In Memory of David Steven Ripley
David Steven Ripley passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026 surrounded with love by his family.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Joanne, his son Alex, his daughter Julia and wife Natalie, and grandchildren Avacyn and Sibyl.
David is predeceased by his father, Jack Ripley, and mother, Eileen West.
David was born on July 9, 1959 in Montreal, QC. He later moved to Pointe Claire, QC, where he attended Cedar Park Elementary School and John Rennie High School. He worshiped at St John the Baptist Anglican Church. David made many lifelong friends during his school years, friends he treasured throughout his life.
After studying at St. Lawrence College in Kingston, ON, David moved to Ottawa, ON, to start a career as a computer programmer with the CBC. He went on to successfully work with many federal departments as a programmer analyst and ended his career as a technical writer.
David’s father passed away when he was only five years old and was brought up mainly by his mother. His aunt and uncle, Rose and Cyril Barns, stepped in to support David as he grew. David particularly admired and looked up to Cyril who taught him many things over the years, little things like tying knots and big things such as integrity and commitment.
David met his wife Joanne in 1981. They were married in 1985 and enjoyed a long and happy marriage. He dearly loved and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. There was nothing he liked more than getting down on the floor with a small child and playing with their toys. He also loved his many fluffy dogs and was well known in his neighbourhood through his frequent dog walks, which he would do up to an astounding five times a day.
David had a reputation of being a gentleman. He was also a collector of many things, a diarist, a Trekkie, a guitar enthusiast and, to his granddaughter Avacyn, a silly goose. One of his special skills was to remember everyone’s birthday. He took great pleasure in sending yearly birthday cards to many longtime friends. He was also very keen on keeping in close contact with his relatives across the world and researching his family history.
The family would like to thank Drs Asmis, Whetter, and Rochon of the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and the doctors of the Orleans Palliative Care Group, particularly Dr Rioux, and the many amazing nurses that supported David.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Funeral Complex, 1250 Trim Road, Ottawa, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ottawa Humane Society.
