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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GASSER, David Andreas - On March 12, 2025, David Andreas Gasser passed away at the Victoria General Hospital due to complications from heart failure. David was born in Toronto, Ontario, in 1937; the oldest of 3 boys, he was predeceased by his brothers, Allen and Raymond, and by his eldest son Allen. David is survived by his wife Mary, son Stephen (Margo), son Martin (Laura), and five grandchildren, Alanna (Miles), Allie (Mat), Shane, Riley, Kieran, and great-grandson Everett.
Mary (née Leggett) and David met when he was on a naval course in Victoria in 1959. He proposed on their first date and they were happily married for 64 years. David had a distinguished 37-year career in the Royal Canadian Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He and Mary started their married adventure in Toronto where Dave attended the University of Toronto. They were then transferred to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and crossed the country one more time, coast to coast before being posted to Ottawa, and then finally in 1985, retiring in Victoria.
David was a very active, long-time member of both the Royal Canadian Naval Sailing Association and the Canadian Forces Sailing Association. No matter where he was transferred, he was extensively involved as both an avid racer and volunteer. David was on the Board of Directors of the Marine Parks Forever Society for 20 years, working tirelessly to help acquire many new marine parks on the West coast for all to enjoy. He was also a volunteer at the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum for 20 years.
David will be sorely missed by his family and all who loved him. David will be remembered for his strength of character, his dry wit, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Chief and Petty Officers' Mess in Esquimalt on Friday, July 25th, 2025, starting at 2:00 pm. (The Victoria Times Colonist 05 Apr 2025)
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