Until We Meet Again: My Tribute to Dave Reeve

On Monday morning, June 8, upon asking one of the money counters, Glenn, I learned that my friend and fellow Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioner, David Charles Reeve, known to us simply as Dave (May 23, 1947–June 7, 2026), passed on to the next life at the age of 79. He left us on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ. Although I knew death was imminent, I was still saddened. Death has a way of often doing that. The mystery of life after this life, the transition from the physical to the immaterial, the temporal to the eternal, will remain as such until we experience it for ourselves.

A couple of weeks ago we had a phone conversation. He had mentioned he had not really wanted to speak to anyone, even though he seemed happy to speak with me. Despite the circumstances, it was great to hear the warmth of his voice. He was lucid and positive. He mentioned he was scheduled for a six-hour biopsy. I told him I would pray for him. Little did I realize that would be our final conversation. I intended to go visit but didn’t want to disturb him or the family. Understandably, his wife later relayed to Fr. Frank that he preferred not to have visitors.

Oddly, just a few days ago I had a dream about him. In my dream, he appeared healthy again, attending church with his wife Terry and eager to play a game of chess. I have no idea as to why chess appeared in the dream. We had never discussed chess, but the image has stayed with me.

Even though I had seen Dave at Sunday Masses over the years, I had only known him for roughly three years. Our first meeting was at the parish’s annual chicken dinner. He sat right in front of me, and based on our first conversation, I noticed his warmth, congeniality, and how easy he was to talk with. Both my daughter, Julianna, and my fiancée, Erica, appreciated his kindness, good humour, and genuine interest in others. He had a special gift for making people feel comfortable and welcome.

On May 23, he had just turned 79. He lived a life centered around the church (a later-in-life convert). He was a dedicated family man. What made him stand out to me was his jovialness, intellectual curiousity, and service to others. He was IHM Parish’s head money counter for years, a position he fulfilled faithfully until very recently. On May 1, he even sent out the money-counting schedule, or rota, as he would call it, with his own name listed for every Monday through the end of July—a small but moving sign that he had fully intended to continue serving the parish. He consistently assisted with funerals as well.

He and Theresa (Terry) shared more than 51 years of marriage, having tied the knot at IHM. Their anniversary was coming up on November 9. One of the things that struck me about Dave was his patience and dedication in the way he cared for Terry. In that respect, he reminded me of my father, who in much the same way is the primary caregiver for my mother. Along with Terry, he leaves behind his children, Michael and Sarah, whom he loved dearly, as well as the wider family members named in his obituary.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, where he earned his degree in mathematics. He had a sharp and inquisitive mind. He was fascinated by questions pertaining to quantum physics, consciousness, AI and its dangers, and space-time travel, particularly, the distinctions between the soul, spirit, and mind. Over the past three years, I would send him many of my articles and papers through my website newsletter. He would often comment on them. On many occasions, we immersed ourselves in discussions about philosophy, theology, science, and questions of morality and life’s ultimate meaning.

On a couple of occasions he mentioned to me that I was the only person he discussed these subjects with. Jokingly, he said people would often clear the room whenever he brought them up. I have had a similar experience. He was never offended by it but just longed for such conversations. (I’ve always thought, myself, that it says more about the people who consider these sorts of topics boring than the topics themselves.) The combination of his wonderful sense of humour, his laugh, and infectious enthusiasm made these abstract conversations all the more enjoyable.

Many of these conversations took place on Monday mornings after the money counting was completed. Before heading off to his regular breakfast at Chuck’s (which he would always rave about—I must admit they do prepare a mean soup and sandwich) or after his return from the bank where he’d deposit the parish funds, he would on occasion stop by my office for such conversations, even if only briefly.

Outside of his intellectual curiousity, Dave was a very active man who loved hockey and pickleball. He was usually energetic and positive, but in the weeks leading up to his diagnosis, he was not quite himself and mentioned back pain. Everyone hoped it was nothing serious. One of our parishioners and fellow money counters, Helen McGurrin, a retired nurse, urged him to seek medical attention for his back pain, fearing it could be something worse than he thought. None of us imagined how quickly his physical condition would deteriorate.

On May 28, his wife told me that Dave was receiving palliative care at home. The doctors had administered him morphine to reduce his extreme pain. She also expressed how grateful they were to the attending physician who did not sugarcoat the reality of his condition, which tragically appeared to be an aggressive cancer that had metastasized throughout his body. Fr. Frank was later notified that he had a stroke and had been taken to the hospital. He ended up dying in palliative care outside of his home. Even though we all feel his absence, there is comfort in hearing that he was ready to meet our Lord. This is what our student priest, Fr. Thomas, relayed to me upon his recent visit on May 30.

The questions that had fascinated him about consciousness, the soul, the spirit, reality, and eternity are no longer matters of speculation for him. He has now encountered the One who is Truth Himself.

As Christians, our hope lies in our future resurrection.

So, Dave, save me a spot where we can continue our unfinished conversations about consciousness, quantum physics, and many of the mysteries that were veiled to us in the material world. Perhaps this will include conversations with St. Augustine, St. Thomas, and maybe even Jacques Maritain, Wolfgang Smith, and other extraordinary minds whose wisdom never found its way into our most beloved books.

And don’t forget to save me a spot on the heavenly pickleball court. I’ll have to start practicing eventually, as I am still consumed by tennis and squash.

Thanks for the conversations, friendship, and the example of a life faithfully lived.

Until we meet again.

Requiescat in pace.

Your friend,

Scott

Details for the Memorial Mass

A memorial Mass for Dave will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, followed by a reception in the parish hall.

After Mass, there will be a reception in the parish hall.

Please keep praying for Dave, Terry, and their family.

Dave’s Arbor Memorial obituary may be read here: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/kelly-walkley/obituaries/david-charles-reeve/162053.html