Donald David
November 8, 1939 – December 3, 2025
Donald David (86) went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Donald N. David was born in Meerut, India on November 8, 1939 to Major John and Mabel David. As the son of a Major in the British-Indian army, Donald spent his formative years stationed in various locations within India such as Meerut, Uttar Pradesh; Kamptee, Maharashtra; and Jullandhar, Punjab. While at a boarding school in Agra, India, he heard the communal violence on the streets as British India was partitioned, forming two nations: India and Pakistan.
At the age of fifteen, Donald made a decision to surrender his life to Jesus Christ at a Brethren church retreat in the hill station of Mussoorie when he heard a Canadian missionary speak on II Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Donald went forward to receive Christ as his Savior, and he never looked back. Jesus was different from all the other gods and idols surrounding him in his motherland, and, in Christ, he had found forgiveness and a new way of living.
After the loss of his father at the age of nineteen, Donald worked as a file clerk and tutor to support his mother and siblings while also completing his Bachelor of Education and Masters in English from Meerut University. He began his teaching career at the prestigious St. Mary’s Academy in Meerut, India. In 1971, he had the opportunity to better support his family by immigrating to Canada. He landed in Toronto, Canada with five dollars in his pocket and provided for his family by working several jobs: factory worker, librarian, and a substitute teacher at a Jewish school.
Donald returned to India in 1973 for his arranged marriage to Lydia, daughter of the Reverend Michael Aslam, with whom he had exchanged three letters and met for the first time on their engagement. Donald and Lydia began a new life together in Canada, welcoming their four children into the world: Mabel, Marjorie, Melanie and Steven.
In 1974, Donald moved to Saskatchewan with his family to continue his teaching career at Se-se-wa-hum Elementary School on the Big River Indian Reservation until 1986; Valley Christian Academy in Osler until 2000; and various Saskatchewan schools as a retired substitute teacher until 2011. Donald was a devoted educator who cared deeply about his students.
Donald was passionate about his faith, family, and God’s creation. He was a natural evangelist, always telling anyone he met about Jesus who had healed his heart both spiritually and physically (on several occasions). He was also a life-long learner of God’s Word who went on to complete a Bachelor of Theology at Canadian Pentecostal College so he would be better equipped to teach the Scriptures. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and Nana/Dada who constantly encouraged his family through Bible verses, harmonica clips, uplifting words, or classic jokes. As an artist, he captured the beauty of God’s creation through his landscape paintings, creating a complete oeuvre of his immigrant journey from India to Canada. Donald was a Godly man full of life and faith, and though he will be greatly missed, he is completely whole in the presence of his Saviour.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Lydia; his four children, Mabel (Scott), Marjorie, Melanie (Ryan), Steven (Jieun); seven grandchildren, Alisha, Thomas, Jacob, Elijah, Jesse, Lucy, Ella; sister Olive; brothers, Reginald (Shashi) and John (Cherie); brother-in-laws, Peter (Renuka), Philip (Iris); sister-in-laws, Rosemary (Vijay), Beatrice, Ruby, Rebecca, Marilyn, and his many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving parents, John and Mabel; siblings Beulah (Robert), Sheila (Nelson), Sam (Madeline), Promilla (Ronald); his parents-in-law, Michael & Doris; his brother-in-laws Prakash, Sam, John, and Paul.
The viewing and interment will take place on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Dalmeny Funeral Home and Woodlawn Cemetery from 1 to 3 p.m.
Donald’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Erindale Alliance Church (310 Perehudoff Crescent, Saskatoon, SK). To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE FOR THE LATE DONALD DAVID
(No password or login will be necessary. A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal University Hospital Foundation where Donald received incredible care for his many medical procedures and to ShareWord Global for their commitment to spreading God’s word all over the world.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
To Lydia and family we are so sorry for your great loss. He was my best friend and mentor and prayer warrior. We talked weekly and he frequently emailed music he played on his harmonica. I knew him for 20 years and he was a mentor to me on Indian culture as our daughter married into an Indian family. I know he will want all his friends and acquaintances to know Jesus and join him in heaven. God comfort and bless you. Bruce & Doreen Phillips
Mr.Donald my uncle (my Mother’s brother) he was a Super God Fearing person as I understand and know about him.,my Mum and aunt Beulah had negotiated with Pastor Masih to give Lydia aunt’s hand to uncle Donald. The Memory of The Just is Blessed, Our Lord Loved him and has taken him,and we all will meet uncle one day.My deep condolences to aunt Lydia ,children Grandchildren, near and dear ones.
I remember “Mr.” David from his time at VCA. And I must confess I didn’t remember his first name was Donald, he was always “Mr David” to me. His love for his savior was obvious every time I heard him speak of it, which was often. I appreciated the time he took to play ping pong with an incredibly awkward 13 year old… I’m pretty sure he was taking it easy on me and letting me score points, he was as enthusiastic as he was skilled, from my recollections anyway. May his memory be a blessing to his family.
Melanie, so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Praying for you in this difficult time. May you feel the Lord’s comfort and peace at this time of loss.
I never knew him, but we worked together with his daughter Melanie and have loved his grandchildren on the brasher side. They are such a witness of what a godly father he must have been, because the testimony of his daughter and grandchildren is so impressive.
We grieve with Melanie and Ryan and the kids; May God grant you encouragement and peace.
Melanie, I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine how it feels to lose a parent. Knowing he is in heaven with his Savior I hope will bring some comfort. Praying for you.
I am sorry to hear about Mr. David’s passing and the sadness you all must feel, however, I am so happy to hear another saint was lead home into the arms of their Saviour.
I don’t remember well as I was an early teen but, I remember Mr. David being a solid cat and helping you all move to Warman ( I think) and you were all such a cool family to be around.
As more and more people fall away from the faith, I am completely amped to hear about how Mr. David clung to Jesus and is now praising Him all the day long.
Be encouraged, that dude was welcomed home.
I’m praying for you all.
Sending love & condolences to you Mable, siblings & Lydia! Your Dad was my Grade 6 teacher at VCA which was the 1st year VCA was operating. I remember his strong accent & love for art. He was a very creative man & leaves a beautiful testimony of faith. May God comfort your grieving hearts & fill your minds with hope in knowing he is waiting for you to join him someday.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr.David was a powerful example of a godly man. He was my Gr. 6 teacher at V.C.A and the first Indian man I ever met. Memorization of the Word of God was one thing he talked of a lot. I met him a few years ago in the mall and he still remembered me! I didn’t appreciate him in Gr.6, but I sure did after! All that memory sure helped!! See you in Heaven Mr.David!’
Lydia & Family,
We are sorry to hear of Donald’s passing! We got to know him at VCA and so appreciated his sincere dedication to teaching our children! His love for Jesus was very evident wherever he went!
We would meet him occasionally over the years after VCA and when we met him at Costco a few years ago, he came to sit with
us at our table and had a nice visit! His memory was amazing!
He has now heard “Well done, good and faithful servant” and is in the presence of his Saviour! Our love and prayers are with you all!
Martin & Ruth Friesen
(Melissa, Rachel & Jonathan)
I was close friends with Mabel and Marjorie when they attended the assembly at Fairhaven in Saskatoon. I remember Donald being a steady presence in the congregation, and always being warm and welcoming. He will be truly missed. My condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Mr David was the librarian, art teacher and occasional substitute teacher for a good chunk of my time at Valley Christian Academy. I remember him fondly, particularly when he would play his harmonica. On the occasion that I saw him after his retirement, he would recognize me and remember who my parents were (who he also bumped into regularly at different thrift stores in the area). You will be missed Mr David. My condolences to his family.