Obituary of David Roy Richards

RICHARDS, David Roy passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2021 at the age of 74. He is survived by Janice, his wife of 28 years, whom he adored. Devoted father to Geoffrey (Saskia) Richards and Carolyn (Jason) Yeo, cherished grandfather to Katherine, Andrew, Abigail, Samantha, Jack, Peter, Sally, and Alice, he is survived by brothers John (Jacksonville) and Philip (Oakville).

A lifelong educator, David was a high school music teacher, department head, vice-principal and

principal. David was Head of Claude Watson School for the Arts, and Headmaster of Toronto’s Kingsway College School. Since April 2020, he enjoyed tutoring his grandchildren remotely and delighted in celebrating his grandchildren’s many accomplishments.

Regardless of where David focused his energy, he succeeded in accomplishing amazing things. As a young adult, he was a competitive marathoner, inspiring friends and family into a lifelong passion for running. David treasured his friendships with many fine musicians whom he first met while conducting choirs which performed abroad during his years at Downsview Secondary School. Always the passionate racer, he graduated from winning dinghy races on Jack Lake, to collecting regatta championships on international waters with his C&C 30. He and Janice enjoyed cruising for many years, and in 2004, sailed to The Bahamas where they spent seven winters at anchor.

More recently, David took up competitive swimming as an active member of the Burlington Masters Swim Club, competing at the FINA World Masters Championships in Montreal (2014) and Budapest (2017). He delighted in encouraging those around him to reach their fullest potential.

As a classical pianist, David enjoyed practising for hours on end. He and Janice held frequent house concerts over the past eight years, featuring many of the world’s finest young musicians. As avid promotors of the arts, David and Janice founded Toronto Concert Reviews.

Details to follow with regards to a Celebration of Life will be announced here.

We invite you to share memories, photos and sentiments of his life here at his memorial web page. Donations to the Dean's Fund for the Glenn Gould School (Royal Conservatory) may be made via the Donations tab on his home page.

Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

Life Celebrations. Done Differently.