David passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8th, 2013 in his 51st year with his family around him. He fought a hard battle with the ravages of hemochromatosis assisted in it by the wonderful Transplant and ICU Teams of Toronto General Hospital. David was born in Taiwan of missionary parents. In later years he returned there to teach English. David fought for Gay Rights, served on committees in the early days of the Pride parade, was a faithful follower of Nichiren Buddhism, and a lover of Taiwan and all things and people Taiwanese.
David is the loving son of Mary Helen Garvin and predeceased by his father, the Reverend Murray Garvin. He is the adored brother of his sisters Anne and Ruth, and brothers Michael (Carole) and Peter (Winnie), and will be remembered by 5 nieces and 6 nephews.
An interfaith celebration of David’s life will take place at Metropolitan Community Church, 115 Simpson Avenue, Toronto on Saturday, September 7th at 2 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of David to the Organ Transplant Program at University Hospital Network, Toronto. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Tammy DesRosiers
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time ❤
He sounded like an amazing man may he be at peace xo
Huw and Laurie Chaffe and Family
We would like to offer our deepest condolences to all of the Garvin family at this time of great sorrow. May our collective prayers give you some comfort and strength.
Anita VanderVeen
Love and Light has guided you towards peace David
You will be greatly missed by so many..
My condolences for all the family and all his loved ones..
Andrea McMurray
I only met David a few times, but felt it a was a privilege to be in his company. He was a gentle, kind and beautiful person and I wish I could have spent more time getting to know him. My love and prayers go out to all his family and friends at this time of grieving
Robert Sutherland
It is with profound sadness hearing of David’s passing. Our thoughts are with the Garvin family while they grieve the loss of their dear brother and son.
Valerie Mottram
It is difficult to get on with life when you know that David is gone. But he has left beautiful and wonderful memories behind that can never be taken away. I will continue to keep the Garvin family & loved ones in my prayers.
Joyce Goodenough
Mary Helen, You and your family have my deepest sympathy. I am so glad that you were able to bring David to our art group to meet all of us before he became so ill. I know that your faith and the love of your family will see you through this sad time. Take care and come back to art soon, you are missed.
Sharon Mogan
I am so very sorry to hear that David lost his battle and my condolences go out to his mother, brothers and sisters. We shared a very stressful day on August 2 in the TGH surgical waiting room while David received his transplant and my husband was undergoing cardiac surgery. The love among you was so clear and I’m sure that will help to support you all during this difficult time.
Gillian Rodgerson
David and I were friends through Gay Youth Toronto in the very early eighties, and he probably never knew it, but his courage in embracing his gay identity in small town Weston, and his exuberant sense of humour and fun, made it easier for me to come out. I hope that same courage and attitude gave him, and those who loved him, strength over the last few, hard months. I’m sorry I didn’t have the chance to know the good man he clearly became, but I am glad I knew the funny, smart, brave boy in the bright pink shirt.
Stephanie Sibley
I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to the entire Garvin family near and far. I’ve never forgotten Davids contagious laugh or his deep love for life. I can still picture the mouth watering dinners he made and how he loved to watch his guest enjoy his cooking. God Bless David and may peace comfort your family.
Gayna
So very sad to hear about David’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.
Nancy Nield
Dearest Mary Helen and family,
My deepest sympathy for you all in the time of this great loss of your dear David. He fought the good fight and you were all in his corner urging him on and holding him close.
God bless you all.
Nancy
Carla Cesaroni
Dear Mary Helen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about David’s passing. God Bless you all in this time of great sorrow. May you find peace.
don & Mimi Gillies
Dear Mary Helen and family:
We were saddened to read in the paper about your recent loss. From the sound of it, David lived his life courageously and left his mark in significant ways.
We trust that you find consolation and healing in the memories you share and in the support you are able to give to one another.
Blessings,
Don and Mimi
Ellen and Bob Smith
Dear Mary Helen,
Thank you for letting us know about David`s death. Now we can be part of that community of people who are celebrating his courage and forthrightness, and supporting you and the children with our prayers.
Love,
Ellen and Bob Smith, Halfmoon Bay, BC
Virginia Adamson
To Mary and David’s loved ones, I send you my condolences and sincere prayers.I had the honour to work with David through SGI Buddhism: in many capacities and notably with him and others in developing a GLBTQ “Pride” Group within the SGI Buddhist community. David had a wonderful combination of courage, authenticity, spiritual depth and humour which many people loved and appreciated.. I was so sorry to hear of his passing which is a huge loss. David was unique and irreplaceable. But he will always be remembered with lots of heart. Be well David and much love…
Nam myoho renge kyo, nam myoho renge kyo, nam myoho renge kyo
VIRGINIA
Annie and Chris Adcock
Our Dearest Mary Helen and all your family.
We are so many miles away and struggle to know how to acknowledge the struggle and distress that David and all the family have endured in recent times. We are so glad that David’s final moments were peaceful with his family and friends. We have been thinking of you all so very much. Praying that the rich memories of David’s authentic, creative life will carry you through this very painful loss. Sustain each other and know that you are loved and prayed for. God bring you comfort in special ways. Special prayers for Saturday in Toronto.
With our love and prayers
Annie and Chris
Ron & Rita Baker
Dear Mary Helen.
We are thinking of you and our love and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life journey- human & spiritual – of your dear son David with your family and friends.
Ron & Rita
Sandra Hicks
Mary Helen: So sorry to hear this news, which I only just found out. As you know, I too met David in the early ’80’s. He was a warm and gracious young man with a lot to contribute to his community, and it seems that he continued in his giving ways as he got older. It is late to be sending this greeting, but please know we are thinking of you and your family even now.
With Love,
Sandra Hicks and Mark Breese