pauline was born; Chile where Hilmar was born, Brazil, and Argentina. A transfer to Canada enabled their children to settle in Toronto while David and Renee found joy in their service in corrections and then multicultural ministries as well being active members of the Etobicoke Temple Corps. His wife Renee was promoted to glory in early 1989. David married Barbara Voysey in 1991 and soon after they were appointed as territorial leaders of The Salvation Army in Brazil where they served for 9 years until their retirement.

For Dad, retirement meant the joy of ministry without the burden of administrative tasks. He thoroughly enjoyed his years as Corps Sergeant Major at Etobicoke Temple. When they moved to the Meighen Retirement Residence, they also transferred their membership to Yorkminster Citadel, where his daughter Pauline was Corps Officer (Pastor). There he served in the band and songsters as well as taking on a prayer ministry, phoning church members every week to connect and ask for their prayer requests.

A talented musician mastering the piano, various brass instruments, the accordion, and even the musical saw. He was thrilled when invited to serve as Executive Officer of the Canadian Staff Band, accompanying the band in their local ministry and their Scandinavian and Australian tours.

He is remembered as the leader with a welcome mat at his door, as one whose greatest joy was to see others discover the love of Jesus.

A wonderful, fun loving Dad and doting “abuelito” he will be dearly missed by his children Florence Gruer (Majid); Major Pauline Gruer-Caulfield (Shane); Hilmar Gruer (Anna); his grandchildren Mhairie and Elizabeth Gruer-Caulfield, Ivan and Oleh Gruer as well as extended family and friends.

The interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery is scheduled for April 12, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. for family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Yorkminster Citadel (1 Lord Seaton Rd, Toronto, ON) on April 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. Reception to follow. If not able to attend in person, please note the service will be livestreamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Salvation Army Partners in Mission would be appreciated. When making a donation please ensure to add Colonel David Gruer’s name to address line 1.

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