Obituary of David John Macfie

July 26, 1944 - North Vancouver, British Columbia
April 8, 2023 - Calgary Alberta

David Macfie was born in North Vancouver. He lived in Ireland for a short time during grade school, then returned to North Vancouver where he met his future wife, Mary. He graduated from UBC in geology and shortly after, he and Mary moved to Calgary where Dave began his life’s work as a geologist.

While Dave was doing field work as a young geologist, Mary would often run away back to North Van, vowing never to return to Calgary. Dave would go fetch her each time. Eventually they embraced the bright, windy winters, the upthrust Rockies, and the new friends from hither and thither.

Dave often said getting laid off from his steady job at nearly 50 years of age was a stroke of luck, as it launched him into his entrepreneurial phase with a series of oil and gas start-ups. But luck goes to the relentlessly curious, to those who take a closer look, and to the risk takers — and he was all of those things. As a geologist, Dave made large and unexpected (to others) discoveries in the rundle formation toward Waiparous. This led to a number of smart and significant plays in geology that were otherwise overlooked by the majors. His work surprised people.

Dave will be remembered by friends and colleagues for his unyielding manner, his “bullshit” stamp, and his relentless ingenuity. He was a mentor and advocate for those who worked with him. If you had a spark, he would help you blow it into a flame. Dave was also an avid hunter, if the company was right. He very much enjoyed fishing, so long as a friend was in the bow getting first cast. Dave took great pleasure in his bird carving practise and took home awards for some of his pieces, and always, there was his passion for rocks — examining them, talking about them, and collecting them.

Dave loved his family with unwavering resolve. He was a committed husband, dad and friend. He cared deeply and will be deeply missed.

Dave is survived by his loving wife Mary; his devoted son and daughter Todd and Christy; his wonderful sister Rose; a delightful clutch of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his dear friends.

A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held on May 8, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. Please email macfiecl@yahoo.com for details. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of David Macfie, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.