David Arthur Edwards
October 24, 1927 to August 18, 2023
Obituary
For those unable to attend the funeral, please click the link provided to watch the funeral live. The page will update approximately 5 minutes before the service.
St. Thomas Anglican Church Website
Passed peacefully away at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Residence on Friday, August 18, 2023, David (Dave) Edwards, aged 95 years.
Predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Ann (Nan) nee Pike, and his brother Brian (Florence also deceased). Leaving to mourn his daughters Elizabeth Barnes (Bob) and Jennifer Edwards (Roy Howell); grandchildren Erin Squires (Trent), Tim Barnes (Marie LaFreniere), Shane Lovelace and Matthew Lovelace; his precious great-grandchildren Grayson and Layla Squires and Malcolm and Maya Barnes; Nan’s sister-in-law Rhoda Pike, plus many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Rudofsky for her attentiveness, exemplary care and compassion. Thanks also to the staff at Kenny’s Pond.
Born and raised in St. John’s NL he received his early education at Bishop Feild College and then completed the Commercial Program at Bishop Spencer College. His work life was spent at Harvey and Company, and NL Hydro.
In 1937, as a lad of 10, he made a life changing decision to join the CLB. The Brigade was a major force in his life and he embraced every aspect of the CLB. He progressed through the ranks and eventually received his Officer’s commission in the early 1950s’, became Battalion Adjutant in 1964, Commanding Officer of the Avalon Battalion in 1972, and in 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and became the second Governor and Commandant of the CLB in Newfoundland. In 2012, for only the second time in Brigade history, he received the Award of Merit, recognizing his extraordinary efforts towards building the Brigade throughout his life.
In addition to the CLB he was extremely active in many other activities and organizations. He was an avid golfer, playing into his 90’s; a keen fisherman in his early years; an enthusiastic member, and at one time President, of the Singing Legionnaires; he bowled for over 50 years with the Harvey’s Bowling League at St. Pat’s Lanes; he was an active participant in the Feildian Alumnae Assoc. thoroughly enjoying their monthly lunches and a devout member of St. Thomas’ Church, serving in many capacities such as Sidesperson, Choir Member, Counter and Vestry Member. His life was full and he was full of life!
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Wednesday, October 11 from 2-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held from St. Thomas’ Anglican Church on Thursday, October 12 at 2 p.m. with interment to follow in the Anglican Cemetery, Forest Road.
Memorial donations may be made to the CLB, P.O. Box 28126 St. John’s, NL A1B 4J8; St. Thomas’ Church 8 Military Rd. St. John’s, NL A1C 2C4, or to a charity of your choice.
Schedule
Visitations
2-9 p.m. on October 11, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Thursday October 12th
St. Thomas' Anglican Parish
Interment to follow in Forest Road Anglican Cemetery.
I offer sincere condolences on the passing of the late Colonel Edwards who had an superb record of service with the CLB. My association with Colonel Edwards goes back to the 1950s. He fought the good fight and was an example to many, many young persons. Kindest Regards
Sincere condolences to Dave’s family. Got to know him @ Pippy Park Golf Club when I sponsored tournaments there. A very fine gentleman. RIP
Dear Elizabeth, Jennifer and family
My deepest sympathy on the death of your dear father. These are sad days for you I know. May many wonderful memories of time spent together, bring you comfort in the days ahead. I will remember Uncle Dave for his kind and gentle way, and as Debbie stated, for his genuine interest in his extended family of nieces and nephews. Such true words. He did live life to the fullest and had many interests. His involvement with the CLB and his devotion to his church over the years were commendable. Take care in the days ahead as you navigate your grief and loss. Much love to all.
Dear Elizabeth, Jennifer and family,
While saddened to hear of Uncle Dave’s passing, we are relieved to hear he didnt suffer. He was a wonderful man and gave so much of his time helping others through his work with the CLB and to his church.
He was also one of those special Uncles who was always interested in the lives of his nieces and nephews.
uncle Dave left us all a beautiful gift of memories and we hope your memories will bring each of you comfort.
Our sincere condolences and lovr to you all.
My deepest condolence to Jennifer & Elizabeth, and the Edwards Family on the passing of Captain Dave [as I knew him]. I have fond memories of our conversations at various functions over the pass 60+ years. Most recently at The Feildians Alumni Dinners. He was always interested in me as person and what I had done in life. He was a great role model for me. May he rest in Peace and rise in Glory.
Elizabeth, Jennifer and all the family- Deepest Condolences to all on Uncle Dave’s passing. He will certainly be missed by all. I did have a sweet chat with him in his room Jennifer after we spoke a couple of weeks ago. He did live live large and full for sure. We are away on vacation and will be sure to follow up with you all when we return.
Deepest condolences Susan, Stephen and Rebecca
Tiz ,Bob and family of Mr .Edwards ,
Sincere condolences on the passing of a remarkable man .
His contributions to the CLB will remain in the hearts of so many people .
May your many memories of him bring you comfort in the days ahead . Hugs and God Bless .
Elizabeth, Bob, Erin and the entire Edwards family. I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I have known him for almost 40 years through bowling, then working with Bob and Erin. Know that he is at peace now and reunited with Nan.
On behalf of the Eastern Diocesan Regiment of the C.L.B., I extend sincere condolences to the family of Col. David Edwards. Members of the Brigade are thankful for the life led by Col. Edwards, and especially for his deep commitment to the good work of our organization over his full lifetime. Col. Edwards was a strong leader and role model for so many youth and adults leaders of the Brigade and we remember his service with a great deal of admiration and respect.
To Colonel David Authur Edward’s Family and C.L.B. Family. On behalf of C.B.S C.L.B OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION LODGE #2
We send our deepest condolences to you at this difficult time. Rest assured we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Warford
Secretary
To Major Bob Barnes and Elizabeth
It was a very sad moment for me to learn of the passing of Colonel David A. Edwards .My first knowledge of Colonel Edwards was at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church where as a member of the Church of England Orphanage we attended regularly.. Here he and his family were very involved.. My next meeting took place in 1966 .when I became a junior officer in the C.L.B. and he was a senior officer. There was no other officer who received a dressing down than this young brash officer from St. Michaels Company # 4512. It was from occurrences like these that I learned to respect him and he became a mentor of mine. in June of this year I was blessed to have made the time to visit him at his home. As I make my final salute of honour, my prayer is that you will rest in peace and one day in glory. You have ” Fought The Good Fight ”
J. A. Heffernan ( Colonel ) M.S.M.
Elizabeth; Jennifer and families thinking of you at this sad time. Your dad sure enjoyed a long ;happy productive life fueled by a never ending supply of
energy and enthusiasm. He had many friends who enjoyed his chats and his lively card games A life lived to the fullest for sure.
My condolences to all the family knew David fr our programs with City Hall n many more event’s
Missed him dearly n asked many people about him
A fine gentleman he was We use to chat for hours
Very interesting man he was n a great smart man fr reading his obituary.May u fly high with the Angels David until we all meet again
A gentleman who had a full life and commitment to volunteering. The Singing Legionnaires attended to our firm community Christmas dinner at The Knights of Columbus. A wonderful group of men.
Elizabeth and Jennifer: Sincere sympathy on the passing of your dear father. A true gentleman. What a fulfilling life he lead. I fondly remember David from attending the Senior’s Program at City Hall. He loved to have a scuff, a good laugh and a hearty meal. We always had a chuckle over the fact that I also went to Bishop Spencer (an all girls school in my day. He has been missed over this past year. Until you meet again, may David’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
Sincere condolences to extended families from the Wakely, Barrett-Price families ipf Kitchener, Ontario and St.John’s,NL.
Always loved a chat with Dave whenever we met,; in later years the C.L.B. ,parades,, Bishop Spencer Alum. Events and St. John’s City Seniors Dinner/Dances. A first class gentleman.
To Elizabeth and Jennifer,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad.
Your Dad was a good man. He was a great friend to my
Mom ( Nellie) especially in her latter years. He lived a
wonderful long and full life which I am sure you are
thankful for. Keep him in your memory as you look back on all the special memories made by your Mom and Dad.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both as you
travel through these days to come..
Kindest regards,
Paul Thompson