Obituary of David Wilson

Retired Hawkesbury Police & O.P.P. Officer 

1939-2023

David Thornton Wilson passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the age of 84. 

Born in Montreal on Monday, October 2, 1939 to Amy Thornton (originally of Montreal) and Lorne Wilson (originally of Pembroke), he grew up in NDG, attending West Hill High and Sir George William. Dave began his long policing career in Montreal, moving to Ontario in the early 1970s, where he joined the Hawkesbury Police Force and thereafter the Ontario Provincial Police, serving his community for over 30 years. 

He is survived by his children from marriage to Judy MacRae – Kimberley (Blair Pattee), Cynthia (Eric MacSweyn), and David Jr. (Allison MacDonald) and his children from union with Thérèse Lalonde – Melanie, Matthew, and James. He will be missed by his grandchildren Jacob, Sawyer, Zoe, Lily, Devin and Aryiah, and his wonderful and supportive companion Valerie Stonehouse. 

Adopting his father’s love of sports, Dave was an avid hockey (the Sens), football, baseball and boxing fan, and instilled this love in his children through family games and mini tournaments, cheering them on, watching sports together, backyard rinks, and perfecting the “Wilson arm”. A fitness enthusiast before it was trendy, he loved to run, even in extreme weather, and enjoyed working out and socializing at the gym into his late years. 

Dave enjoyed painting and was interested in history, antiques, travel and loved action movies and songs by storytellers (Lightfoot, Young, Denver). During Maine vacations with his mother’s family, the much loved “Little Nanny” and “Nanny’s Jim”, and at the family cottage on Lake MacDonald, he developed a love of the outdoors, especially swimming. His dogs Blackie and Rocky were beloved companions. As a nostalgic Montrealer, he had a love of bagels, smoked meat, humbugs, Côte-St-Luc BBQ, the Expos and Alouettes, and his lasting childhood friendships. A relentless tease, he loved to laugh and could also take a joke (usually about his unique dance moves). We will all remember his smile that could light up the room.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff of Centre d’hébergement de Coteau-du-Lac for the thoughtful care provided to David.

A Celebration of David’s Life will be held on Friday January 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club, 136 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill, Ontario.  Words of Remembrance will take place at 2:00 p.m. 

In memory of David, please consider a donation to The CPA-Robert Warner Memorial Fund, a charity that provides immediate assistance to the families of police officers killed in the line of duty (100-141 Catherine Street, Ottawa, ON Canada, K2P 1C3) or to The Alzheimer Society of Cornwall & District, 106B Second Street West, Cornwall, Ontario K6H 6N6

A Tree of Remembrance will be planted in memory of David in the McAlpine Forever Forest in Vankleek Hill.  

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home Ltd., 151 Bond Street Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0 (613) 678-2002.