June 24, 1947 - October 23, 2024
In loving memory ~
It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of David Netterville on October 23, 2024 at Comox Valley Hospital at the age of 77. David was born in Stettler, Alberta on June 24, 1947 to Stanley Douglas Netterville and Denise Maudie Netterville (nee Jaques), the second of eight children. He spent his early years on the farm near Stettler before his father moved the family to Edmonton.
In 1968 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, the last person to do so prior to the formation of the Canadian Armed Forces. His swearing-in ceremony was shown on CBC news. After 13 years in the Forces he was employed by the Canadian Government, Department of Communications, in Ottawa as a spectrum engineer. In 1986 he was able to use his training and experience to secure a post at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, where he stayed for 4 years. His time at the UN led him to what he calls the most rewarding part of his career as a part of a new team developing broadcasting TV satellites in the tiny country of Luxembourg. SES (Soci茅t茅 Europ茅enne des Satellites) Luxembourg eventually became the largest satellite company in the world. Following his retirement and return to Canada he was called back to Luxembourg and invested as an Officer in the Grand Ducal Order of the Crown of Oak.
Over the course of his career he travelled to 73 countries, so when he retired to the Comox Valley in 2008 he was ready to settle down. We hiked and skied, we camped and fished. He was active in the cue sports club at the Evergreen Centre, playing snooker. And he took up painting, which he loved. He dabbled in watercolours and acrylics before finally settling on water-soluble oils.
David was pre-deceased by his parents and his brothers John, Raymond and Stanley and sister-in-law Charlotte. He is survived by his partner, Louise Johnson, his daughter Kathrynn (Matthew), his son Alex (Alicia), step-grandchildren Kayla and Emily, grandchildren Hope, Willow and Rowan, his brothers, Dennett (Judy), Dale, Dean (Sue), sister Joy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Thanks to the Comox Valley hospital staff and community nurses for the excellent care they gave to David. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
