MERCIER, David Maurice

July 20, 1939 - April 12, 2021

David Maurice Mercier, age 81, passed away peacefully in his sleep after complications while battling Parkinson's. David is survived by his loving and devoted wife Tina, and his beloved children Justin, Suzanne, Jacqueline and Caroline, grandchildren Madeleine and Alexander, siblings Gloria (Stewart) Cooper, Jim (Carol) Mercier and Fran (Adam) Rozyskie and cousins, nieces, and nephews.

David ("Dave") was born in Vancouver on July 20, 1939. After a brief foray into the RCAF (which ended after the Avro Arrow jet program was cancelled in 1959), Dave set his sights on the high-flying world of accounting. David articled with Griffiths and Griffiths, qualified as a chartered accountant and became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC. He was a renaissance man when it came to business, with interests in oil and gas, real estate, and various other entrepreneurial endeavors that took him all over the world.

Dave's lengthy political career began in Burnaby in 1968. Dave served as the Mayor of Burnaby from 1979-1981, as a member of the BC Legislative Assembly from 1986-1991, in addition to various other leadership roles. In addition to his public service, Dave supported a number of charitable organizations and was a founding donor of Minerva BC in tribute to his mother Kathleen.

A natural athlete, David enjoyed rugby, running, golf, and skiing well into his twilight years. Some of his happiest memories were from his many rugby tours, family vacations, and time spent at the cabin in Point Roberts.

True to form, Dave put up a good fight until the end. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Special thanks to the incredible nurses and doctors at VGH. Given this time of Covid restrictions, no funeral will be held. A celebration of Dave's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Parkinson Society (https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/donate/) in his name.