David Touchings
February 22, 1955 to June 7, 2019
Obituary
Of Francois, Port aux Basques, and Paradise
Teacher, counsellor, world traveler, avid reader, sports fan, music lover, gardener, card player, animal lover, bar-b-q chef, Bob Dylan expert and his biggest fan.
He came from a good, strong family who made him the man he was. He will be missed by his mother, Muriel, and his siblings Donna, Bruce, Effie and Lisa, and their extended families. He will be forever remembered and loved by his wife, Beverley, who accompanied him on their many trips around the world and on their life journey for over 30 years. Francisco, Melisa, Ben and Maya were his “adopted” family whom he loved dearly. He filled their lives-and they filled his-with love and joy.
He had countless friends – from childhood, from work, from travels and from the neighbourhood. If you read this, you will know who you are and know what a large impression he left on all who knew him. As Francisco said. “He was a good man.”
“May your heart always be joyful. May your song always be sung.” *
“You breathed on me and made my life a richer one to live
When I was deep in poverty you taught me how to give.
The tune that was yours and mine to play upon this earth
We played it out the best we knew, whatever that is worth.” *
(exerpts from Bob Dylan)
(There will be no formal visitation or service)
Beverley…just heard of your husband’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences and may God provide you with peace that passes all understanding to help you in the days ahead. Love and prayers.
To Bruce, Effie and the entire family, please accept my condolences on the passing of your brother, son, husband, uncle and friend of many. To see such admiration, respect and love being spoken of Dave is a true measure of the love and compassion he bestowed on the lives of everyone he associated with. As a family, you can only be very proud of who Dave became and exactly what strong morals and values he left with this world. May God’s hand and healing be a blessing to all now and forever.
Dave was one of the most important mentors to me, in counselling especially. He had such insight into life. His reflection on all things, from stories of growing up in Francois to his sage wisdom. He will be greatly missed.
Bev, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. My thoughts are with you. Hugs to you Bev.
Bev,
We learned of Dave’a passing following our return from a trip out of province. We offer our deepest condolences. It was such a shock when we got the news. We had spoken with Dave at the recent BGM. It was good to renew our friendship and reminisce.
Take care.
Wayne and Anita.
Beverley,
Donna and I were deeply saddened with the news of Dave’s passing. After having the opportunity to recently “catch up” with you, I was shocked. Our thoughts and prayers and with you during this time of sorrow. Celebrating the life and times that you shared together will always be memories of comfort. May you find strength and support in family and friends. We are thinking about you. God bless. Perry and Donna.
Dear Effie and Family,
So very sorry to hear that your dear brother has passed on. May you always carry his spirit in your heart. Sending love and caring thoughts to you, his wife and your families. Love, Rosa L.
I was very saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a wonderful counselor, a good man, and the BIGGEST Bob Dylan fan on the planet. I remember lots of days doing registrations in the gym at Prince Philip Drive where you could always hear Dylan playing out of the boom box next to Dave. He was a wonderful, natural story teller, especially about all his travel adventures, and he will be missed.
Hello Bev,
Cathy Favaro just let me know that your husband passed on suddenly. It is so hard to lose the important people in your life. However, I believe that they remain with you forever in your heart and in memories. My thoughts and wishes for lots of strength as you face the days ahead.
It is with great sadness that we heard of Dave’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with your entire family.
Though I haven’t seen Dave in many years, I remember him as a quiet gentle soul. My deepest; condolences to family. Rest easy, Dave.
I only recently heard the news about Dave. I am so sorry. My condolences.
Alan
Beverley, we are just hearing the tragic news about Dave. Your lives together held so much joy and adventure; and we trust that those memories will be a blessing, as you begin to define this new reality. Until then, may you find some comfort in the love and compassion of family and friends.
Dave will be missed, and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Gerald and Claudette
Beverley
Jeanie and I were deeply saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. .We are thinking about you during this difficult time. Take care of yourself.
John and Jeanie Staple
Sending condolences to mutual and family so sorry for your loss
Beverley and Family,
I write with a heavy heart and cannot imagine how deeply your heart aches. Dave was such a great colleague and very dear friend. We spent most of our counselling careers working together at the College. Dave was a kind, gentle and giving person; always hard-working. He was so thoughful, with a strong social conscience and respectful of all. Dave and I spent many hours discussing, planning and problem-solving over work-related matters. However, we also spent time sharing stories and laughs about our travels, talking about wine and food, home renovations, pets, gardening, sailing, the boat he might build, music, his days doing automotive mechanics, NL culture, and so on… Dave was an extremely bright, well-read and well-informed person and loved to have a chat; on almost any topic and with anyone. He was always a person one could turn to, he would never expect anything in return, and he would willingly share his time, wisdom and best advice. Dave was Dave and he was unique. Beverley, Dave spoke often of you and his family, his ‘adopted family’, and his home of Francois; and he was so very proud. His warmth, big smile and hearty laugh will always be remembered… Thinking of you. Brenda Newhook and Derek Yetman
Beverley,
I was shocked to learn that Dave had passed away. I cannot imagine what you are going through right now but I do know that you are surrounded by much love. My condolences to you and all of Dave’s family.
Annie XO
One of my memories of Dave is when he talked about Bob Dylan and I told him that Dylan was my inspiration for writing plain words about bitter feelings when I wrote poems in high-school. I told him my fave song was “Positively 4th Street” and we recited it perfectly in union. I think he was surprised I knew the words so well. I told him the final line was Killer and he agreed.
Beverley, I am shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. Please accept my condolences. He was such a gentle soul.
As you mourn his loss, know you are very much in my thoughts.
Hugs.
Beverley,
We were so shocked to hear of David’s passing. We have no way of imagining how much it must have been for you! Our hearts are saddened and heavy for you and for David! Conversations with David were always interesting especially around topics that he felt passionate about…gardening, travel and, of course, Bob Dylan! I always came away knowing something that I didn’t know before.
Love and hugs to you,
Ruby
Dear Bev,
Basil and I were so saddened to hear about Dave’s sudden passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Take care of yourself and come visit if you’re ever in PEI.
Cathy and Basil Favaro
Dearest Bev,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I am thinking of you in this trying time. May this time with your family give you peace.
Your friend,
Susan
To Muriel and the Touching and Carter families, we were so shocked and saddened to hear of Dave’s sudden passing. We extend our sincere sympathy to you all. It’s not easy to lose someone we love. We didn’t know Dave well, but always saw him as a gentle soul. God will guide you through this difficult time.
Joan and Calvin.
Dear Effie,
I am very sad to learn of your brother’s passing. After reading the many messages of condolence, I can understand just how very special he must have been. May your precious memories of him help you during this difficult time.
Effie,
my sincere condolences to you and your family. I’m sure your brother was as a kind and loving person as you are. I send you strength of heart in you and your family in this difficult time.
Beverley, sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Our condolences.
To all of David’s family, my sincere condolences, may he rest in peace and may God surround you with His love and bring you comfort.
Thinking off Bev and the Touching family especially you Muriel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time in your lives. We all have to face death, it’s so sad that it had to be so soon for Dave. It’s not our choice and we have to accept it when it comes. We hope that time will be a healer, but it won’t heal the wound. Hope his memories sustain you all, and you get the most out of the rest of your lives, that’s what Dave would want.
Bruce and family:
Condolences on the passing of your brother.
Cherish his memories
To Beverley and Family,
I was shocked and heartbroken to read of Dave’s passing. He was a wonderful man, second only to my father and sons. I wish I could have been a better friend because he was so great in so many ways. We did talk about how much we loved our fathers. And I know how much he adored his family members and his wife. The world has lost a special person. Some have mentioned the word “gentleman”, which really sums him up.
To Beverley and Family:
I was so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. Please accept my sincere sympathies. I had the great honor of working with Dave at CNA for many years. He was such a kind, sincere gentleman who helped so many people. May your memories bring you comfort at this difficult time.
To the Touchings Family
So sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. Please accept my sincere sympathies and condolences at this most difficult time.
Beverly, So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Cherish the memories that you have of him.
Bet, so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing.
Beverley,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of David’s passing. I enjoyed the brief times I met him at our NLTA parties. He had such a gentle energy. Please know that I am thinking of you at this sad time. Sending many prayers, blessings and hugs to you!
Dear Bev, it is with great sadness that I learned of Dave’s sudden passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times in St.John’s during our CAPTTO group dinners.. Although I didn’t have the good fortune to get to know him quite well during the short time spent in his company, the strong love and bond shared between the both of you in your various life adventures was clearly evident in all the wonderful stories you told during our “social time” together. Bev, please accept my deepest condolences and know that you are in my thoughts during these most difficult times. You colleague and friend. Gilles
My deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Dave was a valued colleague and I consider him to be one of my mentors. He will be remembered for his compassion, kindness, and good humor.
Sending much love and prayers to the Touchings family. Our hearts are saddened by the passing of Dave. He was very much a good guy and Gord and I have wonderful memories of him that we will hold forever in our hearts!
We so wish to have been with you all at this difficult time! Please know that your in our hearts! ❤️
Gord and Jane Sheaves
Bev,
My deepest condolences to you for the loss of your husband.
Monique
Conocer y compartir a personas tan maravillosas hace que la vida sea un gran tesoro,Dave no olvidaremos los momentos compartidos y tu generosidad .Gloriafernando
Our thoughts and prayers. Are with all of you at this difficult time.
Joanne (keeping) and Bern Moss
Bev,
I’m thinking of you. My sincere condolences, and I am here for you.
Many hugs,
Miriam
Bev, our deepest condolences to you at this very difficult time. It was a pleasure for me to know you at Macpherson Jr. High and Bob knew you from your time at the ACSB. Our thoughts are with you and Dave’s family at this sad time.
My Dear Colleague and Sweet Friend Effie,
I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved brother David.
While I didn’t get to meet him, if he had even some of your sibling genes, what a sparkling light he must have been.
I am thinking lots about you and keeping you close in my prayers. Num 6:24-26
Your friend
Jesse Khudoo
Beverley and the Touching family
I was shocked to hear of Dave’s passing. I worked with him at the College. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so Dear. But may you find comfort in knowing that others are thinking about you and the Touching family at this very sad time.
by Betty Avery Martin June 13, 2019 at 10:28
Dear Beverley, We know how death brings shock to those left behind. The depth of it can be unpredictable and incredibly painful. Now there is a sobering reminder not only of the loss of the presence of David’s energy on earth but at some point there will be the gift of all the positive times, gifts and memories you made together over thirty years. No matter what was happening or where you were, Beverley, you were always present with your generosity, support and love – and that is all one can do really. It is important to keep the blessings of all the positive times together front and centre. It is what promotes healing in every respect. David was very blessed to have your care, love, concern and friendship as you were his.
Your NLTA colleague, Judy Beranger
Beverley,
We were so shocked to hear of David’s passing, having only just spoken to you both at the NLTA BGM in April. Our deepest condolences to you at this sad, sad time. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Ed and Carol
Beverley and members of the Touching family
My condolences on your loss.
I always looked forward to Dave’s visits to Seal Cove and our many chats. He had a calming affect on everything. Dave looked on the logical and compassionate side of things and made my life a better one for knowing and working with him..
Beverley, Muriel, Effie, Bruce, Lisa and Donna:
Sol and I were saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. It is quite a shock when a loved one dies suddenly. We did not know Dave as well as we know the rest of the family, but if he was anything like the rest of his family he was a wonderful individual. May God bless him and bring him to a place of rest. God bless you all at this time of sorrow.
Dear Bev – So sorry to hear if David’s passing. Thoughts & prayers – Evelyn & Sid Butt.
We were deeply saddened by the news of David’s passing. We offer our thoughts, prayers and well-wishes during this dark time in your life.
To Dave family
Enjoy your memories of Dave as I’m sure you have many. I worked with Dave @ CNA. Had many good chats with him. He was excellent to his students, and made them feel so proud of their achievements
May the days ahead be good to you
My deepest sympathies to Beverley and to all members of David’s family.
Danny Eddy
Bev,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Dave’s sudden passing. I am so very sorry for your loss. Dave was a wonderful, caring and compassionate person. I relied on his advise and appreciated his dedication to our students during our years together at the College. He could ALWAYS be depended upon to assist in any situation regardless of the issue and he was a great ‘sounding’ board. Always caring, always level headed, always there to help. I cared about him so much and I am heart broken to hear this news. You are indeed accurate when you say “ he was a great man.” Indeed he was! He was liked by all who worked with him at the College. .
You can take comfort in how he cared for you and in the wonderful memories you made together, Your were so fortunate to have had such fabulous travels together and to have experience the Dylan concerts with him which he so enjoyed.
It is difficult to know what to say at a time like this.(Dave would know). I am just so sorry for your loss and I will be thinking of you. Take care of yourself. Donna Feltham
Dave has helped me lot since my time at the CNA and a man who was always there for me. I am going to miss him. So I extend my condolences to his family and friends. He was the greatest friend I ever had.
Bev: I am saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. He was such a nice person and was so very kind to me during the years I taught at IJ Samson. Thinking about you at this difficult time.
Bev, my sincere condolences to you and to your family. I was so saddened and shocked to learn of Dave’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts at this sad time. Thinking of you.
Colleen Wade
My sincere condolence to Dave’s family. The world has lost a beautiful soul. RIP Dave!
Bev –
We are so saddened to hear of Dave’s sudden passing. We remember him as such a nice person – always friendly and caring, and always with time for a chat when we met him. He is going to be missed so much. We are sending caring thoughts your way. May it help to know that your friends are sharing your sorrow.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We send our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Bev
We were shocked and very saddened to read of Dave’s passing in the Telegram Obituaries today. While I was a colleague of yours for many years and knew Dave primarily in a social context as a fine gentleman, I also know that he was highly regarded as a professional in his work life. We offer our condolences to his family and have you in our thoughts. Take Care.
Beverly, I am so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing away.. I worked with him for many years at the College. I saw first hand how kind and dedicated he was to his profession. The world lost a very good person on June 7. I hope you are doing alright and you will always cherish your memories of him As I know you will. Those who live on in our hearts never truly die.
Take care
Michelle Smart
It was not so long ago that David dropped into my house and we had a chat, mostly reminiscing about former times at work. He will be missed by all those who came in contact with him, especially family. Sincere condolences to all the family circle.
To The Toughing’s Family, my sincere condolences to you all. I never met Dave but knew all about him through his brother Bruce. I worked with Bruce for over 30 years or more. However being a Dylan fan myself, I read one his books of Bob Dylan, Bruce loaned it to me. May his memories be comforting to you and all of his extended family.
Bev and family, I am so sad to hear of Dave’s passing I have many fond memories of working with him in Port aux Basques in 1984/1985. He was a wonderful role model for those of us just entering the work force. I especially recall his love of family, freirnds and his roots, particularly Francois. God Bless,
Beatrice
Beverley,
We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. There are many fond memories of good times throughout the years and Dave’s passion for music, especially of all things Dylan, made for many wonderful conversations. Our thoughts are with you, we wish you the very best, and hope to see you soon.
So sorry to hear of David’s passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you,Bev and his Mom and siblings.May God be with you in the days ahead.Cherish every memory.God Bless.RIP David.
Bev,
I am so very saddened to hear of your husband’s passing. While I didn’t have the pleasure of ever meeting Dave I do recall we rarely ever had a conversation where you didn’t mention him! Please know my thoughts are with you at this difficult time! Sounds like you both shared a very fulfilling life together!
Beverly , so sorry to hear about Dave’s sudden death. Myself & Don have enjoyed our garden visits , planting our vegetables every years. Dave’s garden grew bigger every year along with his vegetables.
We had a friendly competition between Dave, Bala & myself to see who. grew the best vegetables , Dave winning most of the competitions.
Our hearts are broken . Dave was a wonderful friend.
B everly, we were very saddened to hear of David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Ches & Mary Warren
Beverley and family, my most sincere condolences on Dave’s passing. A kind and gentle man, as well as a true gentleman in all our interactions, Dave was always such a good conversationalist and wonderful listener. You and yours will be held in the arms of those who care for and love you. Gabe
Bev, Irene and Family
So sorry to hear your sad news. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. Take care of yourselves.
David came in to my life as a Guidance Counsellor when I was the Principal at St. Mary’s Elementary (Waterford Bridge Rd.) during 1985-92. David’s quiet, caring, thoughtful demeanor was constantly evident in his work. These attributes were also front and center in his interactions with family, friends, colleagues… as well as with complete strangers. For those who were privileged to have been in David’s company, you know that your comfort level and needs were his top priorities. His vast knowledge of many topics, especially his beloved Bob Dylan, made him a favourite conversationalist for me. However, I was usually keen to do more listening than talking as David’s voracious reading and respectful approach made him a great teacher and mentor. Like all of you who will read this brief entry, I will miss David Touchings. He was a unique, stellar, down-to-Earth man who was comfortable in his own skin. There were no airs with David. He was unassumingly comfortable with his own persona and saw no need to attempt to be anyone other than who he was. Of all the things that I learned from David… the thing that most resonates with me is the lesson that he taught by simply being David. At this challenging time, my thoughts and prayers are with my dear friend and colleague, Beverley, as well as with family, friends and colleagues. May your fond memories and the love of family and friends comfort and sustain who all during this challenging time.
Muriel & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May cherished memories of Dave bring you peace, comfort and smiles in the days ahead.
Blessings,
Debby Durnford
Beverley please accept deepest condolences and sympathies on Dave’s passing. Certainly my thougts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Dear Beverley
I was so sad to hear of David’s passing. Words will never be adequate at times like this. Please know you are in the thoughts of many.
Steve
Beverley….Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolence on the sudden passing of David.
Truly a very fine and respectful gentleman… In my opinion, as a student counsellor , I honestly believe that David was ahead of his time.
Paul Facey
To Bed, Sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Cherish the many memories that you have of him
I am so very shocked to hear of David Touchings passing. We worked together for many years on behalf of many students . All challenges taken on by David were taken on and completed while always having the utmost respect and best interest of our students at heart.
I always had complete confidence and respect
for David’s decisions respecting our students.
We have truly lost a special person. I always recognized David’s dedication to, and his total respect for, our students and as well for the many of us, his co-workers ,
I will always remember David As a true Friend…..
Beverley, David will be missed by many.
To Beverly and all the Touching family.Words can’t begin to express how deeply sorry we were to hear of Dave’s sudden death. He was a big and very important part of our family and him and his siblings are like brothers and sisters to.my two brothers and myself. He will be missed with fond memories and much love.Rest in peace
Beverly , so sorry to hear about the loss of Dave. He was a great neighbour. Bella and Gunner will miss the treats he would give them. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Beverley,
Those of us who played badminton with Dave are very saddened to hear of his death. He was a wicked player (those long arms and legs were a definite asset) and always fun to play with. We enjoyed his gentle manner, his banter and his sportsmanship. I can still picture him having a chuckle after a particularly funny or unusual rally.
My condolences to you and to all those who loved Dave.
Dear Beverly, please accept our expression of sincere sympathy on the untimely loss of our dear friend. Those we cherish will always live on in memory. If I have learned anything down through the years, it is that nothing beautiful in this world is ever really lost. Dave is a great boss, friend, badminton partner and garden buddy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. love
My late husband Ed Power worked with Dave at Placentia School Board many years ago. He had the highest regard for him as a professional and considered him a friend.
Dave’s obituary shows a live well lived. May he Rest In Peace and may your memories together make you smile when all the difficult days ahead are past.
Beverley , I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. You have many wonderful memories together that I’m sure will help you through your grief. My thoughts are with you.
I just want to offer my condolences for your untimely loss. Dave was a great badminton player and his regular presence there was always a positive experience for us all. Best wishes.
Dear Beverly, Lloyd and I were so sad to hear that Dave had passed away. Our prayers are with you, God Bless.
Bev, We remember Dave from our days at IJ Samson. He was a kind, gentle, compassionate counsellor and friend . May the wonderful memories you shared help you in this difficult time.
Take care.
Thoughts to Bev, Muriel, Donna, Bruce, Effie and Lisa and families.
Beverley, I am saddened and shocked to hear of your husband’s passing. I trust you will find the strength in the difficult days ahead and know that others are thinking about you and care about you.
Beverley, our deepest condolences to you and Dave’s family. Dave was a kind and gentle soul. We hope that your memories will help you through this very difficult time. Sending you millions of hugs.
I was so saddened to hear of Dave’s passing. I send condolences to you, Beverley, and to his mom, Muriel. May God give you the strength, in the days ahead, to cope, as this must be a terrible nightmare for the family.
I remember Dave from our days at IJ Samson as being a kind, patient, and gentle soul who always had time to give when one needed it. We are all composites of all those with whom we have interacted and shared. Dave will remain a positive part of all of us who knew him. My condolences to you, Beverley, and Dave’s family.
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Bev. He truly had a positive impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Take care.
Beverley, I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My heart is with you at this sad time. I hope the many memories you have made together will bring you comfort.
Claudine
Beverley, we are so sorry to hear of Dave’ s passing. We extend our sincere condolences to you.
May you build a ladder to the sky,
And climb on every rung,
May you stay
May you stay, forever young..
(Bob Dylan)
Rest in peace, dear David,
I love you,
Aunt Barb
Beverley: My condolences to you and David’s family. He was a lovely man and I have many good memories of him and our time at I. J. Samson.. Best wishes always. Daphne Baker