We are heartbroken to share that David Hector Debison passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2026, at the age of 71, with his loving wife by his side.
David was a caring husband, father, uncle, grandfather, brother, and son. His family meant the world to him. He will be greatly missed by his wife Shelley (von Richter) with whom he shared 45 wonderful years, along with his children: Mary Beth Debison (Michael Bull), Katie Mitten (David), Bhreagh Rantala (Lee), and Alex (Samantha Hendricks). He took immense pride in being a grandfather to Jake, Louie, Zoe, Dexter, Lillian, and Eleanor.
He is also survived by his sister Andrea Stebbings (Bob) and his mother Joyce Debison (Yates), as well as extended family and many friends who will remember him fondly. He was predeceased by his father Frank.
David had a true love for the outdoors; fly fishing was one of his favorite pastimes that brought him peace throughout his life. He cherished holiday gatherings with family and summer days spent at the trailer surrounded by loved ones and friends-memories he held close.
He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University (1977/1978) and earned his Commercial Pilot License which reflected his adventurous nature. David proudly served as a Second Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces’ Armoured Division before having a successful career as a Territory Manager with Texaco, Imperial Oil, and Shell Canada.
People will remember David for how much he cared about family, his kindness towards others, and the quiet strength he showed every day. His impact lives on in all those whose lives he touched.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the oncology team at Hudson Regional Cancer Center in Barrie, Ontario especially Dr Veitch. David received outstanding care from South Muskoka Hospital and Huntsville Hospital’s Chemotherapy Suite where special thanks go to Dr Jindall and Dr Small. The support from Ontario Health at Home along with the Community Palliative Care Nurses was exceptional too; special mention goes to Nurse Practitioner Heather Jamieson.
A Visitation will take place at Cavill Funeral Home located at 215 Bay Street in Gravenhurst on Wednesday, June 3rd from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM followed by a Memorial Service starting at 12:00 PM with a reception afterwards. Interment will be held in Mickle Memorial Cemetery after the reception.
If you would like to make memorial contributions please consider South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation or Huntsville Hospital Foundation – Oncology Department; your support would be greatly appreciated.
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