Obituary of David Thane IRVING

With the current restrictions due to Covid-19, Funeral Service will be postponed.  

January 18, 1936 – Cape Bear, Prince Edward Island
March 11, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

David Irving, beloved husband and best friend of 51 years of Margaret Irving (nee MacDowell) of Calgary, AB passed away on Wednesday March 11, 2020 at the age of 84 years.

David was born at Cape Bear (Beach Point), PEI, on January18, l936.

David graduated in 1960 from the University of New Brunswick BSc Electrical Engineering, later completing the Canadian Securities Course. He began his career working with Shawinigan Water & Power, Quebec.  He moved to Calgary five years later to take an engineering position with TransAlta Utilities (TAU).  He held several engineering positions before becoming Calgary Division Manager.  In 1977 moved to Lethbridge as Division Manager responsible for the service area of TAU southern Alberta.   In the mid-90’s he returned to Calgary retiring after thirty years of service.

David was adamant about community involvement in order to give back and worked at it tirelessly.  He became Chairman of Board, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce 1983-84.    Too, during the 80’s his professional affiliation led him to hold a lengthy volunteer service record as a member of APEGA (Association of Professional Engineers Geologists Geophysicists of Alberta).  He worked on boards of several community organizations including McKillop United Church and was a member of Lethbridge Golf and Country Club.  Since retirement he has enjoyed volunteering with TARA (TransAlta Retirees Association).

Becoming the President of APEGA 1989-90; being the President of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge 1982-83; being a devoted member of three Rotary Clubs-Rotary Club of Lethbridge 1977, the Rotary Club of Calgary, Downtown 1993 and the Rotary Club of Calgary Chinook 2010 gave him much satisfaction.

He loved playing golf, curling with Rotarians, hiking with dear friends, playing bridge, watching markets rise and fall, cheering on the Calgary Stampeders (CFL), world travelling as well to PEI visiting with family and friends.  David and Margaret enjoyed a trip to China and after retiring travelled to Europe but his most enjoyable was snow birding in California and Mesa, Arizona.

He will be most remembered for being a kind and generous loving husband, caring father and grandfather (Popa); a man with integrity, humility and honesty.

Besides his loving wife Margaret, David is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Scott) Richmond of Vancouver, Kelsey (Scott) Cole of Calgary; and grandchildren, Liam Richmond, Zachary and Jorja Cole.  David is also survived by his two brothers, Basil (Kay), Axel (Phyllis); sister-in-law Mae; as well as many nieces, one nephew Nathan Irving, cousins and friends.  David was predeceased by his parents Nathan and Rebecca Ann Irving, brother Chessel (Chet) Irving, niece Linda Irving and nephew Alan Irving all of PEI.

A Private Gathering in Remembrance will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) at a later date.   Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on David’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, with proceeds dedicated to research on brain cancer, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Young, Dr. Fifii-Mah and the many health care professionals of South Health Campus Unit 78.

In living memory of David Irving, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE,Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403- 256-9575.

With the added complexities of COVID-19 we would like to encourage friends and family to share written condolences, photos, or consider taking a personal video with words of remembrance. 
Written condolences, and photos can be placed on this page and videos can be uploaded below. 
www.hightail.com/u/Funeral-Services-Graphics 
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