David Conn
1941 - 2022

With sorrow and yet with profound gratitude for all he gave us, we announce the passing of David Baird Conn on Tuesday morning, January 25, 2022 at West Parry Sound Health Centre enveloped by the love of Joan and Michael at his side.

Born 1941 in Toronto, youngest child of Jean Baird and George Edward Conn, brother to the late George and Mary Louise.

Dave recognized his greatest achievements were his 60 year marriage to Joan (nee Atkinson) - his “golden girl”, his two children, Brenda (1962-1984) and Michael (Kim). He was beloved “papa” to four grandchildren: Tyler (Emily), Jordyn (Lucas), Zackary and Abbygale. Dearly missed by brother-in-law Eric (Heather) and many nieces and nephews some of whom he raised in whole or in part as his own children. He was loved by a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins from the Orrville/Rosseau area.

Many a summer family reunion was enjoyed at Green Acres, the family cottage resort later becoming the year round home. Eventually Dave and Joan built their dream home on the picturesque point of the bay overlooking Maple Lake.

David was a larger-than-life personality: confident, charismatic, successful. He was admired and respected in both business and political circles. Best friends were friends for life from teen years at Stamford Collegiate and A. N. Myer Secondary, undergrad years at Huron College, the University of Western Ontario Ivey Business School and Harvard.

Dave succeeded as a company President and CEO for more than 40 years. He sailed with best friends on the European side of the Atlantic on a 38 ft. sloop, safaried in South Africa, explored the souks near the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, skied the Rockies slopes at Whistler, scuba-dived the best Bahamian reefs. In retirement after corporate life Dave was elected three times as the Mayor of Seguin Township.

He accomplished so much beyond his formal education: the ride’em lawnmower, crawling beneath jacked-up cottages repairing broken pipes, mastering a killer slalom water-ski course in Maple Lake bay, recovering from numerous cuts from fishing hooks, scrapes from tennis, football bruising, a brain aneurysm, two new knees, two new hips, a weakened “ticker” and its pacemaker, but he could not defeat the complications from a fall and five broken ribs on the evening of his 81st birthday.

The strongest, brightest, most capable and generous man in our lives left this world for his next great adventure. If there isn’t a bookstore or library there, be certain Dave will be it’s successful entrepreneur.

The interment will take place on Saturday, July 30th, 2022 at 1pm at the Christie Memorial Cemetery, Orrville, Ontario.

Followed by a Celebration of Life at Green Acres Resort.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) Foundation would be appreciated. Donations can be accepted at the Foundation office at 705-746-4540 ext. 3347, or via the link below https://wpshcf.akaraisin.com/inmemory

Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.

Condolences

To Dave’s amazing family,

What a momentous time in the life of your family to lose Dave. He was indeed larger than life and a remarkable man. I am so pleased to have had the opportunity to get to know him, although all too briefly. He welcomed Lucas into the family, for which I am most grateful. He helped shape Jordyn into the wonderful young woman that she is. And he obviously did the same for so many others.

My heartfelt condolences to all of you as you adjust to this next phase of life.

Marlene

Our condolences to Joan and family , very sorry for your loss. Kind regards, Bev & Tony Hawkrigg

You were bigger than life, pops. You scared the bejeezus outta me and inspired me, too, on so many levels. There was nothing you couldn't do. Except carpentry, maybe. and electrical stuff. But you always found the appropriate professional. You lived an amazing life, and you shared it with so many of us. I'm so grateful for you, for believing in me, and all of us. Thanks for not being right all the time, too, which wasn't often (we marked those rare moments in a book, didn't we?) and thanks for never beating me at Scrabble. You were the smartest man I ever knew (except for Scrabble). Thanks for so many things, but mostly for being my second dad, for loving Joan forever, and for being an amazing grandfather. I sure will miss you, Daver. Hope you find Brenda up there. She'll show you the ropes. Love from your one and only niece Gail. Rest easy, uncle. You're in our hearts forever

So sorry to hear of the passing of David. We truly enjoyed working with him at the shop and will miss him coming in. Thoughts and prayers from everyone here at Hawkriggs.

So very sad to hear of David's death. Condolences and prayers to the family.

Our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. It was such a pleasure knowing Dave and sharing in his knowledge and friendship. What an eloquent obituary.

Joan and Family:

We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of David's passing. Please accept our condolences.

Even though we only knew him for the last two decades, we learned quickly of his impact on the Seguin community. He was indeed the rock of integrity that led the Township to a high status.

His personal support and influence
helped those of us in other roles to imagine and achieve a great deal. He respected the past, had a comprehensive vision of the present, and intense hope for the future.

We thank him for his exceptional contributions in various settings.

May he Rest in Peace.

Dave will be missed and finally remembered for his service to our community.

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family he will certainly be missed also from mom and dad Joe and Roxanne Bissonette

Kay & my thoughts are with you Joan, Michael & family, David was our great friend for 55 years. He had so much talent---every thing he did he did so well with what seemed so much ease-----business, sports, politics & handy man. But it was in his personal side he shone. He was a totally loyal friend in good times----& tough times. But it was his family he cared about above all. He deeply loved the grand kids----and they brought him joy. He felt blessed to have two wonderful children and daughter in law. But of course it was his beloved wife that brought him daily joy. He was blessed to have Joan as his life long partner. They were the perfect team. We will dearly miss David.

Joan & family. I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I didn't know him that well but he always was so friendly & welcoming when in his presence. Wonderful poem! Still miss Orrville & Maple Lake. Doug

Joan & Family,
Our hearts are empty and broken. We have tried many times to put down our thoughts only to shed too many tears to complete. Dave was a father figure filling a void for Steve as well as an important mentor in business. He always had a novel way of looking at things. His joy of seeing another tribe tool into Green Acres is etched on all of our family. His interest in all the kid’s adventures in what ever they were attempting was the best.
5&4 is forever in my soul.
Godspeed David
The Robson’s

Joan, Mike and family,
Heartfelt condolences on Dave's passing. His genuine interest in people, thoughtful questions, sage advice, combined with a wry sense of humour touched all around him. His influence was felt by many and will live on through more.

Dear Joan,We were so sorry to hear of David's passing. He gave so much of himself to our community - The natural Place To Be. He will be dearly missed.
Alan and Margaret Goddard

To Joanie, Mike, Kim and family:
no words are enough to express how devastating a loss for you all.My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Rest In Peace Dave.

We are sincerely sorry to hear of David’s passing. I truly enjoyed the time spent on Council with David. He was a very intelligent and caring individual. The work he accomplished as Mayor
Of Seguin was certainly beneficial. In addition David’s sensitivity to the people and his care about the environment were always paramount. He will be truly missed. Our condolences to Joan and the family.

I met David a half century ago when we were young businessmen. I recall well his capable, friendly and calm demeanour.
Although our paths diverged very considerably, I have never forgotten him. And prompted by this compelling Notice today, wish to send my condolences to David’s family. They will be comforted in having shared a life so very well lived.

David Lint, Toronto

Our sincere heart felt condolences to Joan and the family. We will miss seeing David drop by in his boat on each of the many summers we have all spent on Maple Lake. He was a great leader and made a significant contribution to Seguin and to the residents of Maple Lake.
Goodbye old friend.

Our condolences to Joan and family. We enjoyed David's friendship and will miss him.

Dear Joan, Mike, Kim and family,

So sorry to hear about David. He was such a positive community minded person and will be missed very much by all. My sincere condolences to the whole family - take care of each other and treasure all your memories.

Cathy Christopher

To Joan and family. My prayers are with you at this time of loss of Dave, husband, father, and friend.

Danny Shoebottom

Joan Mike and Family,
Shocked and saddened for your loss. David gave me the biggest opportunity of my life bringing me to Canada. Not just a great job but introduced me to my sailing buddies for life and of course my wonderful wife Tracy. He gave me a do over in life and I am forever in his debt for changing my life for the better. Will never forget the great times at Green Acres. Canada will always be a big part of my life thanks to David and your family's friendship.
Peace and Much Love,
Tracy & Lou Mancinelli

Linda & I send our condolences to Joan and family.
It was a pleasure and a learning experience to serve with Dave on Seguin Council. I will remember his quick witted sense of humor.

Regards
Linda & Rod Osborne

Our condolences to Joan, Kim and family on your loss.

Dear Joan, Mike, and family,
We send you our deep sympathy in the sad passing of David. He was such a wonderful human being, warm, welcoming, encouraging, charismatic. And such a strong capable leader in Seguin. We will miss seeing his wonderful smile at Seguin events. Sincerely Pat and Richard Poole

Dear Joan and Family,
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of David. He was a good and descent man; David entered the political realm at a time when we really needed his gifts. As time passes let those wonderful memories be a source of great comfort.
Phil and Mary van Diepen

Dear Joan & Mike: Dave was a true gentleman who lived an interesting and accomplished life, a friend, & an associate on Boards of Directors in Parry Sound. It was a pleasure to share his friendship & expertise. I offer my sincere condolences to you & your Family.