David Patrick Rooney

Rooney, David Patrick

June 1, 1941 – July 25, 2024

David Patrick Rooney passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, at the age of 83 at St. Joeseph’s Hospice in London, Ontario on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Reunited with his beloved wife Catherine (Gibbs), he will be deeply missed by his children; Mark, Dean, Kellie, Lisa and Laura and always remembered by his grandchildren; Christopher, Ethan, Elizabeth, Emily, Elliot, Lucy, Benjamin, Kaila, Jacob, and Eleonora. David was a proud great-grandfather to Quinn and Raelynn and a dear uncle to Angela and Andre.

Born in Coventry, England, in 1941, David enjoyed special times with his brother Cliff and cousins John and Jacqueline. In 1964 he immigrated to Canada with his first love and wife Elaine and their 2 boys. In 1969, he married Cathy, and he was truly heart-broken when she passed in 2006 after 37 years of marriage. David and Cathy lived in Coventry during the 70’s where they worked for Jaguar Cars, before he embarked on an international adventure, working in Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. David travelled the world and never lost his love for geography and different cultures.

David settled back in Canada in 1986, where he and Cathy raised their 3 girls. He worked incredibly hard to provide for his family, and is remembered for maintaining the cleanest pool in the neighbourhood, officiating the game ‘I see some’ on road trips, and his guidance and wisdom. David was thoughtful, wore his heart on his sleeve, was never afraid to cry at a movie or help those in need, and he always saw the potential in others.

Over the years and across the world, David made many friends. He enjoyed being social; whether hosting parties, singing karaoke, cracking jokes, impressing with his card tricks, or telling stories while perched at the bar. David loved numbers and was faster at sums than a calculator!

David’s love of music was evident, as a member of bands such as Bob Tempest and the Buccaneers, The Odds and Ends, and the Hi-Fi’s, or solo as Dave Dandy, Dave “the rave” Rooney, or Music by Dave. In later life David enjoyed attending church. He spent 10 years writing his life story and was so proud to publish his own autobiography.

David bravely battled illness in his final months with his family at his side and we couldn’t be more proud of him. We thank staff at Victoria Hospital and everyone at St. Joseph’s Hospice for the dignified and compassionate care they provided.

The funeral will take place on Saturday, August 3, 2024, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the chapel at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London, immediately followed by a service from 10:30 to 11:30 am. A reception will follow until 12:30 pm. Guests are invited to join the family at 3:00 pm at a local establishment to raise a glass in David’s honour. Internment will take place in the days that follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made by donating to St. Joseph’s Hospice, 485 Windermere Road 3^rd Floor, London, ON, N5X 2T1. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com