March 13, 1938 - May 15, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of David Hagbardt Rasmussen announce his peaceful passing on May 15, 2024 at the age of 86 years at his home in Barrie, Ont.
David was born on March 13,1938 in St Lambert, Quebec to Viggo Hagbardt Rasmussen and Elsa Elinore Rasmussen (nee Peterson). He is survived by his brother Flemming (Kay) and sister Inge (Harry). He was predeceased by his parents and his eldest brother, John (Mary).
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62-years, Beryl and their four children: Ingrid (Roger), Chris (Kathryn), Eric (Joanne) and Niels (Franca). Loving Grandpa and Bestafar to his eight grandchildren Kristin (Matt), Kathryn (Matthew), Taylor, Boden, Caleb, Benjamin, Madison and Joshua, and great-grandson Micah. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Raised in St Lambert, David first worked in the air force, being stationed at CFB Trenton and RCAF Station Whitehorse, and then coming to Toronto where he found a career passion for sales first in the printing, packaging and manufacturing industries and ultimately as a real estate agent and broker, before retiring in 2003.
David had very strong Christian beliefs and was a dedicated member of the Lutheran church community his entire life, from his youth when he attended Saint Ansgar’s Lutheran Church in Montreal and as an adult being a Charter member of Faith Lutheran Church, North York followed by being a member at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Etobicoke, St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Richmond Hill and Westside Evangelical Lutheran Church, Barrie. At many of these congregations he held leadership positions and he also served on the Board of the Concordia Lutheran Theological seminary.
The Church was also where he met his future wife, Beryl Ragna Evelyn Rasmussen (nee Stuland) when attending Youth Group gatherings in Toronto.
He had a significant impact serving his community through his church involvement and as a Rotarian. He was a visionary, enjoyed leadership and had an ability and a drive to make things happen. An active Rotary member from 1982 to 2019 he served as President of the Weston Rotary Club and the Toronto Humber Rotary Club, was a Paul Harris Fellow and recipient of the Past District Governors award for Outstanding Service by a Rotarian. He led the construction of an addition to Faith Lutheran Church to serve the needs of children with autism and other exceptionalities and also led the development of Our Saviour Thistletown Lutheran Lodge in Etobicoke for seniors. In the early 1990’s his passion project was Rotary Seniors Village which unfortunately did not come to fruition as in many ways it was ahead of its time in promoting sustainable living through life stages.
Music was a big part of David’s life. He played piano by ear and was often the centre of gatherings as he played songs upon request. People always knew when David was coming as he was always whistling a tune. He enjoyed performing with Beryl, and his children, in amateur theatre productions as a member of Etobicoke Musical Productions.
David’s other passion was photography. He always had a camera with him and was the official or unofficial photographer at all family gatherings. As such we have thousands of photos but very few with him in them.
His parents immigrated from Denmark in the 1920’s and the connection with Denmark and the family there was important to David highlighted by a reunion that is held four years rotating between Canada and Denmark. David will be remembered for the many hours and expertise he invested in producing the Rasmussen Family directory for these reunions.
Amidst his personal and professional success, David’s happiest days were spent at “The Rasmuss Inn”. It was at this special place on Six Mile Lake, where David and Beryl were able to host and entertain family, their many friends, and where all of us have our fondest memories.
David showed strength and resilience over the past months. We extend our deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at both Waterford Retirement Living and Grove Park Home. Your kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support provided him with comfort and dignity during his time with you. We are profoundly thankful for the exceptional care you provided, and for the respect and love you showed him everyday.
He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for his dedication to service, his many passions, and love of his family.
A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 at Adams Funeral Home, 445 St Vincent Street, Barrie.
The funeral service will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, May 22 with a visitation from 12pm to 1pm at Westside Evangelical Lutheran Church, 510 Ferndale Drive North, Barrie, followed by a reception at Ferndale Banquet Hall, 24 Ferndale Industrial Drive, Barrie.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in the name of David Rasmussen to The Rotary Foundation (Canada) at trfcanada.org or The Heart and Stroke Foundation at heartandstroke.ca.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family through adamsfunerhome.ca.