Sangster, David Neil
February 26, 1949 ~ April 19, 2023
David had a lot of stories. Boy did he ever.
If he didn’t have a story about a particular person, place or thing, you were immediately treated to an appropriate one-liner. The 74 years between his original haunts of Eastern Ontario’s Glengarry County to his sudden passing at home in Brigden are oh, so many stories chock-full of travels and incredible experiences with the people he met, worked with and loved. His endless accomplishments are impossible to list. Penning a life timeline is an arduous task that only he could have done for us. We haven’t found that list yet, so we’ll share with you the nitty gritty…
David Sangster lived by his own moral code. He was a generous, principled, fierce defender of the little guy and always honest. He was righteous, fearless, complicated and stubborn. He had enormous physical strength and an uncompromising work ethic. David was a carpenter extraordinaire (Sarnia, Local 1256), leaving his mark across the province and beyond. He was a perfectionist and a hard-ass to work for or, with. He had the highest of expectations but was always fair.
David was passionate about his four-legged companions and machines with two wheels. He loved music – a wide variety. Trading jokes over the internet. Figuring out cameras, phones and tech. He took pride in his tools. Discovering and building new gadgets that made life more efficient. He found simple solace in lawn cutting; pampering his plants; reading dusters; watching over the field at wildlife and the neighbours practicing their motocross.
Gone before David were his siblings Barbara, Kevin and Wayne Sangster. His parents Neil and Jean Sangster (nee McEwen). Still here are his brothers Barry, Robert, Andrew Sangster and their respective families. Contributing to his legacy he leaves his offspring, Jared Burrows and Melissa Sangster (Ben Taylor). His grandchildren, Ella and Maxwell Taylor. And, not least, his wife of 45+ years, Linda Sangster (nee Watson) of the Sixth Line Clan.
We would like to thank Dr.’s Li and Lam (Petrolia); specialists, surgeons and health care professionals for the tune-ups, maintenance, customizing and repair jobs that his body needed over the years, because the non-stop testing of his body’s limits was the only way David knew how to live.
As per David’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and future arrangements are forthcoming.
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Condolences (24)
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Dear Bobby, Andrew, Lorraine and Sangster family:
Wayne and I were so very sorry to read about David’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
My condolences to the Sangster/Watson families and David’s friends and colleagues. I read of his passing with great sadness. I am from Glengarry – his early roots and that was a beautiful column in the Glengarry News. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
I went all through elementary and high school with David – we were very good friends at that time. Even went away to pick tobacco together although we ended up on separate farms. I recall an adventuresome motorcycle ride when we were both only 17 – David always had a motorcycle. No helmets, no motorcycle boots or chaps – just two 17 yr olds with the wind in our hair and the sun on our face. We hit a car on Montreal Rd in Cornwall (the car cut us off, it wasn’t David’s fault) – I went clear over David, the bike, the hood of the car and rolled up onto my feet on Montreal Rd. Much more resilient at 17 than at 74. David suffured a dislocated thumb. Both very lucky.
we lost track of each other over the years but i thought of him often and wanted to stop in at his old homestead in Glengarry and get his new address. Our farm house burned down when i was 12. The six of us children got sent to live with whoever would take us, and the Sangster family took me in while our parents got settled and relocated. Great people the Sangster family. Neil and Jean were salt of the earth.
Ride on David, You are missed. I wish we had looked each other up a long time ago. I am sorry, my friend.
Again our condolences at this most difficult of times,
John Gareau and Andrea Major
Linda and Family – sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences. Margaret Langis.
Linda and family.
Sending our condolences to everyone in Dave’s family. Beautifully written obituary that covers the way Dave lived. He will be missed. Keeping all of you in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Bruce and Marie
To Linda, Melissa and family we send our heartfelt condolences. We haven’t seen Dave in quite a while but enjoyed his company when he completed some repairs for us in the old Harkness farm house. He was certainly a very skilled tradesman. We wish you peace and strength as your mourn your husband, father and grandfather.
Bill and Betty
Linda and family: Sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband , father & grandfather. Memories will help you through this sad time & in the days ahead.
God speed Dave!Thanks for the friendship back when we were young and racing the z1900.I have always remembered the intent listening You did when we talked about life.Good times indeed.
All my condolences to all who loved Him.May God hold you in His love.
Linda, Melissa and families: Sending our sincere sympathy to you. Know that many friends will have you in their thoughts.
Dear Linda, Melissa and family, what a nice tribute to David. His passing, a difficult time for you all and also a time to remember and cherish all that you have shared together. Sincere condolences. Knowing that he was admired and considered to be a good friend by so many will fill you with pride. Tears and smiles will go together at this sad time.
Linda, Melissa, and Jared, we are so saddened by your loss. In time, the memories will be sweet.
Marijane (Sangster) and Andrew Willis
Thinking of you all, God bless.
I am truly sorry for your loss Linda, Melissa, Ben and grandchildren and the rest of the family. I have known Dave for a lot of years both at work and privately. Reat in peace Dave.
Linda, so sorry for your loss my condolences.
Thanks for all the good times Dave. You were a great cleanup partner at the GMC and a great Brother to ride with. Dale and I will miss you.
Condolences from the Garage Motorcycle Club, Chatham, Ontario. Dave was a awesome member and a great Brother to all that knew. We all lost track of each other over the years but he was never forgotten and was spoken of often. I am sure he will be missed by many. Gone but not forgotten Brother Dave (Boot) Sangster. MLHR.
Linda, Melissa and family im so sorry to hear of David’s passing my sincere condolences to you all.
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Our deepest condolences Linda and Family.
So Sorry to hear of David’s passing. Thinking of you, Linda and family. Remember the good times.
Linda and all the rest. Dave was a great customer and a stand up guy. I know many will miss him. It was truly a pleasure to know him.
Linda, Melisa and family
Sincere condolences on Mr Sangster’s passing. Remembering happier times will help you get through this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to you Linda and family.
Very sad to learn of David’s passing. He was always so kind to me when I delivered his mail. Always showing interest in my family’s well being. Heartfelt condolences to Linda and family and friends
Sorry for your loss linda and family linda japp and family and donna oliver
Linda and family ,,,,Our deepest condolences for your loss keep your memories close to your heart.