David Rymer Connolly

July 20, 1935 – November 18, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
David Rymer Connolly, 88, son of Daniel and Dorothy Connolly (stepmother Martha), died peacefully on Saturday, November 18, 2023, with family by his side.
He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Patricia, and is survived by loving partner Liz Diem, with whom he shared many adventures over the past three years; sons Ken (Wendy) and Jay (Maureen); grandchildren Jack, Daniel (Jana), Sam (Mary), Kate (Chris), and Adam (Erin); and great-grandchildren River, James, and Isaiah. He was the backbone of our family, the rock in every storm.
Born July 20, 1935, in Edmonton, Dave attended school in Vancouver. Following graduation, he worked casually for a year or two and adventured south to San Francisco by motorcycle with a friend.
At 19, he began his 45-year career in the glass business when he took a job as a sales clerk with Bogardus-Wilson Glass in Vancouver. At 25, he purchased Northern Glass in Dawson Creek. Later, he and a partner expanded the business throughout the province. After a brief stint in real estate, he partnered with son Ken and returned to the glass business in 1983, opening Budget Glass in Nanaimo.
On September 29, 1956, Dave married Patricia Daniels, and they became a formidable team, working together to build lives of value and service to the wider community. Pat identified many worthy causes, and Dave stepped up with time, labour, and his cheque book to support efforts they both believed in. These included the Anglican Church, Marriage Encounter, Young Life, the Canadian Cancer Society, Nanaimo Hospice, Scouts Canada, and many more.
Over a ten-year period following his retirement from business, Dave was instrumental in developing a vision for Eden Gardens, Nanaimo’s “compassionate dementia care home.” His great lifelong commitment, however, was to Rotary International. He believed deeply in Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service before Self” and supported Rotary’s local and international efforts.
Dave loved cycling, boating, hiking, fishing, and simply being in nature. He did everything in his power to connect the people he loved with the locations and activities in which he felt most alive. Even into his 89th year, part of him remained a boy on a mission to discover the world. So often, that discovery occurred in wild places.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Nanaimo Palliative Care ward for their kindness and expertise as they guided Dave through his last days with us.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Nanaimo Community Hospice, 1080 St George Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9T 4Z1.
A funeral service will be held on December 6 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Phillips by the Sea, Lantzville. All friends welcome.