David Senst

DAVID N. SENST DIED JULY 29, 2010 Sadly Thursday, July 29th, with his loving family at his side, David passed on to the Lord's care at the age of 92. Dear brother of Phillippa and proud father to son Graham (Patricia), daughter Suzanne (Barry), son Peter (Heather). Adoring grandfather to Natalie, Nick, Laura, Jaclyn, Preston, Parker and Hayden. David was the consummate English gentleman and great father, husband and friend to many. He developed respect and caring from all he met. Predeceased by his charming wife Grete (59 years), son John Norbury, daughter-in-law Sarma, also by his brothers John and Michael. David was a wartime Captain in the Royal Navy, positioned in India, and also served in the British army. One of the very few survivors of the King's Royal Rifle Corps (KRRC) sent to Calais by Churchill to defend against the German 10th Panzer division. Calais became a strategic resistance point to the defense of Dunkirk May 1940. David was one of the 3000 in the KRRC, of whom six in ten were killed or wounded, with the balance prisoners, and only 30 survivors were evacuated. Churchill said Calais was the crux and that but for the days of resistance the British Expeditionary Force would have been cut off and lost. Returning from the war, he began his career as a stockbroker with a seat on the London Stock Exchange. He changed paths and emigrated to Canada with his wife and his two young sons. He soon joined A.E. LePage (predecessor to Royal LePage) as one of the original directors opening Oakville and Milton offices. His career ran almost 35 years all with LePage. At the same time he founded Oakhall Developments Limited, a boutique home builder of many custom built homes in Oakville. As an avid sportsman he had once been identified as a 'possible' for England's national rugby team. He also enjoyed cricket where he played in Sussex at the county level. In Canada he still played cricket but his passion turned to tennis at the Oakville Club where he would be found almost daily. David additionally served as President of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, President Canadian Real Estate Board and Oakville Real Estate Board, also President Ontario Red Cross and executive with the Salvation Army Oakville. Additionally his love of gardening took him to volunteer on the St. Jude's gardening committee once he had honed his skills at home. He was loved by all who knew him and left a trail of happiness wherever he went. Particular thoughts to Mary Gordon, his dear friend at Churchill Place, as well as the caring staff that made his days at Churchill Place such a wonderful home for him. Visitation at Ward Funeral Home 109 Reynolds Street, Oakville (905-844-3221), Monday, August 2nd from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A service celebrating David's life will take place at St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William Street, Oakville, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 3rd, with a reception to be held 2 - 4 p.m. at the Oakville Club, 56 Water Street, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated at the Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation. A Book of Memories may be signed at www.wardfuneralhome.com