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Barclay Myers posted a condolence
Friday, January 2, 2026
My condolences to Elsa and the family, who I never got to meet but heard many stories of and were kind enough to share David with the world. I was fortunate enough to have David as a boss and mentor at a time in my life when I was struggling, with compassion and diligence he guided me through the fog and helped me onto a better path for myself. He will always be remembered fondly.
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Heather Winders posted a condolence
Friday, December 19, 2025
We had the great pleasure of meeting David, Elsa and Claire in 1996 at Range Lake North School, Yellowknife, NWT at a parent teachers’ night. David was off talking to Claire’s teacher and Elsa approached us and so the friendship began! They like us had relocated due to our husbands jobs. Expats from Central and Southwestern Ontario.
Soon there were coffee mornings etc. Elsa and David invited us for dinner one evening and boy could David cook... a delicious gourmet Roast Beef dinner! When our husbands were out of town Elsa and I would get together, Claire and Kristina would play while we watched old movies like Dr. Zhivago.
While we moved on from Yellowknife we always kept in touch, Elsa is very good at that, she has been a very dear friend, thank you so much for your friendship.
We only got together with David a couple of times, he was always working and travelling! I remember my husband and I meeting up for lunch in Milton with Elsa and David discussing our sport cars, one of David’s loves as we all know.
Always good to reminisce about good people and times and David was one of the good ones! He will be missed but engraved in our memory.
Elsa and Claire may you find comfort and support in each other and always treasure and keep alive your memories of David/Dad.
Heartfelt condolences,
Heather, Mark & Kristina.
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Alanna Ryan posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Dear Elsa and Claire,
We are so sorry for your loss. My favourite memories of David usually involved some wine and cheese that were meticulously selected and displayed for me and Claire to consume. He chose to never hover while we ate it, but would usually poke his head back in to find out if we liked it or not.
Kind, stoic, adventurous and witty, we will miss him greatly. We are so sorry for your loss.
Love, Alanna (Lannie), Matt, Wes and Ellie
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Michael Schiavone posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
My condolences to Elsa and the whole Grinstead family. He will be remembered forever and always.
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Manuela Barbosa posted a condolence
Monday, December 1, 2025
Dear Elsa,
I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
With deepest condolences,
Manuela
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Vivian Pichler posted a condolence
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Before I ever met David I already felt like I knew him from the way my friend Elsa would talk about him. Whether we were laughing or complaining about life, David seemed to sneak into every conversation..When I met him it was easy to see why. His demeanour seemed quiet though witty and sincere. We talked, we laughed and I remember feeling better for it.Through Elsa's eyes I followed his journey from beginning to end. Rest easy David you did it all. Your devoted wife and daughter have a lifetime of precious memories to hold onto of a full life, well lived. - Vivian
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Natalie Giordano posted a condolence
Sunday, November 30, 2025
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband. May you find peace in the love you shared. Natale Giordano
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Bobbie DiPaola posted a condolence
Saturday, November 29, 2025
My deepest sympathy to you, dearest Elsa, Claire, and the entire family.
Elsa and I were roommates when we worked as flight attendants for Saudia Arabia Airlines back in the eighties. I still remember the day she surprised me with the announcement that she had met the man of her dreams and was going to marry him. That evening, we went to the DHL compound, and there he was David tall, dark, and handsome. From that moment on, they were inseparable, always together, often watching Casablanca over and over. The rest, as they say, is history.
My dear friend, you stood by your man every step of the way. You loved him deeply, and he loved you just as much.
Rest in peace, David
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Gabriella Di Donato posted a condolence
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Dear Elsa, my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved David. May He Rest in Peace. Please extend the condolences to the whole family.
Gabriella
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Debbie Carson and Peter Strauch posted a condolence
Friday, November 28, 2025
Dearest Elsa and Claire,
Peter and I would like to extend our most deepest heartfelt sympathies to you both on the passing of a remarkable man. David was immensely loved by those who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him on this journey we know to be life. David will be forever loved and remembered by those who shall hold him dear in their hearts and minds for evermore. Nulla dies um quam memori vos eximet aevo. This means, "No day will ever erase you from the memory of time."
Till we meet again. Love, Debbie Carson and Peter Strauch
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Catena Manco posted a condolence
Friday, November 28, 2025
Elsa and Claire,
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of David. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and may God give you both the strength and comfort you need during this difficult time.
With love,
Nina Manco and Family
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Carrie Wood posted a condolence
Friday, November 28, 2025
Although I only knew him for a short time while working for him at GNI, I had the great honour of being able to learn from him. He quickly became a great source of knowledge and guidance for me and his influence on my professional decisions continues. He lead with compassion and his genuine care and interest for his team was ever present. He always made me feel like my thoughts and opinions were respected and encouraged me to speak up and share my ideas. When he retired I was so happy for him that he would be able to go out East to be with family but he definitely left a hole here. He was and continues to be missed. Sending my thoughts and prayers to you Elsa and Claire he always spoke with such high regard and love for you both.
Carrie Wood
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Val Greenfield posted a condolence
Friday, November 28, 2025
David Grinstead- a class act and a great neighbour. Every Saturday would find David on his driveway cleaning and polishing, with loving care, each square inch of his fleet. This was always a good time to amble over and say hi and catch up...but not for long. David enjoyed, and probably needed that time alone to recover from the busyness of his work week.
David was a man of high energy…for years he zipped around the world during the week, managing time zone changes like a pro. He was up for work before the sun rose and worked again when he came home. He seemed never to stop.
David maintained a beautiful home directly across the street. It gave me unlimited pleasure to simply sit and look at it as the seasons changed from my front window. It was a welcoming home when inhabited by the Grinstead family and I miss the three of them every day.
His girls…his beloved girls. He loved to take care of Elsa and Claire and their extended circle of friends and family. I felt fortunate to be included in that circle, enjoying lovely dinner parties, laughter, and music on the deck. David prepared exquisite food even when it was not for his own dining pleasure. He catered many fine girls’ nights, disappearing into his basement den to allow us time alone together. The stories he must have heard!!!! Discretion was another virtue!!!!!
David’s generosity was unparalleled. He contributed to flights, hotels, Ubers and dinners out to members of the friends/family circle. David asked for nothing in return. He was motivated to give freely to keep everyone happy and safe.
I miss David. The smile; the short conversations at the end of his driveway; the sharing of favourite gins; the banter and pure honesty; the laughter; his fight and courage right to the final breath.
David, you made the world a better place. You are missed.
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Liz Oliveira posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Elsa,
On behalf of all of us at St. Pius X School, please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. We hope you find comfort in the memories you have of a wonderful life together with David. Please know that your work family is here to support you.
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Vittoria Iozzo posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Dear Elsa,
You, Claire, and all of David’s loved ones are in my prayers. He was beyond lucky to have such a devoted wife and daughter by his side to create a life full of beautiful memories, laughter, and endless love. The stories you told of him spoke of a man with a strong moral core, and a mischievous sense of humour that could possibly rival your own. May he now enjoy the rewards of a life well lived and may you and Claire take comfort in the fact that you enriched his life in ways too numerous to count. Sending much love and prayers to you. Vittoria
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Claudia Argento posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Elsa, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have been thinking of you and your family for a while, I hope David is as at peace and no longer suffering. Stay strong. ❤️
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Josie Renda posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Dear Elsa
My condolences to you and Claire during this difficult time, keeping you both in my prayers.
Josie Renda
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Nifa Coutinho posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. May his gentle soul rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones find comfort in memories. He was a wonderful person.
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Nick Orsman posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
So sad to hear this news. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.Our paths crossed briefly during Sixth Form/schooldays. His presence, kindness and selflessness shone through. And his ferocious tackling on the football pitch. Whoever the opposition were, if Dave was on your team you knew you’d be fine. Love and thoughts to all who knew Dave.
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Rita Romano posted a condolence
Thursday, November 27, 2025
David was a gentle, quiet soul—thoughtful, devoted to his family, and respected wherever his work took him around the world. Beneath his strong and dignified presence was a soft heart, especially for the family’s beloved pets—Phoebe and Edna, and later Janet, who brought him comfort in his final years. Above all, he held an enormous love for his daughter, Claire, and for his wife, Elsa—his perfect opposite—whose partnership brought out a tender, affectionate side of him. I can still hear him say, “Yes, dear,” with that familiar calm that was uniquely his.
He had a true appreciation for life’s finer pleasures—fine dining, wonderful wines, the gourmet meals he crafted with such care, and the joy of sitting behind the wheel of a beautiful car. I had the good fortune of not only enjoying David's culinary skills and fine wines, but also taking his Porsche for a drive in the early years of my friendship with Elsa. What a thrill!
He lived with grace, refinement, and quiet warmth, and he will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences, to all those who loved him, especially the hearts of his heart, Elsa and Claire.
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Diane Paget & David Holmes posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
David had a lovely, wicked humour which he applied to all manner of situations, characters, and travels. He embraced a profound curiosity for all things. He worked hard. Played hard. Sought out adventures.
I think the first time I saw David in his backyard, I tripped backwards into the plastic kiddie pool, stood back up with my wine glass, as Elsa said, meet our new neighbour! Always the gentleman.
One day he returned home to announce that he’d taken a job in Yellowknife. I took my route home thru our hedge.
He drove our family to Peggy’s Cove. He took us to fisheries on both Canadian coasts. He cursed when the dog took a hunk out of his new suit pants. He loved fine wine and Barbarians steakhouse. He took Claire and Elsa dog sledding. Beach walking. He encouraged Claire’s hockey and Africa journey, actually everything she ever wanted to do. “Let’s make that happen”.
I will always think of David as a guy who needed to be on the move…but cherished being at home wherever he landed with Elsa and Claire.
Always a strong and centred gentleman…We missed that golf game in P.E.I…. XO Diane and Dave
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Monica Villegas posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
I am very sad to hear about the passing of David. He was my boss for some time, I learned so much from him. A great person in every sense, so grateful for having had the opportunity to meet him and learn along his side. My condolences to his family.
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jose anzalone posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of David. He was far more than a CEO at Tyco where I met him— he was a truly exceptional human being. His kindness, humility, and the respect he showed to everyone around him left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to know him.
To his family, please accept my sincere sympathy during this profoundly difficult time. May you find comfort in the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the legacy of integrity and compassion he leaves behind.
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Kristina R posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Dear Elsa & Claire,
Our heartfelt condolences on David's passing. From the first time I met David, he was an English gentleman - humble, kind and a true class act. I think of David and right away, I think of his love of cars. I remember fondly one Sunday afternoon in September a few years back... my mom and I stopped by to say hello. David was in the driveway with his gorgeous Aston Martin. He saw how much I was admiring the car and asked if I wanted to give it a quick spin. I could not resist. So, with David sitting in the passenger seat, off we went. I still smile as I remember David saying, "HIT THE GAS, Kristina!", as we drove on Kipling Ave.
Elsa and Claire...may you look back on all the wonderful memories you have of David and lean on them to bring you comfort and peace during this time. Our thoughts are with you.
-Kristina & Anthony
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Craig Richmond posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
I’m so saddened to hear of David’s passing. He was not only a great leader and colleague, but truly a mentor and a friend. I’m grateful for the support, wisdom, and kindness he shared so freely over the years. He made a real difference in my life and in the lives of so many others. My heartfelt condolences to his family. David will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.
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Jo-Anne and John Fabbro posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Elsa and Clare on your loss of such a devoted husband and father. Having such an amazing opportunity to work with Elsa, the shared chats always conveyed David's gentle demeanour, love of family, kindness, generosity, and his hobbies. Then John and I had the opportunity to dine with David and Elsa and it reaffirmed David's qualities, a refined, respectful, generous gentleman. We will always cherish the evening we shared together. David, a true gentleman, rest in peace.
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Mark NeSmith posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
I am so saddened to hear of David passing. David was a mentor and friend. During the time we worked together he gave me the respect and freedom to be successful and the courage to guide when necessary. He will be sorely missed.
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Nigel Spinks posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
David was not only a wonderful boss and mentor to me our relationship resulted in great friendship. We went to more than one British Car show in the UK when we travelled together.
My deepest condolences to his family in this tragic time.
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Anthony Gayter posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
David was one of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure of working with and calling a friend during our time with DHL in the Middle East both in Jeddah and Bahrain. My sincere condolences and best wishes go out to Elsa and the rest of the family - David RIP, you will be missed by all that knew you
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Rob Guttentag posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
My sincere condolences on the passing a lovely gentle man. He will be very sorely missed.
Rob Guttentag
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Frank Pietrobono posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Sending my sincere condolences to the family, my prayers are with you during these most difficult time.
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Frank and Connie Renda posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Frank and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to you Elsa and Claire on the passing of David. We know how much he had been through and how you were always there by his side. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Frank and Connie Renda
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Lisa Thomas posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
To Elsa and Claire, I met David at MTT in my first job out of my MBA and had the opportunity to work with him both there and in BC after. A remarkable, inspiring leader and a true gentleman who I could call upon for advice at any time over the years . My thoughts and prayers with you and your family at this time.
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Sandra Greer posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
To Elsa and Claire: Our paths crossed when David joined MTT and led the New Business Opportunities group. His background was very different from the average TelCo employee and he encouraged us to be innovative in our approach to new product development. A true gentleman with a great sense of humour, David was a memorable mentor. His often spoke of you both with great love and admiration. My deepest condolences.
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John Grinstead uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
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Sending sincere condolences to all those - friends, family and work colleagues - who will be missing my brother, David.
Although separated in time and space - he in Canada these last 40 years, me in the British Army for 33 years - we've spent considerable time in the past few years catching up and discussing the care of our mother, Doris, who passed away just 2 years ago. Greatly loved and admired by his Canadian family - he was a naturalised Canadian - he will be remembered by friends and family in the UK as a sports enthusiast; a robust sportsman on both the soccer field and cricket pitch, a supporter of Leeds United FC and Surrey County Cricket Club, invariably under the watchful gaze of our father and sporting mentor, Harry. He was also a keen motorcyclist - happy for me to have written-off his first motorbike, that enabled him to progress to his beloved Honda 400-4! He spent time in the Police - first the Surrey Constabulary and then the Metropolitan Police - before finding his way to the Middle East, where he worked for several years before meeting the love of his life, Elsa. The rest, as they say, is history.
I am greatly saddened that, having only recently retired, David did not had the opportunity to fully enjoy the fruits of his labours and all that retirement to PEI had to offer, though I know he loved his time there and cherished being close to Claire once again. He nonetheless enjoyed his cars, good food and wine and was never happier than when surrounded by his Canadian/Italian family.
Stoic to the end, I am grateful that he had the opportunity to come to peace, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him, and to slip away from us with bravery, grace and dignity.
Rest in peace, Bro'.
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Sheila Roche posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
We met David in Bahrain many years’ ago, when his beautiful wife Elsa, worked with us. He was the epitome of an English gentleman, with a dry sense of humor and totally devoted to Elsa and Claire. We will miss him greatly and send our sincere condolences to Elsa, Claire and David’s loved ones. RIP David - forever in our hearts. Sheila, Hani and family
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Frank Esposito posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my Uncle David. He was a truly great and generous man, someone whose kindness and passion touched everyone around him. I owe so much of my own love for cars to him—he was the reason I ever got behind the cockpit of both a Porsche and an Aston Martin. Those moments, along with so many others we shared, are memories I feel incredibly lucky to carry with me.
Through his difficult illness, Uncle David showed incredible strength. I deeply admire the way he managed to put on a strong face, even in the hardest moments, always trying to bring comfort to those around him. His resilience was just one more reflection of the remarkable person he was.
Uncle David had a rare generosity, always willing to share what he loved and create experiences that left a lasting impact. I will always be grateful for the time we had together and for the ways he helped shape who I am today. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
Frank Esposito
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Rick & Michelle uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
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We loved and admired Uncle David. His passing will have a profound affect on our family but his legacy will live on through the wonderful memories he leaves with us. He will always be remembered by his strength, determination and generosity (Gucci , Formula F1, Le Castille to name but a few memories). Although quiet, he never missed a laugh at a joke or a witty comment. His love for his family will be his legacy. May he rest in peace free from
suffering. xox
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Ava Esposito posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
David was a great man. I'm beyond grateful to have grown up with him as my uncle. He did so much for my brother Frank and me. His witty humour never failed to make everyone laugh at the dinner table, during holidays, and at celebrations. He was always so generous and kind, and all the memories we have shared will never be forgotten. As much as it pained me to say goodbye, I know he is at peace and comfort. His strength will forever be admired. With love always,
- Ava Esposito
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The family of David Grinstead uploaded a photo
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
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