January 26, 1937 - April 8, 2025
David was born in Trail, BC, to Connie and Eddie Jones and passed peacefully away on April 8th, 2025, with Kay by his side.
David was predeceased by his parents and brother Peter. He is survived by his wife and best companion, Kay, daughter Julie, son Neil and grandson Wesley, niece and nephew Rachel and Evan, sister-in-law Helen.
He grew up in the Beaver Bend (Warfield), where he made many lifelong friends. He graduated from J.L. Crowe High School, then went to UBC, earning a degree in Engineering Physics in 1960 and a Master's degree in Physics in 1961.
After graduating, David worked for Cominco (Teck) in the Central Research Department. He met his future wife Glenys Kay Semple, and they were married in October 1964.
In July 1965, they sailed to Kay's birthplace, New Zealand, where he taught High School Mathematics and Science.
In 1966, they moved to Castlegar where David began teaching Mathematics and Physics in the newly opened Selkirk College. Daughter Julie arrived in 1968 and son Neil in 1973. David along with Kay were kept busy with Julie's special needs and Neil's varied activities.
In 1969, the College acquired its first computer and David migrated over the years to be solely involved with computers, both teaching and working in the Computer Centre. As this was a rapidly developing field it was very interesting and sometimes challenging to stay current and develop new courses. David retired in 1995 after 29 years at Selkirk College giving him time to pursue his other interests, especially to be able to take winter ski vacations.
From an early age David loved to spend time outdoors, playing hockey in the local outdoor rink, tennis in the summer, touch football, baseball, and other games with his neighborhood friends as well as a couple of years in Trail minor hockey, and many years playing gentlemen's and old timers hockey He also participated in Cubs and Boy Scouts learning camping and other skills. He enjoyed fishing and hiking especially to mountain lakes with friends where they would camp for two or three days counting on catching fish to feed them.
In December 1947, the Red Mountain Ski club started operations, and David had his first ride up the chairlift with family friends. Skiing has
been a big part of his life ever since, including having made many good friends. David ski raced, cut trails, coached, worked on ski races, and passed his love for skiing to Kay and his children. He has skied at Red Mountain every year but not every season from 1947 until 2021.
David's other passion was golf. His father took up the game and they played together during his school years. When he and Kay went to New Zealand his in-laws reintroduced him to the game and upon moving to Castlegar, he became a long-time member of the Castlegar Golf Club with time off when arthritis prevented him from playing.
David served as a member of several volunteer boards as a Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. They include the Canadian Ski Association, the Red Mountain Ski Club, the Castlegar Golf Club, The Castlegar Aquanauts, The Castlegar Special Olympics, the Castlegar Boy Scouts, Autism BC, and many years with the Kootenay Society for Community Living.
Proposed Celebration of Life to be announced at a later time.