David passed away September 6,2026, after a lengthy battle with dementia, surrounded by family and is finally at peace.

Dave was born on November 27,1951 in Kimberley BC.

Dave was an apprentice Heavy Duty Mechanic when he met his wife, Sharon in 1971. They married in 1972 and David finished his apprenticeship and went on to work for Cominco until the Sullivan Mine closed in 2001.

David and Sharon have 2 children, Patrick Ekskog and Stacy Bryant (Jason). David and Sharon shared over 50 years of adventure, growth, turbulence and triumph, laughter and tears. And some hefty crib wars – they even kept track!

David first joined the Kimberley Pipeband at the age of 14 as a drummer. When later approached by one of the original founders, Hamish Scott, if he’d be interested in learning the bagpipes, due to lack of pipers, he agreed and his journey began.

He went on to become Pipe Major and served as such for over 36 years. He played countless parades, celebrations, weddings, graduations, funerals and celebrations of life. He touched many people’s lives.

Though often seen as a hard man, David never expected of anyone more than he expected from himself. He spent many years teaching his passion to many people who went on to become fine pipers, including his protege and current Pipe Major Jock MacDonald.

When David became a grandfather, he became softer and more patient. He learned to show more affection and was so very proud. They taught each-other and learned from each-other. David helped Bradon build his first truck, and its memories were so important to them both. As they both grew older, they became friends and could poke fun and laugh with and at each-other.

David loved hunting. When not with Sharon, He hunted with his partner of decades, Stew Gordon, and in later years being joined by his grandson Bradon.

He loved fishing, camping, bowling, playing crib, reading, history and being in the company of friends and family. Always telling stories or sometimes singing a tune – some of which R rated. His door was always open and he always offered a coffee, tea, sip of rum, and if you were lucky and sip of scotch.

He was strict, but he loved. He was strong, but had a very soft side. He was a leader but lived to learn. He had a temper, but learned to apologize. He was loud, but was also an attentive listener. He was loyal and committed to all things important to him.

David leaves behind his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon. his son Patrick, his daughter Stacy (Jason) Grandsons Bradon (Linnea), step-grandsons Beau Bryant (Raven) and Gage Bryant (Kaelan), and many cherished friends of decades – Pico Volard (Cheryl), Stew Gordon, Jim and Elsie Warner, Pieter (Wendy),Gerry and Jan Simmonds, Shirley Kerkhoven, Sue Langley, also many extended family and friends, including those apart of the Piping world near and far, most importantly Iain MacCrimmon (Charolette), whom he began a friendship and piping with so many moons ago.

SKOL (cheers) to a great man! Husband, father, grandfather, teacher, friend and piper.

The family would also like to extend much gratitude and appreciation for all those who cared for him during this process; Dr. Van Zyl, the management and nurses at KSH and most especially the care aids who connected with him and grew fond of him and genuinely cared about him, even during the worst of days. You all provided so much care and love for Dave – words can never explain how deeply this touched all our hearts.

Rest in peace wee Geordie, the pipes have called you home.

A Celebration of Life will be held October 24,2026 at The Elks Hall in Kimberley from 12-4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the The Pines in David’s name, The Kimberley Pipe Band Society or the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society in honor of David

mcphersonfh.com