David MacIntosh MacLeod, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in London Ontario on January 21 2022 surrounded by four generations of family after a two-year battle with leukemia.
David was born on November 7 1936 to William Alexander MacLeod and Annie Mae MacLeod (née MacIntosh) in Sydney Nova Scotia. His family placed significant emphasis on their Christian faith and David held fast to this faith all the days of his life. After attending Prairie Bible School in Alberta, he went on to study Global Christian Missions at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and graduated from Columbia Bible College in 1964. After graduation, he went on to work for many Christian ministries including Word of Life Camp, The Gideons International and Compassion Canada where he served as President for a decade. Under his tenure Compassion Canada hit the milestone of 10,000 children sponsored by Canadians. In his retirement he continued to pour his time and energy into many churches and ministries both in Canada and the United States. Beyond these formal ministry settings the life of Jesus was evident in David’s life as he prayed with, offered hospitality to and served numerous people over the years.
David met Lyla (née Evans) while in high school, and they wed in August 1961, going on to have four children. Anyone who knew David knew that he was a devoted and loving husband and father. His children fondly remember the ways he constantly invested in the family, such as when he built a tree house for his children and their friends when they lived in Guelph. He supported each of his children as they took their various educational and vocational paths in adulthood. In his later years he delighted in being a grandfather to eight grandchildren, and he showed great interest in their accomplishments in school, sports, and the arts. In his final years he greatly enjoyed becoming a great-grandfather three times over.
David loved all kinds of sports including sailing, swimming, cycling and ping pong. He was active throughout his life and even in his eighties could often be found playing tennis (or pickleball!) at a local recreation centre. Although his last two years were difficult, David demonstrated immense courage as he underwent numerous cancer treatments during the COVID19 pandemic. He met the challenges of his diagnosis with his signature humour and grace. Even in his last days David was always caring for those around him, frequently asking how his nurses and other caregivers were doing.
Aside from his parents, David was predeceased by his brother William Nelson MacLeod and his brother in infancy Alexander MacLeod. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Lyla Miriam MacLeod (née Evans), his children Kristian Alexander MacLeod (Patricia), Scott David MacLeod (Sarah), Celeste Miriam MacLeod Toth (Michael) and Joanna Margaret MacLeod, his beloved sister Rebecca Kerns (née MacLeod) (Paul) and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Compassion Canada or Mission Services London. Those who wish to pay their respects may sign up to attend the visitation at Harris Funeral Home on the afternoon of January 26, 2022. Due to COVID restrictions the funeral will be a private service, by invitation.