Logan: David Mackenzie
Former York University Professor
Peacefully at his home in Tottenham on Tuesday January 17, 2017. David Logan , in his 80th year, beloved husband to Susan (nee Hanna), loving father of Richard (Clare), Heather (Bob McAlpine) and Michael. Remembered with love by his grandchildren, Cameron, Spencer and Frances. Dear brother of Patricia Davidson and brother in law of William Hanna, and the late Donald Hanna.
WITH A HELPING HAND
On July 23, 1937 Douglas and Kathryn Logan welcomed Patricia’s brother, David, into the world. He entered as we all do but departed having accomplished what many do not. The highlight of his early years was living in Winnipeg with his maternal grandparents just after the war. In his teens he excelled in everything he did, from academics to being a backyard mechanic. And then on December 31, 1952 he met the love of his life, Susan, and began a 64-year journey that would see him raise a family and change the world around him with one selfless act at a time.
David was an academic, having achieved his BA from the University of Toronto in 1960 and then his PhD in 1965 in Medical Biophysics at The Princess Margaret Hospital. He settled at York University in 1968 and worked there teaching one of the largest classes on campus until 2002. While his training was in science, his interests were varied to the point that he was asked to teach an American Civil War class based solely on his own research and tours of war era battlefields.
David’s true calling was giving back to the world around him through volunteering at many levels. While only a small list of what he did, some of his proudest accomplishments were serving as the Chairman of the North York School Board in 1974 and 1975, working on the Board of Directors for the York Finch Hospital and the one he cared for the most, working on the Board of the Ontario March of Dimes. All of these commitments lead to numerous awards, including the 1994 Canada Volunteer Award and the 2001 International Year of the Volunteer award among a host of others. While he appreciated the recognition, he never felt he had given enough and was always eager to give more of his time. Those who knew him best understood his commitments to volunteer organizations, but their true admiration came from knowing he was always there to help them or stop and share a conversation.
As we bid farewell to a husband, father, grandfather and friend, we think of all the lives David touched. He was a leader where he worked and volunteered, a mentor and guiding hand within his family, and most importantly to him, he was Susan’s husband. May he rest in peace, looking out onto the Georgian Bay waters on which he loved to cruise.
Respecting David’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of any flowers, the family would ask that you make a donation to the Ontario March of Dimes.
Bob and Sandra Culham and Barbara Northwood says
Susan, Richard, Clare, Heather, Bob and Michael
We were truly shocked and sorry to hear of David’s sudden passing.
Our memories go back 50 years of times spent as next door neighbours at Go Home Lake.
David was so patient teaching me to water-ski which took endless attempts over a couple of days one weekend many years ago. We had many visits over the years catching up on family members and news.
We extend our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to you all on your loss.
Sheri Sallows says
Our sincere condolences to the Logan family. I had the good fortune to know Mr Logan as a member of this community and to have had him as a professor at York University. He was always welcoming and greeted you with a smile.
Helen and Tim Gibson says
Dear Susan and family,
We were so sorry to hear about David and we send our deepest sympathy.
We have so many memories of fun times together such as the six amigos [Elaine, Stu, Tim, Helen, Sue and David] skating together on New Years’ Eve.
Lynne Young & family says
Dear Susan and family our Condolances on the loss of David May your memories of years past comfort you.
Bob Lee says
To Susan and family.Young-Hae and I were so sorry to learn of David’s passing. Our thoughts are very much with you at this difficult time.
David and I go a long way back to Oriole Gardens days in Toronto and to the wonderful Camp Hurontario on Georgian Bay where we were cabin mates and often shared a tent on canoe trips. Great memories. It was also fun to catch up with David and Susan on trips to Toronto over the years.
Bob Lee, Ottawa
The Lasci Family says
To Mrs. Logan, Mike, Rick and Heather. Sending our sincerest condolences to you and your families. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Michael Vickers says
Memories of “59” and early years. Always wondered whether “Mrs Flogan”–as David’s mum was known to us–ever discovered the torn conservatory cushion we “borrowed” when in desperate need of a second base marker, during a tense contest in the “Old Orchard Sunday League Baseball Conference” circa 1946? …When Huey, executing a brilliant slide, caused a great cloud of feathers to rise, twas Rossy, Conference Boss and Impresario who showed us all how with a little straw and artful sewing, all could be put–almost right. …May David enjoy greatly a higher and far more engaging life in the Field of Dreams, First Division, where, perhaps, not surprisingly, he is in with a chance for Second Baseman, for the Eternity Season. …We would only ask him to reserve a place for the astonishing Huey and those of us who still remain on this side, but who soon will be joining him, and will be keen to compete for a place.
Love to you David
Michel v/ Paleway’z Neeka
Eva McDowell says
Susan and family: My thoughts are with you at this sad time. David loved to chat about your travels and was always excited about planning the next adventure. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy
Ron Pearlman says
Susan and Family: I just heard of Dave’s passing. Many fond memories of the early days at York as colleagues and friends, travels, hospitality at the cottage, and much more. Too little contact in recent years but I always enjoyed hearing about your travels and exploits. A great person and a wonderful friend. My sincerest condolences.
Bill & Sandy Clark says
Susan & Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on Dave’s passing.
Mike and Lynda Zulauf says
To Susan and your family:
Our deepest condolences on your loss of this lovely gentleman, bright spirit and dedicated volunteer . He freely gave of his time to help others. David left the world a better place.
John Milne says
Susan,Heather and Family,My deepest sympathies on your loss.I always enjoyed his friendly smile and chats.He never forgot my small participation at your wedding,Heather!
Gordon Whitmore says
Susan and Family: Dawn and I extend our sincerest condolences and are thankful that we had an opportunity to be with Dave and yourself shortly before Christmas. It was a pleasure to have Dave as a student and friend for nearly fifty years. I will always remember Dave as a larger than life individual with a tremendous joie de vivre and an unfailing willingness to give of himself to other individuals and organizations as a community citizen, scientist. colleague, mechanic and above all a friend. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Roger Lew says
Deepest sympathies for the family at their loss of a wonderful man. We have very fond memories of Dave at York
University, as a teacher and a colleague. His humour and love of people will be sorely missed. Roger Lew and Yolanda Paashuis-Lew, and Family.
Ken and Bonnie Pratt says
Susan and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of Dave. I have many memories of Dave from your days of shopping at the Tottenham IGA. He was a very wise man who gave sage advice on matters in the news and community and I believe just about the biggest turkey I could find at Christmas. May God bless you all.
Sharon Lance-Murphy says
Susan & Family – My deepest sympathy on David’s passing. I always enjoyed our chats, which always had a laugh or two! My thoughts are with you all.