David was born on December 31, 1937 in Montpelier, Vermont, to parents Ethel and Edward Urban. He had an eventful childhood filled with outdoor activities like hunting, fishing and cross-country skiing. He was honoured as an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, requiring a high level of proficiency in leadership, community service, and at least 21 merit badges. After graduating high school in 1957, David attended Wayne State University on a track scholarship, where he held the highest record in pole vaulting while he studied pre-med in hopes of becoming a doctor.

After two years of university, David was recruited by the US Army Security Agency Division. Following eight weeks of Infantry Training, he completed a nine month communications course near Boston, where he frequently visited his beloved Grandma Caulfield. While in the Boston area, David eventually became an officer through Candidate school. He was selected for his track merits and participation on the rifle and pistol team.

While working a part-time mail delivery job to make ends meet, a chance conversation with a dental student encouraged David to pursue dentistry. He returned to Wayne State to finish his degree and was accepted into the four year dental program. During his final year, he was asked to re-enlist in the Army as a dental surgeon where he served at the Presidio in San Francisco and then Robinson Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, surgically caring for the soldiers injured in the Vietnam War.

Four years later, where he reached the rank of Captain, David left the army to complete the Orthodontic Program at the University of Oregon. Upon Graduation, David moved to Cranbrook with his first wife, Judy, and his daughter Cathy, to start Urban Orthodontics in 1973. His practice eventually grew to include the East and West Kootenays. David truly had a passion for transforming smiles and caring for his patients.

David was a farmer at heart, where he eventually established a home in Mayook facing the Rocky Mountains. He cared for his farm with his favourite tractor and enjoyed his property filled with horses, dogs, and a large garden. David and his wife Gloria, whom he married in 1987, were the best of friends and shared many sunrises and sunsets viewed from their back deck where music, cigars, rum, and good conversations were on the menu. Both David and Gloria faithfully served their church and loved travelling to exotic places. Gloria will miss him dearly. David always said he built the farm for family, and he built it up so. David loved fishing with his son, Chris, and close friends in places like Fortress Lake. Cuba was another favourite destination. He loved to ski and had that “ Austrian Style”. With a love for bluesy music, David played the piano, guitar, and harmonica leading to his musical highlight in life, playing in the band “Men in Blues”.

Dad was, to many, a legend and loved by all who met him. Never did he have a bad thing to say about anyone, always encouraging and always giving the benefit of the doubt. He was a humble, contemplative man, with a wonderful sense of humour that he shared right until end and was incredibly proud of his family, which was his heart and soul. David was the kind of guy you would meet and never forget. He was well loved and respected.

Gloria would like to thank Dr. Dawson and the Palliative team for their direction and care.

David is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Gloria and her children: TL (Roy) Hofmiester, Craig (May) Chilton, and Darcy (Misti) Chilton; Judy Wiwchar and their children: Cathy (Rick) Klassen and Chris (Raven) Urban; his sister Sue Cox of Atlanta, Georgia; also many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass

Saturday, April 11th 2026 • 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Christ the Servant Church

1100 14th Ave. S. Cranbrook, BC.

http://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/funeral-mass-for-david-edward-urban

mcphersonfh.com