Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, and in his daughter’s arms, at the Brantford General Hospital on Thursday, June 24th, 2020, at the age of 73. Beloved husband and best friend for 49 years to Mary (nee Gilroy), loving and devoted father of Sarah and her husband Alan Gardiner, and Marysa and her husband Philippe Lauriault. Treasured Papa of Aidyn, Noah, Carter, Zoé, and Dyllon. Dear Brother-in-law of Christina “Kitty” Gilroy and John Ness, and Bob and his wife Cathy Gilroy. Also survived by nieces and nephews Ben and Stacey, Cam and Joslyn, Becca and Parry, and Steph and Jesse. Dave is pre-deceased by his parents Ron and Grace Rumble, brother Verne, mother-in-law “Mumsie” Christina Gilroy, and infant children Edward, Alexander and Amanda Rumble. He was born and raised in Princeton ON., as the son of the local funeral director, Dave chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, and became a member of the last graduating class of the Canadian School of Embalming in Toronto in 1968. Dave and his wife Mary then took ownership of the funeral home in Burford where they raised their own family and proudly served the local and surrounding community for 42 years. Dave participated in many different volunteer organizations throughout his lifetime, including the Burford Volunteer Fire Department where he was fourth in command, and helping with various events at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Burford. His proudest moments as a volunteer came through his membership with Lions Clubs International, where he was inducted as a member of the Burford Lions Club in April of 1973. Dave was known as a quiet yet compassionate man. He touched the hearts of hundreds of families through his many years in the funeral service industry, always with the utmost professionalism. We attribute our families love of Disney all to him. Family meant everything to Dave, especially the little ones. Many gatherings with friends and groups, camping, pig roasts, international conventions with Lions, and several vacations around the world, he wanted a taste of it all. Dave was happiest when he was surrounded by people, most of whom became lifelong friends. He truly lived life to the fullest. Friends are welcome to share memories of Dave with his family during visitation at "THORPE BROTHERS' FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL", 96 West Street, Brantford, on Sunday, June 28th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Visitors to the funeral home are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing practices as mandated). Due to the situation with Covid-19, Dave’s funeral service is limited to a certain amount of people but please celebrate with us via Facebook Live, Monday, June 29 at 11am. Interment at Pioneer Cemetery, in Burford. We will hold a celebration of his life at a later time, when restrictions are lifted and we can spend time giving Dave the farewell he deserves, and the way he would have wanted, full of hugs and laughter. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Lions Club of Burford “Lions Way”, or the Lions Foundation of Canada, both of which are near and dear to Dave and Mary’s hearts.
“Why worry? If you’ve done the best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.” - Walt Disney