Obituary of David Robert William McPherson
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David Robert William McPherson on February 9 th at the Saint John Regional Hospital. David was born October 13, 1953 and was the son of the late Robert Bruce McPherson and Dorothy Constance (Watson) McPherson.
David was a well-respected teacher, coach and mentor to many. He was an integral part of the Saint John High School Teaching and Guidance staff for 32 years. He excelled at sport and instilled the same commitment and passion when coaching his most loved sport of rugby. He had a very successful coaching career at the high school level, winning 9 Provincial Titles and in Senior Men’s Rugby winning Provincial, Maritime and Atlantic titles. In more recent years he set his sights on 7s Rugby and had a string of tournament victories. He also served as a Director of the East Coast Games. He was inducted into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame along with his fellow Trojans in 1994 and then again individually, recognized for his coaching contributions in 2008.
Dave, Coach or Mac as he was known to many was a family man, his three girls were his heart and soul. He was a caring and supportive husband to his partner of 47 years, Susan; he cherished her deeply. He had an exceptional bond with his daughter Jessica; they were cut from the same cloth and shared a compassion for helping people. His granddaughter Wren became the light of his life. There was no role he ever cherished more than being a husband, father and grandfather to his girls. He was their pillar of strength, their shoulder to cry on and their constant source of unconditional love and comfort. He was a fixer; someone you could reach out to for anything and always there for everyone. He was helpful and supportive of friends and their projects, big or small. He could always be called upon for advice but was also good at giving unsolicited advice stemming from his guidance counsellor days. When asked if he could get something done, it went on the list and was accomplished in mere days because what was important to you became important to him.
David is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Flynn), his daughter Jessica Walton and son-in-law Scott, his brother Andrew and wife Karen and precious granddaughter Wren whom he wanted so much to watch grow. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law as well as his Saint John Trojans rugby family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and remembered by all those he gave guidance to over the years.
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424). In keeping with David’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 15 th 1-4 pm at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal on Water Street in Saint John. The family encourages people to wear blue if possible to the Celebration of Life to commemorate his love for the Trojan Rugby community. In lieu of flowers and due to David’s unwavering love for his Trojan brothers and sisters, donations can be made to the Trojan Clubhouse: GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/f/saint-john-trojans-rfcs-trojan-house
