Wilcox: David Charles,
Suddenly at his home on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Dave at the age of 61, beloved high school sweetheart and husband of Lori (nee: Tumber). Loving father of Kara Lafreniere (Andre), Jen Boyter (Josh) and Matt (Taylor). Devoted grandpa to Emily, Evan, and Rose. Predeceased by his loving mother Elizabeth “Betty” and his father James “Jim” Wilcox. Missed by his parent in laws Lois and Bill Tumber. Dave will be fondly remembered by his sisters, brothers, extended family, and friends. Forever in the hearts of his Toronto Fire Services family.
Dave’s family brought him so much joy, he was incredibly proud of his children! For the last 11 years he loved being Grandpa or rather “Timmy”, to his grandchildren. He was the instigator of many a water fight and was an expert backyard rink builder. He could never remember to pack tent poles though! No one loved a pun or bad Dad joke better than Dave. Some people vacuum and tidy up when their parents visit. Dave’s kids checked smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, ensured fire extinguishers were charged, their candles hidden, and curtains well hemmed away from heat sources.
After his family, firefighting was Dave’s second love. He began his four decade career as a volunteer with the Tottenham Fire Department and later with Adjala -Tosorontio and Rosemont. In 1995 he became a professional firefighter with the North York Fire Department, which would later merge into Toronto Fire Service. He loved his crew and being on the trucks. Dave made his last call as Captain at Station 333 B shift, where his Spiderman bed sheets were awaiting his return.
The family will receive family and friends at the Tottenham Community Centre (139 Queen St N, Tottenham, ON, L0G 1W0) on Thursday September 21, 2023 with Visitation from 10am until the time of Funeral Service at 12:30pm. Interment will follow at Mt. Tegart Cemetery Tottenham. Arrangements are entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home. For those who wish, donations to the Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive would be appreciated by the family. Condolences and memories of Dave may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
“Go fishing Dad, we got this from here!”
Service
Visitation
Tottenham Community Centre
139 Queen St N, Tottenham, ON, L0G 1W0
Thursday September 21, 2023
10am - 12:15pm
Funeral Service
Tottenham Community Centre
139 Queen St N, Tottenham, ON, L0G 1W0
Thursday September 21, 202312:30pm
Interment
Mt. Tegart Cemetery
4th Line Tottenham, ON, L0G1W0
Thursday September 21, 2023After Funeral Service
Marc de la Bastide says
Sincere condolences to the Wilcox family. RIP Dave.
Keith Langman says
I guess this is good bye…
Well Dave…I suddenly have a lot I want to tell you,.I wish I helped around the house more, I regret not taking more time to talk to you, and I’m sorry if I was a financial burden at the time. I am glad that I got to make pizza with you that one day. I’m glad I went into the basement to help kill the bat, even though I looked like an idiot. I’m glad we had all those debates about Phil Kessel. I’m guessing I’ll end it like this. Just encase I missed one….thanks for supper…
Tim P. Banks says
A sad so long to my childhood friend, Mr. Dave Wilcox. Condolences to his family. We had some fun times back in the day, which I still recall as if they happened yesterday. RIP, my friend.
Gwen Coburn Robinson says
Lori, I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. My you find comfort in the many memories that you have.
God Bless you and your family
Gwen Robinson (Coburn) old bank employee
Yvette Ruscitti says
My condolences Kara to you and your family on the loss of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Yvette Ruscitti ( Anne Marie’ s sister).
Jim Morache says
You will be missed Dave! Your huge personality would always gaurantee
A funny training session! You wore your passion for the job on your sleeve. Not afraid to say how you felt about the job and how they needed to fix it! You were so much like “Slim Picken’s” the great character actor known for his warm country western style delivery! A good old boy who could deliver a great line and a good laugh! All the time!
We worked together for many years and I can honestly say You always pitched in and did more than your share of the load. The job is tough enough but you made it fun and that is a tribute to your personality. Thanks for being you!
My condolences to your family, Lori and kids who will feel the huge void that you leave. Your were truly a pleasure to work with Dave RIP Brother.
Captain Jim Morache
Laurie Donaldson says
Kara, Emily and family,
We offer our sincere condolences at the loss of your father and grandfather. What an immense heartbreak it is to lose someone so important in your lives. We hope that the many wonderful memories you have with him provide you comfort in these dark days.
Laurie, Jon, Breeda and Mabel Donaldson
Marilyn Kamstra says
Heartfelt Condolences to the Tumber Family, and the Wilson Family, so very sad to hear of your loss! Lori and Lois and Bill and Wendy, thinking of you all at this very sad time! ❤️
Dave ,Cecile Cranston says
CAN’t BELIVE THE NEWS OF DAVE’S PASSING WE GREW UP TOGETHER ACROSS THE STREET ON MILL STREET LOT’S OF GREAT TIMES EVEN WHEN WE HAD OR FIGHTS AND SUSIE WOULD STEP IN .RIP YOU WILL BE MISSED
Robert Rutherford says
Worked with Dave at many North York & TFS fire stations & the academy .He loved being a Fireman/Captain/ARTI and he was a good one. I cant believe he is now gone. Rest in peace brother, see you at the big one. Robert Rutherford Captain NYFD/TFS.(ret.)
Station 333, C shift says
The firefighters of Station 333, C shift, send their condolences to the family and friends of Captain David Wilcox. We worked alongside Dave for many years and experienced his unique style of leadership. Dave you will be missed. Rest in peace.
Steve Croft says
Dear Wilcox Family
Please accept my warmest condolences. I first met Dave in 1995 when he joined the North York Fire Department. A very likeable person as all reading this know.
Elaine deBoer says
Dear Lori and family,
I’m so very sorry for the devastating loss of your beloved husband, dad, and grandpa. I had the pleasure of graduating from NYFD recruit training with Dave, in 1995. Dave was always so proud of his loving family. He was hard working, sincere, so kind hearted, with a wicked sense of humour (perfect for the fire service!), with a big, hearty laugh. He loved a good joke, whether he was a victim or instigator. Stressful, very demanding, dangerous job, he made it all look easy.
He was very devoted and took great pride in his work. It was an honour and privilege to know him, Dave was a good man. Sending you big hugs in heaven, Dave, I can’t believe you are gone, way too soon. On behalf of Ken and myself, sending heartfelt sympathies and love from Nova Scotia, Elaine deBoer.
Monica Rosmarin ( station 141 old 10 Hall ) says
Lori and Family, I’m sending my sincere condolences.
I was in training with Dave at NYFD, way back in the day, Dave was always a Blast so fun to be around. I was totally heart broken and sick when I heard the news
( Dave you will never be forgotten )
Trish Bennett says
Jen you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your Doctors Nova Scotia family has made a donation to the Toronto Fire Fighters Toy Drive in your father’s memory. Take comfort in fond memories. Thinking of you all!!!
Daniel Antle says
My deepest condolences to the Wilcox family. I worked with Dave many years ago and Dave was a stand up guy who always gave the job 100 %.He had a heart of gold and like some comments ,you could hear Dave before you could see him.Great family man and a great fire fighter. You will be missed. R.I.P. Dave
.
Kevin & Lori Hollingshead says
Our deepest condolences to your family and extended families in this time of sadness, your thoughts and prayers are in our hearts.
Kevin and Lori-Ann Hollingshead
Muna Chowdhury says
Dear Jen and family,
We are thinking of all of you in this difficult time. Your father sounds like an amazing person. His influence is obvious in the way you live your life and the work that you do. You are all your father’s legacy and he must have been so proud of you. Sending you much love, strength, and peace.
Lisa D’Eon says
Sincerest condolences to you Kara and your entire family!
Don Semple says
Dear Karen, Lynnie
I am sorry to hear about David’s passing away. I remember many days in Tottenham. He grew to be an amazing person, great father figure, fireman, and all around strong individual.
RIP David ❤️
Brian and Robin Cook says
Dear Lori and family,
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy.
Brian and Robin Cook
Meera says
To Dave , who is in heaven among angels, looking at all of us: neighbors, friends, close family members, etc.
There is only peace, comfort, and laugh, and joy…..
To know who was Dave, you required just a few second of having a conversation with him. No matter what and how busy he was, always smile and positivism was coming from him.
True hero, and a wonderful person. You will be greatly missed by all who knew YOU.
Rest in peace.
Dear Lori, our sincerest condolences to you and your family
Tom Elmer says
I’m so sorry to hear that Dave has crossed over. Sending comforting energy to the Wilcox family as you celebrate and remember his life.
Debbie (Dermott) Ellison says
I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Sending my condolences to all his siblings .
Mike Cranston and family says
Dear Lorri and the whole Wilcox family sending sincere condolences from our family to yours. Growing up with Dave was an honour from the rough brawling road hockey days and white water rafting days on the Tottenham pond to the crazy pool party were he met the love of his life from there to a carrier in the fire service where we worked together Dave was a stand up man who had a heart of gold and cherished his family over anything in the world He will be missed by many. Rest in peace brother
Mike and Valerie Goldrup says
To Lori and the entire family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Dave. I still can’t believe this big-hearted mountain of a guy is gone from us. As children we learned to play tag, ride bikes, swim in the pond and get up to mini-adventures that kids do. As we grew up we enjoyed this family friendship greatly. As life has moved on, it has its way of taking us a little ways apart, but we never do forget the laughter and comic books, and dew worms in the dark, and running around being silly. Dave was lucky to fall in love with Lori, and determined to achieve being a great man and husband, a stellar firefighter and great father and grandfather. Sue and Lynn and Lori, and all the family, are in my mind as it takes me back in time to our houses across the street so long ago. The very best of times. Wishing you all strength at this sad time. We join you in cherishing the memories. RIP Dave. You were a great man. Mike and Valerie Goldrup
April Bueler says
To Lynn and family, very sorry to hear about David, taken from his family way to young, RIP Dave ❤️
Lindsay Hamilton says
Dear Wilcox Family,
Please accept my warmest condolences. I worked with Dave for many years at 114 and again now at 333. I enjoyed many good laughs with Dave and enjoyed his larger than life personality! He gave his life in service for the City of Toronto. Gone way too soon.
Michele Garland says
So very sorry for your loss to family and friends. Thinking of you Sue at this hard time in your life. Im here for you. xoxo
Bill Cranston says
To all of the Wilcox clan, hard to believe how the years have flown by! I will always cherish the days of ‘ all of us, growing up( kitty corner) on Mill st.! Dave and you all, played a very ‘ big part’ of. RIP Dave, you will be missed, all the best to the family.
Gary Frizzle says
RIP Dave.
I have very fond memories of Dave as a new recruit in 1995 and being assigned to our 8 Hall crew (currently 133).
You could usually hear Dave before you could see him. He loved his firefighting career and was passionate about his job and helping the public. He always spoke about his family with great pride.
Condolences to Lori and the entire Wilcox family.
June Wilcox Heale says
/Users/juneheale/Desktop/David Wilcox.jpeg
I am David’s Aunt June who lives way out west. David’s family and mine had some great old times together in the good old days when this old gal was much younger. David was always a polite, mannerly youngster. I must admit I had trouble getting the photo here, still not sure if I did. After David grew up and became a fire fighter I was so proud of him along with all the other fire fighters, where would we be without them. He has earned eternal rest, and I am sure God has a special reward for these brave men and women.
I know your family will miss you so much and you will always have a special corner of their heart.
The day David passed I was in the hospital and my life was in the balance and still is. I am still sitting on the corner of a cloud and God will decide when it is time. I am a believer and I thank God for all the brave firefighters in our country. May you my dear nephew rest in peace, a peace which you have earned over the years.
I send love and condolences to each and everyone of you. Hugs from afar from Aunt June Wilcox Heale.
Crocetta Caruano says
So sorry for your lost.
Condolences to you and your family
RICK CROWDER says
My condolences to the Wilcox family. Dave and I worked together for many years at station 133 ( NYFD 8 ) and station 114 ( NYFD 1 ) . Dave was a proud firefighter and Captain , from the station to the academy where he put new recruits through their paces.
RIP Dave
Rick Crowder
Captain P422
Carsten Brandt says
Gone far to soon. Rest in peace Dave. My condolences to the entire Wilcox family
Wendy Boyter Marchand says
Dear Lori and family. I was so sad to hear about David’s passing. He was such a sweetheart of a guy even coming to my rescue when I had birds in my house vent and I jokingly asked for a fireman with a long ladder. He was a true gentleman that I proudly called my friend. My condolences to you all. May he rest in peace. Xox
Phil Bonanno says
Dearest Wilcox family
My deepest condolences to you all .
Dave was a stand up guy with a huge heart.
I’ve know Dave his whole career throughout the north York era .
I’ve answered many calls with Dave and shared tons of laughs & great moments.
U left us too early Dave,but God has other plans for u .
Until we meet again , RIP BROTHER
Capt PBonanno
Plt B Station 143
Laurie Milmine(Wilcox) says
Dave aka David Crockett as your siblings called you.We are in shock about your sudden passing.Just the day before you passed we were joking about how we are all aging and getting to the top of the elderly relatives list.Little did we know what was in store for us.We talked about how you overcame many obstacles as a child with then unrecognized learning disorder to achieving your dream of becoming a fire fighter.We are proud of you and will miss you dearly. Condolences to Laurie,Kara,Jennifer,Matt and extended family from ours.Your “older” big sister Laurie and family.
Joan Hammond says
Sue and Family. So sorry for your Loss
Aldo Chiola says
Dear Wilcox family,
I just want to extend my deepest condolences. Dave was a great guy and firefighter. He would give the shirt off his back for you if you asked. I’ve had many great memories with Dave over the years at Station 114. Dave, you will be missed!
Ron Jones says
My deepest condolences to Lori & family. I was a North York firefighter who was re-hired in 95, now as an Inspector. Unlike the other young recruits in our class, Dave was near 30. As an older man I could clearly see Dave’s well earned, rounded experience, and maturity. He was always a bright spot in my day, whenever we met and someone I would like to see again. John 5:28