David Caspari, age 76, died peacefully in his home in Toronto on Saturday, November 9, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on September 10, 1948, in London, England, to the late Peter and Erika Caspari, David was the youngest of two children and brother to Dorothy Phillips.
Cherished as a husband, father, grandfather and uncle, David was predeceased by his wife, Jane Somerville-Caspari (died 2020). Together, David and Jane built a wonderful legacy and are survived by sons, Jordan (Sylvia Colucci) and Julian (Courtney Irwin); grandkids, Bennett (15), Gianna (13), Georgia (10), Collette (5) and Frida (3). David was a favorite uncle to niece, Liz Phillips; and nephew, Justin Phillips.
David will be remembered for his huge smile and insatiable curiosity for life. He was stalwart, caring and hospitable to those around him. Generous in conversation, a patient listener, and always seeking adventure. David's joy for community shone bright through laughter and music-filled celebrations at home in Toronto or Mulmur. He loved to dance with Jane and founded the dancing group at the Granite Club. Ever the adventure-seeker, he traveled the world from a young age, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and motorcycled three continents with his "Old-as-Hell Angels" gang. David was also an avid boater; he could be found chasing the sun throughout the Caribbean and his treasured Georgian Bay.
Passionate in his dedication to caring for others, David was a physician who made an indelible mark through years of service at the Toronto General Hospital as an Emergency Physician, and later as Senior Physician at Medcan Health Management and Cleveland Clinic Canada.
David spent ten years at the University of Toronto where he earned his BASc, Industrial Engineering ('71), PhD, Internal Medicine ('76) and Masters of Business Administration ('93). He took up residency in the United States for five years between Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City and Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto. In 2005, David was recognized by Upper Canada College ('67) as recipient of the John D. Stevenson Award for outstanding volunteer service after launching the Common Ties Program.
David instilled in his family the importance of hard work, integrity and the value of serving others. He was a hugely accomplished man, yet will also be fondly remembered for the little things: a drive in the country, a walk with his dogs, a coffee run, or cheese and marmalade on toast. We take comfort knowing that David will continue to roll waves upon our shores with his loving energy and that he and Jane are dancing together again in heaven. Rest in peace, Dad. May you soar with the angels, walk with your dogs and take deep beautiful breaths of crisp country air for eternity.