David Alexander Oliphant

David Alexander Oliphant was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on 20 September 1934 to Father, Alexander and Mother, Elizabeth Oliphant.

He married Diane Monson in Dauphin on 28 December 1957.

Upon graduating High School, David joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1952 as a Naval Aviator.

During his military career of 28 years, David was posted to Shearwater, NS, Rivers, Man, Portage la Prairie, Man, Winnipeg, Man and Comox, B.C. He served in numerous roles including ship-borne aviator, helicopter instructor, and search and rescue. Notably, he was one of the last Naval Aviators to receive his Maritime Bridge Watch-Keeping ticket and he was instrumental in the development of the “Helicopter Haul-Down and Rapid Securing Device” (Bear-Trap). He retired from the Regular Force military in Comox in 1980.

Upon retiring from the military, he turned his hand to business and bought the Brownie’s Chicken franchise in Comox. His third career, and the one he described as his favourite, was as a school bus driver for the Comox Valley. His was the Dove Creek bus route. During these summers he also drove bus for the Comox Youth Music Camp.

David was a dog-lover, an avid cribbage player, a lover of ice cream and was proud of his Scottish heritage.

David is survived by his wife of 68 years; Diane, his children; Bruce (Louise), Doug (Virginia), Sue (Jeff), and Pete. His seven Grand and two Great-Grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date.

David’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Providence Living at the Views for the exceptional love and care he received over the past few years.

“Gone to sea.”