Obituary of David Brian Liddle

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of David Liddle in his 71st year. Dave was born and raised in Grimsby, Ontario; the eldest son of Gerald and Eileen Liddle (Jeffries). Beloved husband of Wendy (Blackburn). Proud Father of Steve (Jacqueline), of North Bay, Don (Amber) of Burlington and Heather Krajci (Tom) of North Bay, and step father to Chris Desilets (Kristina) of Halifax and Meghan Lepkan ( Stephen) of North Bay. Devoted Grampy to Lucy, Ellie, Alice, Carter, Henry, Mitchell, Jacob, and Madeline. Dear brother of Roger (Donna) of North Bay, Sharon Laird of Toronto, Craig (Erika) of Etobicoke and Gerry (Tamara) of Wawa. Dave’s ambition from a young age pushed him to complete his post secondary education at the University of Toronto, followed by post graduate work at the London School of Economics. His solid upbringing and his strong educational background provided Dave with a foundation that allowed him to continue promoting his core values. He lived his life recognizing the importance of education and the need to give back to the community. Following his formal education, Dave began his career managing the family fishing lodge business and served on the executive of several Northern Ontario tourism organizations. In 1979, his entrepreneurial spirit drove Dave to North Bay to serve as the founding President of the Northern Frontier Insurance Company. Under his professional leadership, the company, later known as National Frontier Insurance Company, became highly successful operating across several provinces. In 1998, his business vision was honoured and he was named Executive of the Year by the Northern Ontario Business Awards. He later served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Optimum General Inc, the parent company based in Montreal. His dedication to community service included serving as President of the Rotary Club of North Bay where he was recognized with the Paul Harris Fellowship. He continued to give back as a responsible member on the North Bay Economic Development Commission. Dave has had a long, dedicated and gratifying relationship with Nipissing University, serving on the Board of Governors and as Chair of the Board. He was appointed as Chancellor of Nipissing University serving two terms. Dave continued to serve the University being the co-chair of the successful Learning Library campaign. His work with the University was recognized with Dave receiving an Honourary Doctorate in Education. Dave had a strong connection with politics having run as Member of Provincial Parliament for the Progressive Conservative party in the Algoma riding. He continued his affiliation with the party becoming the President of the provincial PC party association for the riding of Nipissing. In addition to his extensive volunteering, David had many interests and hobbies. Since he was a young boy he had a passion for fishing and a love of the outdoors. Many hours were spent enjoying quality time with his family and friends with many highlights at the cottage on Wabatongushi Lake. Having travelled to six of the seven continents, he had a great appreciation for world travel and global perspective. In his retirement, he enjoyed golfing and hiking the red rocks of Sedona. David was, for all those who knew him, a true friend, a mentor, and a man of remarkable human qualities. He lived his life with honesty and integrity. His generosity touched the lives and hearts of the many people he met. Visitation on Thursday January 29th 7-9pm. Friday January 30th 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Martyn Funeral Home in North Bay. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Nipissing University Auditorium on Saturday January 31st at 2pm. At David’s request, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Rotary Foundation or the Nipissing University Scholarship Foundation